Briden won't seek At-Large council seat, but Capobianco will

Early East Providence election announcements continue

EastBayRI.com ·

EAST PROVIDENCE — Within minutes Saturday morning, Sept. 30, the current and former At-Large members of the City Council announced their intentions for the 2018 Election through press briefs.

Council President and ceremonial mayor Jim Briden stated he does not plan to seek re-election to the council through the At-Large he holds. In contrast, Tracy Capobianco, who was the At-Large member through two cycles from 2012-2016, made it known she would once again run for the seat next year. Mr. Briden won the seat unopposed in November of last year.

Mr. Briden penned the following statement: “Since candidates are announcing early in EP for the next election, I have decided to make it known that I will not be seeking re-election to the At-Large City Council seat.

“I like serving on the Council and especially enjoyed the recent Charter Review Commission experience. The members of the Commission made this a great success in creating proposed Charter amendments which will benefit our City over the next decade. The meetings also generated a renewed interest and involvement by residents in local government.

“The platform of my last campaign also included promoting the objective of having East Providence make decisions in a fiscally conservative manner, based on choices to be made between limited resources and within the context of multi-year plans.

“This is premised on the having an expanded time horizon. I believe that making decisions within the framework of a five year plan provides one with a necessary sense of perspective.

“I believe that these objectives are being implemented in a way that is good for our City.

“Suffice it to say, I continue to have an interest in government and would not rule out the possibility of running again for elected office in the future.”

Mrs. Capobianco’s release was much briefer, reading, “After much consideration and discussion with my family and friends, I have decided to formally announce my decision to run for the East Providence At-Large Council seat in November 2018. I am happiest when I am helping my community and serving the residents as a member of the Council is one way I can give back to my community.”