NORTH SMITHFIELD – Ana Parsons, candidate for North Smithfield Town Council, called this week on residents to come together after the election to continue moving the town forward.
“I know Election Day is November 3rd, but I have my eyes set on November 4th,” Parsons said. “Chances are we will know who our next president is. But I am much more concerned with what happens in North Smithfield. What happens after Election Day?”
Parsons said her decision to run for Town Council was not made lightly.
“Instead of waiting for change, I decided to be pro-active and be the change – a sentiment shared by many, as we have ten candidates running for the five spots on the Town Council,” she said. “Ten candidates who have put themselves out there – to be criticized and to be judged.”
Parsons noted she has lived in town since 2008.
“There have been good times and bad times,” she said. “I have grieved with families, as well as celebrated achievements.”
“I have to say, by far, the past few weeks have been the ugliest I have witnessed,” Parsons said. “We have neighbors pitted against neighbors. Nasty exchanges between people that I consider friends people that I have worshipped with…. parents that I have stood on the sidelines with, cheering on our children.”
“We all have different opinions. None are wrong,” Parsons said. “We cannot let our differing opinions divide this town.”
“Two things are certain on November 4th: We will have a new town administrator and five individuals will be elected to the Town Council,” Parsons said. “If any of your five are not elected, can the town not move forward? Or will North Smithfield band together, put our differences aside, and do what needs to be done to continue moving North Smithfield forward?”
“I want the North Smithfield community that made me decide to move here and raise my kids,” Parsons said. “Do not let me down.”
