Bristol Election Profile: Joseph Demelo

BRISTOL, RI — Joseph Demelo is running for a seat on Bristol's Town Council.

The 57-year-old Democrat is a Bristol High School graduate and attended the Community College of Rhode Island. He is married and has two children, a son and a daughter. Demelo worked in the automotive industry for 24 years before his retirement, and previously served as the director of the Bristol County Water Authority, and as a member of the Bristol Recreation Board, Personnel Board and Conservationist Committee.

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Why are you seeking elective office?

To be an advocate for our town.
To optimize Bristol's Senior Citizen services with proper funding to accomplish their needs.

Increase Property tax breaks to those over 65. What they receive now is not enough for many Seniors on a fixed income.

Make it an easier and more pleasant atmosphere for Bristol business owners to deal with the Town Council.
It seems these businesses are jumping through hoops to be or remain successful.

Education. I plan on reviewing all items for proper funding to bring our schools to its goal of being the best in Rhode Island.

Continue supporting our Police by insuring funding will not be compromised. We have a great department that our residents are proud of.

Our Fire and Rescue men and women are second to none. Again I will make sure proper funding and support will continue.

Our Public Works Department does a tremendous job for Bristol. I will be in support of what they need to remain successful and efficient.

Drinking water. It is time the Town Council look deeper in its water quality by reviewing its testing. Also, to better increase water pressure for homes and most importantly fire protection.

What do you believe should be done to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and what would you do to lessen its economic impacts?

Follow our Governor's plan. The game plan by our State has proven to be the best in the country. Just look at the numbers. We are very ahead of flattening the curve.

Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in America generally and Rhode Island specifically, and if so, what would you do to combat it?

Obviously racism is a major problem.
I believe, like everything else, it starts at home. We as parents and grandparents it is our duty to educate our children on this topic. If we can do that, I truly believe our country will change for the better.

Should the words "Providence Plantations" be removed from the state's name?

No

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Not being an endorsed candidate will allow me to work for ALL our citizens, not a specific group or political parties.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I truly believe we must do better for our business climate in Bristol.
It seems that when business owners need help from our Town Council, they are forced to jump through hoops.
After speaking to many business owners in town, that is their biggest concern with the Town Council. One thing is definite, I will be their biggest advocate for success.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

To be the voice of every citizen and business in Bristol. Make it a more pleasant and positive experience dealing with the Town Council. Too often, it is difficult to work with the council. This needs to stop.

Once elected I will be readily available to hear from all our citizens.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My past experience of managing people and business for 24 years.
Also being a Father and Grandfather has taught me the most.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be true to yourself and everyone you meet.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

That all our residents will be represented with the upmost respect.
I plan on being a Town Councilman every day. Not just every few weeks by attending the Council meetings.