To the editor:

I am running for the Barrington Appropriations Committee and I respectfully ask you for your vote on Wednesday, May 24 to this important committee.

I'm a life-long Barrington resident (52 years) and I was educated through the Barrington school system and I graduated BHS in 1984. 

I have been very active in the community volunteering for several town committees; Barrington Booster Club, High School AfterProm, Sowams School Reuse Task Force and the Barrington Recreation Board (for 10 years). 

I have experience on the workings at the town level and 20 years of experience at the state level by working for the Rhode Island General Assembly. The Barrington Appropriations Committee has a very important job to do and if I'm elected I will never vote to cut programs that hurt the students, like sports, music or arts.

As a long-time Rhode Island resident I'm sick and tired of communities that first make cuts to their school's sports programs, then to other important school programs which will have an adverse effect on the students. 

The members of the Appropriations Committee must sharpen their pencils and look for other areas to make cuts from that do not adversely affect the children in our schools. Remember these students will some day be our future.

We have an obligation to produce a responsible budget that will meet the needs of all Barrington residents, young and old. I ask the community give me that chance to serve.

Thank you.

Anthony Arico

Barrington