EAST PROVIDENCE  Brian Faria issued the following statement announcing his candidacy for City Council Ward 4 opposite incumbent Tim Conley:

"I have filed my candidacy for Fourth Ward City Council and would like to thank all the residents who continue to welcome me into their homes and share their views. While listening to the constituents of Ward 4, the people clearly have had enough. From the start, we are setting a goal and that is to establish each and every one of us as crucial elements that make up the power and strength of this community.
"I am coming out of the gate in this campaign and we will be “Walking and Knocking” for Riverside. We appreciate all those who continuously support me to represent them in Ward 4 and we value the relationships that we have established with the people throughout our community.
"I like my opponent, Tim Conley ,as a person but I believe that he is out of touch with the people. I have to say, that I was very surprised when Councilman Conley stated that he was running for re-election only because he was pressured by the select few. So are the people of Ward 4 suppose to elect a councilman that doesn't have the desire to serve the people?
"I am running because I care about the people in my ward. I'm tired of the political divide. I am not a politician nor have I held political office. Neither am I in the position where I would need to “kiss the ring”. Since I am not afraid to do my own work in this campaign, my allegiances remain always with the people of Riverside. I hope that my opponent is ready to put on his walking shoes because I intend to demonstrate strength and perseverance because that is what our people deserve.
"We are happy to see that many people have been paying close attention to the happenings in our city. A councilman should never call his constituents “cowards” or be controlled by a certain faction to sit idly by as members are investigated for unethical practices or use their public position for personal gain. If one doesn't take the appropriate action while they know something unethical is happening, then clearly they have no right to grandstand afterward. We believe a councilman should be upfront and honest with the people at all times, and in every instance.
"I appreciate any positive support. I reject any person or idea that does not put the power and strength back into the hands of the people. I am looking forward to meeting with current supporters and talking with as many residents in our ward as possible over the next four months.
"I'm a lifelong resident of East Providence. Married to Melissa Faria, with two daughters, Rachelle Faria, 20, a junior at URI and Graduate of Bay View, and Mia, 11, who is going into her second year at Riverside Middle School. .
"I am formerly a member International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 1203 and The Laborers union  Local 271. I am currently in sales and marketing. I've been residing in 44 Lunn St., Riverside, since 2002."