NORTH SMITHFIELD – The North Smithfield Democratic Town Committee announced its new slate of officers for 2023 this week, calling on others interested in furthering their mission to join the organization.
The committee was formed in 2021 by former School Committee member and House District 48 contender Paul Jones, who worked with the R.I. Democratic Party to relaunch the long dormant organization. He was later elected to serve as its first chairman.
The group held a bi-annual reorganization meeting in January, and Jones announced that he did not wish to serve an additional term in leadership.
“The reasoning is simple: work has grown very busy, especially in Massachusetts, and I’m spending a lot of time there right now,” Jones told NRI NOW.
Instead, Jones nominated Meghan Mello, who locals may recognize from her recent appearance on the popular game show Jeopardy!, to serve as the group’s new chairperson. Mello, a Burrillville native who graduated from Mount St Charles Academy in Woonsocket, received her undergrad degree from Northeastern University, and attended graduate school at Ohio University.
Mello now lives in North Smithfield and works as an athletic trainer at Precision Athletic Training in Dunstable, Mass. She was unanimously elected to the role leading the organization at the January meeting.
“I think Meghan is going to do an amazing job and take our committee to new heights, and I’ll be happy to support her every step of the way,” Jones said.
But at the time, the committee had not yet filled its slate of officers.
This week, the NSDTC announced that Claudia Campanella will serve as vice chairperson; Melissa Flaherty will remain treasurer; and Janice Torvi will serve as secretary. Executive Board members include Jim McKeon, George Malian and John Torvi.
“The committee is dedicated to promoting policies and candidates (who) will make North Smithfield a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community; and advocating for all residents to have a right to economic opportunity, quality public education, affordable housing and freedom from discrimination,” Mello noted in a release on the new leadership team. “To that end, we invite town residents to learn more, join us at a monthly meeting or consider joining the committee.”
“Our major objective is to identify and support local and State candidates who support the ideals and aims of the Democratic party, including open and ethical government, affordable healthcare, safe communities and unfettered access to vote for the candidates of your choice.
The group is scheduled to hold its next meeting on Tuesday, March 21.
For more information about the committee, residents should contact northsmithfielddtc@gmail.com.
