Filippi Challenges Polisena; 3 of 5 Council Seats to Be Contested

Incumbent Democrat Mayor Joseph Polisena is expected to face Republican challenger Peter Filippi III for the top municipal post in Johnston, and three town council seats are up for grabs in this year's elections.

The Rhode Island Secretary of State's Candidates web page listed all of the Johnston candidates who filed their candidacy papers at this week to qualify for the ballot.

From here, each candidate must gather 50 signatures to officially secure their ballot spots.

In Ward 1, where the council seat is currently held by Councilwoman Eileen Fuoco, the decision could be made at the September primary, if Democrats Edward Cardillo and Paul Crowell III complete the process to qualify.

Following Ward 2 Councilman Ernest Pitochelli's announcement that , three challengers — Democrats and Joseph Comella, and Independent Melvin Steppo Jr. — submitted their candidacy forms, potentially setting up another Democratic primary.

And the Ward 4 seat, held by Council President Robert Russo, is being sought by Republican Robert Matteo and Independent Arnold Smith.

The Ward 3 and 5 seats — held by Councilman David Santilli and Council Vice President Stephanie Manzi, respectively — are not being contested.

Likewise, the two school committee members whose seats are on this year's ballot, Robert LaFazia in Ward 1 and Joseph Rotella in Ward 4, are unopposed.

On the state level, incumbent Sen. Frank Lombardo III faces two Democratic challengers in Nicole Acciardo and William Murphy in Dist. 25.

Johnston will also have a say in the Dist. 22 seat being vacated by Sen. John Tassoni, as the recent redistricting process expanded the district to include part of the town.

Republicans David Bibeault and Richard Poirier have filed to run in the GOP primary, and Democrat Stephen Archambault has announced his intention to run for the seat.

For the state House of Representatives, Democratic Reps. John Carnevale (Dist. 13) and Stephen Ucci (Dist. 42) are running unopposed; Rep. Deborah Fellela (Dist. 43) faces a primary challenge from Annette Berarducci, with two Independents — Karin Gorman and Nicole Lyons — also aiming for the seat; and Rep. Peter Petrarca (Dist. 44) has three potential challengers: Democrat Gregory Costantino, Republican James Archer, and Independent James D'Ambra.

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