Politics & Government
Smithfield School Board Majority Returns to Republicans
A recount of the Nov. 6 election results gave Republican Sean Clough a six-vote edge to secure the second available seat.
Following two years with a slim Democratic majority, the Smithfield School Committee switched back to 3-2 Republican control following the recount of the Nov. 6 election.
According to the Rhode Island Secretary of State website, Republican Sean Clough edged out Democratic candidate Ronald Riley Jr. by just six votes, 4384 to 4376, for the second of two open seats.
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Republican Kellie-Ann Heenan finished first overall with 4,401 votes in the five-way race, while Vice Chairwoman Joan LaFauci lost the seat she'd held for 12 years.
Since state election officials completed the recount on Tuesday, Nov. 20, the newly-elected members were not able to participate in the school committee meeting the night before, the Valley Breeze reported.
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With the change, Richard Iannitelli "will almost certainly be named chairman," the Breeze noted.
The next school board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 3 at Smithfield High School.
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