Popularity contest

Clearly four years ago, with seven times the experience of Mr. Texeira. he clearly won on popularity. Everyone said he would learn the job. Four years later it is clear to me and many other who have approached me and urged me to run that he has not."”

David Barboza on his 2012 loss to Antonio A. Teixeira

Bristol Town Administrator Antonio A. Teixeira said the rumor that he's not running again this year is false. He plans to mount his third consecutive campaign and stay in office in November.

"I've built such a team here, I have to give credit to the department heads. We've streamlined things. Why would I walk away at this time?"

"There's no question in my mind. All of the initiatives I've started under my administration … I want to see them to fruition. It would be awful to walk away and pass the ball to somebody else," Mr. Teixeira said.

Mr. Teixeira took his oath for the first time in 2012. The retired educator was a town councilman at the time. An Independent, he beat his fellow councilman, Democrat David Barboza, with 66 percent of the votes. In 2012 Mr. Teixeira said his focus would be to improve the financial management of the town’s budget; attract more businesses to Bristol; and to challenge each department to optimize their efficiencies. On Wednesday Mr. Barboza said he is ready for another round.

"Last October I informed the chairman of the Democratic Town Committee that I would be seeking the endorsement of the committee for town administrator and brought that same message to the committee last month," Mr. Barboza said.

"I am running. Clearly four years ago, with seven times the experience of Mr. Texeira. he clearly won on popularity. Everyone said he would learn the job. Four years later it is clear to me and many other who have approached me and urged me to run that he has not."

As former Providence Mayor Angel Taveras said when he swore in Bristol officers in 2012, “It’s hard to be an elected official. It’s difficult and challenging. We make decisions all the time. No matter what you do there will always be those who disagree.”