With the 2018 election cycle in full swing, now is the time our town has the opportunity not only to elect a new town council (including filling two empty town hall seats), but help re-set the state with election of governor and members of the state legislature — people who make our laws and decide everyday issues that hit us most.

As a Bristol resident for 49 years, I have always dedicated myself to town, state, and community. Unfortunately, even with so much riding on this year’s election, it’s with a heavy heart that I announce I will not be seeking a run as candidate for Bristol Town Council. The primary reason for this is due to my new venture at Avila’s Services, where I contribute as one of many Bristol small businesses and help to create commerce toward the local economy.

That said, I will still continue to stay active, vocal, and passionate regarding the direction of our town and state. First off, I want to focus on who I see as the best new candidates throwing their hat into the ring for town council. They include Republican Patrick McCarthy, Republican Will Sousa Grapentine, and Independent Tony Teixeira. 

On Patrick McCarthy, this man brings a world of experience on economic development as member of the recently-disbanded Economic Development Commission, and an advocated for numerous issues to better our town as a member of the Bristol Harbor Commission and an advocate for Solarize Bristol. His experience will help right the ship for our town, hold the line on property taxes and ensure a strong local economy.

On Will Sousa Grapentine, his passion to give a new voice to Bristol is matched with his ability to talk to regular townspeople about the issues — something our Town Council desperately needs. With years dedicated to town and community organizations, he is an expert on researching the issues. These are skills he has shown for years as a candidate for both General Assembly and Town Council, and something he is sure to bring to Town Hall.

On Tony Teixeira, his experience as both a council member and two-term town administrator bring about years of experience on knowing what works in our town. As a retired member of Mt. Hope High School administration, he knows what makes our town so great: the people. That, coupled with his combined years of municipal experience, his Independent streak will help bring balance to an often one-sided council.

Lastly, it would be wrong not to give my opinion on the state representative District 69 race. When I first ran for public office in 2016, I gained a better understanding on the issues hurting Rhode Island. Two years later, with a one-sided number of Democrats representing Bristol in the Statehouse, the issues have unfortunately not changed. Our state economy has gotten worse, Rhode Island is paying for a new baseball stadium, and government continues to get nothing for our state done. It is for this reason, that I give my full support behind Independent candidate Douglas Gablinske for District 69. As former legislator, Mr. Gablinske was not just a blind vote for his party, but a man who put principle and people above politics. 

It would do the state well to reward independent thinking, new faces, and balance to these offices, and that is why I am 100 percent behind these individuals. 

Antonio (Tony) Avila

18 Highview Drive, Bristol