Democrats sweep council, school committee races in Barrington

Republican incumbents Stephen Primiano and John Alessandro defeated

Posted 11/6/18

It was a "blue wave" in Barrington on Tuesday night, Nov. 6, as Democrats swept races for town council, school committee, and local legislative seats.

Jacob Brier, a first-year candidate for …

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Democrats sweep council, school committee races in Barrington

Republican incumbents Stephen Primiano and John Alessandro defeated

Posted

It was a "blue wave" in Barrington on Tuesday night, Nov. 6, as Democrats swept races for town council, school committee, and local legislative seats.

Jacob Brier, a first-year candidate for Barrington Town Council, was the top vote-getter in that race, garnering 34.1 percent of the total votes. The Democrat, who wore a blue and white baseball cap that read "Make America Good Again," was congratulated by his fellow Democrat and future council-mate Michael Carroll. Mr. Carroll, the current council president, finished second in the voting with 33.8 percent of the votes.

Stephen Primiano, a Republican, was third in the voting with 31.4 percent of the votes and failed to retain his seat on the council. Mr. Primiano could have a second chance to win a seat on the council during a special election in February.

Gina Bae, Erika Sevetson and Patrick McCrann — three first-year Democratic candidates — all won seats on the Barrington School Committee, while incumbent John Alessandro finished fourth in the voting. Ms. Bae received 31.4 percent of the votes, while Ms. Sevetson received 24.1 percent, and Mr. McCrann received 23.8 percent of the votes. Mr. Alessandro received 20.1 percent of the votes.

During their brief victory speeches, each of the school committee candidates, thanked the people who supported them during their campaigns and made special mention of Barrington Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Pam Lauria. 

"Thanks for putting this family together," said Ms. Bae, referring to the local Democratic candidates. She added that she ran for school committee for her children and all the children of Barrington.

Ms. Bae and Ms. Sevetson both won full, four-year term seats on the school committee, while Mr. McCrann will fill a two-year unexpired seat. 

Jason Knight retained his District 67 seat in the RI House of Representatives, defeating Libertarian challenger Daryl Gould. Mr. Knight received 71.9 percent of the votes for the District 67 seat.

Cindy Coyne, the incumbent for the District 32 seat in the RI Senate, defeated Republican challenger David Aucoin — Ms. Coyne receive 66.7 percent of the votes.

During her victory speech, Ms. Coyne celebrated the clean sweep: "This is part of the 'Blue Wave,'" she said, crediting the voting public for turning out at the polls on Election Day.

Liana Cassar, a first-year candidate running for the District 66 seat in the RI House of Representatives, defeated Republican Rhonda Holmes — 65.6 percent to 34.3 percent. Ms. Cassar told people gathered at the Barrington Democratic Club that she was looking forward to representing them at the Statehouse. Barrington resident Tony Arico reminded Ms. Cassar that her first day on the job would be January 1.

Town questions

Residents voted to support all three local ballot questions.

• Changes to town council meetings: 88.9 percent approve, 11.1 percent reject

• Increase the number of cemetery commission members: 71.2 percent approve, 28.8 percent reject

• Change town charter regarding DPW: 77.7 percent approve, 22.3 percent reject

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