Jones throws hat in ring for N.S. job
NORTH SMITHFIELD — With the Governor’s recent announcement that the stayat-home order is ending, there is finally some hope that we can gradually return to some normalcy in our everyday lives. It is in that spirit of hopefulness that
I (Paul Jones) am reaching out today with an announcement: After much deliberation and discussion with my family, I have decided to run for North Smithfield Town Administrator in this upcoming election.
I run because I love this town and its unique, community-focused character. I have been privileged to have been a member of the School Committee over the past several years, focusing my attention on enriching the lives of our students and giving our teachers the tools they need to excel. If I am elected Town Administrator, I will continue to focus on improving our schools, as well as:
• Strategic business development in North Smithfield, focusing on bringing small and innovative businesses to the town in places already zoned for business.
• Building a safety net for our seniors, including plans to collaborate with state-level agencies and representatives to bring better services to our growing elder population.
• Respecting the gifts of land and history we have within our borders, by pushing to preserve as much green space as possible and revitalizing the space we have set aside for recreation. This includes working towards the creation of a Halliwell Community Center at the site of the old Halliwell Elementary School. It is my vision that the HCC will encompass resource and recreation centers for town residents of all ages.
These are just a few of the issues the new Administrator will have to deal with in the 2020 term; I know there are many others, and I am always happy to hear about your thoughts on what are some of the important matters facing North Smithfield.
I am excited to get started on the campaign, although I am still not sure what a campaign will look like in a post COVID-19 world. I know that whatever happens over the next few months, I am going to need help getting the word out about who I am and what I stand for. I am hopeful that as I take the first few steps towards November, you are willing to help me get where I need to be.
I need people to talk to their friends and loved ones about me and about my candidacy, especially as social distancing guidelines continue to evolve. I’ll be pushing out more posts through social media outlets about my vision for North Smithfield, and if you’re willing to share those with your network that would also be a huge help.
Thank you for your friendship and all your support. I hope you’re staying safe and well, and I’m looking forward to the day we can see each other in person!