William Maiaa

EAST PROVIDENCE — The initial group of prospective candidates seeking office in city during the 2018 election cycle cast their lots on the first day of filing Monday, June 25, the most notable being that of William Maiaa for mayor.

Mr. Maiaa is a well-known attorney in the city, a former member of the School Committee and a long-time participant in the East Providence political scene. He joins a trio of candidates who had previously announced their intentions to seek the office as the city’s first-ever elected mayor: former state representative Roberto DaSilva, attorney and former charter commission chairman James Russo and former school committee member and city councilor Chrissy Rossi.

Two-term incumbent Bobby Britto has filed to seek a third term as the Ward 1 representative on the council. Bristol Police Office Ricardo Mourato filed to challenge for the Ward 4 seat currently occupied by the embattled Brian Faria.

Former school department employee, part-time journalist and experienced political operative Bob Rodericks along with newcomer Michael Elias filed to seek the At-Large council seat being vacated by the retiring Jim Briden.

School Committee Chairman Charlie Tsonos is seeking a third consecutive term on the body from Ward 1. Karen Oliveira has filed for the Ward 3 spot believed to open after incumbent Nate Cahoon indicated his desire to run for council from the same ward.

As for state offices, incumbent Democrats Kathryn Kazarian (District 63) and Gregg Amore (District 65) filed seeking fourth terms in the House of Representatives while Billy Conley did the same (District 18) in the Senate.

Two first-time candidates — teacher and union executive Val Lawson along with Delmar Condinho — filed for the Senate District 14 seat opening up upon the retirement of the body’s former Finance Committee chair and 20-year member Daniel Da Ponte.

And lastly from Monday, two more first time candidates, David O'Connell and Jose Serodio, filed papers to run for the House District 64 seat being vacated by one-term incumbent Helder Cunha.

Filing continues Tuesday, June 26, into June 27, with a deadline of 4 p.m. Wednesday. Those who file must then seek signatures from registered voters in their wards/district to be submitted by July 16. Upon certification July 20, the candidates' names will be placed on the September 12 Primary Election ballot. Those city offices with three or more candidates will participate in the primary. State office seekers with two or more candidates by party will also be included in the primary. The 2018 General Election takes place Tuesday, Nov. 6.