Meeting for the first time since Election Day, the Town Council informally names Paul Rodrigues to another term as president, with Thomas Welch as vice president as a show of support for the work and positive direction of #MiddletownRI.
RODRIGUES EXPECTED TO LEAD NEW COUNCIL, WELCH VP
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (NOVEMBER 20, 2024) – It looks like the same leadership team is returning to the Town Council.
At a special meeting Wednesday night in Town Hall, the council elect sat down for the first time as a group since the Nov. 5 election and informally named Paul M. Rodrigues as president.
Thomas P. Welch III was again selected as vice president, a role he’s also held since April 2021.
Peter B. Regan was picked as town solicitor, with Francis Holbrook tabbed as Municipal Court judge and Michael W. Miller as judge for Probate Court.
Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall reminded the council the appointments don’t become finalized and official until they’re voted upon at the council’s swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 2 at 6 pm in Town Hall.
“We have a good group and we will all work together to do what’s best for the Town of Middletown,” Rodrigues said after the session. “I want to thank my colleagues and the residents of our great town. I’m grateful for their trust at the end of the day and I will prove to them it’s not misplaced.”
Rodrigues has served as president of the town’s top elected body since April 2021 and before that from 2004-2008. He’s been a member of the council from 1998-2000, 2002-2008 and again from 2012 until today.
His colleagues said they stood firmly behind Rodrigues as president, not only because of all that’s been accomplished under his watch. They also commended Rodrigues for his calming, inclusive style and working with the public to find common sense solutions to an array of issues in Middletown.
On Election Day, voters re-elected all six incumbents on the ballot: Rodrigues and Welch, Peter Connerton, Christopher Logan, Dennis Turano and Barbara VonVillas. They were joined by newcomer Charlie Roberts, who had served as co-chair of the School Building Committee guiding construction of a new middle-high school north of Gaudet Middle School.
Under Section 204 of the town charter — one of the documents that guides Middletown — it’s up to the council itself to determine its leadership team. The charter does not specify the criteria used to pick a president and historically the top vote getter is not always named to that role.
Rodrigues said he was proud of what he and the council have been able to accomplish, but their work was far from done.
“We’ve gotten a lot done, but there are a number of things still in the pipeline and we’re always looking for new opportunities to help our residents and businesses,” Rodrigues said. “That’s always our primary goal — to help our residents and businesspeople.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCY-Lead
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
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