Election season is here. Following are introductions for the candidates running for Barrington Town Council, School Committee, and the local General Assembly seats. 

Town Council candidates

• Name: Bryan Hoffman

• Party affiliation: Independent

• Reason for running: Since moving to Barrington, I have been incredibly active in the community and have done a lot to support local businesses as Chair of the Barrington Business & Community Association. This platform will allow me to continue giving back and make a bigger impact if I am elected.  

• Top issue facing Barrington: Business growth and development of Belton Court. Belton Court provides a huge opportunity for so many different things including an additional hub for commerce, housing, senior housing and a sports facility, all of which have been topics of concern for residents for years.   

• Thing I love about Barrington: The growing sense of community. I hosted the first ever Street Fairs and have organized farmers markets, polar plunges to support local charities, and Trunk or Treats at the beach as well as many educational seminars.  All of these bring people together in our wonderful town.  

• Name: Jordan Jancosek

• Party affiliation: Democrat 

• Reason for running: I believe democracy is strongest when we all have a voice. As a young parent, I want to make sure all who want to be involved can. Right now there are a lot of barriers to doing that, and I want to change that.

• Top issue facing Barrington: Climate resilience. Every storm now, our streets and bridges flood. I want to investigate safe, environmentally friendly, and appropriate drainage systems to lessen flooding in our neighborhoods. 

• Thing I love about Barrington: Our public spaces! My family spends so much time at our beach, parks, and library, and I feel lucky to have them in our town. I want to make sure we're maintaining them for generations to come.

• Name: Anthony Arico

• Party affiliation: Democrat

• Reason for running: I am a lifelong Barrington resident and I am very passionate about serving my community and the future of the town. 

• Top issue facing Barrington: As a longtime volunteer on the Parks and Recreation Commission, the condition of the fields and issues surrounding recreation. I am also aware of the housing issues in Barrington and committed to working with my colleagues to work on and also listen to small business owners and try to assist them and listen to our seniors and our veterans as it is so very important to listen and respond and help out and assist our residents. Climate change and the environment and resilience and energy and roads and sidewalks. 

• Thing I love about Barrington: I love our open spaces and recreation facilities, in particular the Barrington Town Beach, which is of the best in the state. I am also proud of our public education system as an alumni and volunteer for many school events. 

• Name: Derick Daley

• Party Affiliation: Independent

• Reason for running: I served over 13 years in the US Marine Corps, where I developed a deep sense of duty and a strong appreciation for service. I'm running for Town Council because I believe it’s my duty to serve our community and to help preserve the small-town values that make Barrington special.   

• Top issue facing Barrington:  Our local government is overly focused on national political narratives and distracted by issues that affect only a small fraction of our residents. This misguided, agenda-driven approach alienates many Barringtonians, neglects real local concerns, and diminishes our town's quality of life.     

• Things I love about Barrington: From the parents and players on the 5th+6th grade basketball team I coach (2024 Rec. League Champions!), to the tearful goodbyes of my daughter, her friends and their teachers at the BMS 8th grade graduation, to my many neighbors stopping by on their walks to reminisce about the lovely 90-year-old lady that used to live in our house, Barrington is a connected, family-friendly community where small-town values endure. 

• Name: Liana Cassar

• Party affiliation: Democratic Party

• Reason for running: Public Health is a priority for me. Town Council plays a significant role in the well-being of Barrington residents. From housing access and affordability, and reliable infrastructure, to climate resilience, access to green space, and services that promote good health, the Town Council plays a role in supporting well-being.

• Top issue facing Barrington: Affordability.

• Thing I love about Barrington: I love Barrington's neighborhoods.

• Name: Brian Hughes 

• Party affiliation: Independent 

• Reason for running: I’m running for Barrington Town Council to drive meaningful change. As a lifelong resident, I’ve seen our town’s gradual decline and can no longer stand idly by. My commitment to Barrington runs as deep as the blue and gold I proudly represent.

• Top issue facing Barrington: Fostering business growth — Creating a business-friendly environment to reduce residential tax pressures; investing in youth — enhancing athletic facilities and educational resources for our children; Alleviating Senior Taxes — easing the financial burden on our senior citizens; mending Veteran Relations — restoring and strengthening our connection with veterans.

• Thing I love about Barrington: From enjoying dinner at local restaurants to digging littlenecks on the beach or relaxing by the river, Barrington offers a quintessential New England experience.

• Name: Kerry O’Neill

• Party affiliation: Democratic Party

• Reason for running: I’m motivated to run for office by my love of Barrington, which offers so much to so many. I wish to engage the community and seek solutions benefiting us all. I welcome the opportunity to serve and advocate for climate resilience, equity and sustainability, biodiversity, safe streets, and collaborative governance.

• Top issue facing Barrington: Climate change is the top issue facing Barrington. As a coastal community, we are already experiencing the impacts. The Town Council has begun preparing for the challenges by adopting the Resilient Future Resolution. I support these preparations and hope to incentivize residents to increase protections of our shared natural resources.

• Thing I love about Barrington: Many residents believe their neighborhood is the “hidden gem.” They’re all right. Every neighborhood in Barrington shines. Many share the coastline; many share the woods and parks. The bike path connects us. Barrington is a multi-faceted jewel, and my family and I are thankful to call this town home.

School Committee candidates

• Name: Tim McNamara

• Party affiliation: Democratic

• Reason for running: To provide common-sense perspective on the issues facing our schools and students. For the past 15 years I have been a coach, program director and board member for Barrington’s soccer, basketball and lacrosse leagues, always in service of the kids. I hope to continue that service as a Committee member.

• Top issue facing Barrington: Balancing community wants and needs with funding from the tax base. This is particularly true regarding our schools, which are such a source of pride for our town. We all want the best for our students and schools, but sound fiscal management is required to minimize the accompanying financial burden.

• Thing I love about Barrington: The shared sense of community, despite any differences of opinion. While many Barrington families have spent generations here, there is also a steady stream of newcomers. The welcoming spirit that Barrington shows new families and how quickly newcomers embrace the town through volunteering and participating in community activities is amazing.

• Name: Karen Rasnick

• Party affiliation: Unaffiliated, running as an Independent 

• Reason for running: I want to give back to the school system that has served my children so well and prepared them for their adult lives.  Without their individual educational paths they would not have become the successful adults they are today. I want to make sure the schools maintain their levels of excellence.

• Top issue facing Barrington: Making sure all students get the individualized education they need to be successful, productive members of society in an environment where they feel safe and supported; keeping an open line of communication between teachers, parents, administrators, and students, where all voices are heard and respected; keeping spending under control.

• Thing I love about Barrington: There is a real sense of pride in community here that you don't get everywhere, and I loved raising my children here. I love driving into town and seeing the fields full of children playing sports, people using the library and playgrounds, tennis courts, and bike path. Most of all I love being near the bay. 

• Name: Megan P Douglas

• Party affiliation: Endorsed Democrat

• Reason for running: I am excited about the opportunities our new superintendent brings for BPS students and the district’s future. I also believe it is important to have a historical perspective on the committee, which I bring with my third term. We’ve accomplished so much! We shouldn’t lose sight of that amazing work. 

• Top issue facing Barrington: The well-being of our students and staff continues to be our greatest challenge and concern. I will continue my focus on student engagement and well-being by championing diverse learning opportunities and the elevation of student voices. I will support staff well-being by encouraging innovative problem-solving around time and balance. 

• Thing I love about Barrington: Our school community is lucky to have dedicated and talented students, inspiring and thoughtful staff, professional and involved volunteers, and a supportive and engaged community. It is truly amazing—and heart-warming—to see what happens when everyone comes together as a community. It is when Barrington is at its best.

• Name: Elizabeth Singh

• Party affiliation: Independent

• Reason for running: Born and raised in Barrington, I am deeply rooted to our community’s educational values. As a mother of three, with two children at Primrose Hill, I am personally invested in our town’s future and committed to ensuring every family receives the exceptional education we all expect and deserve.

• Top issue facing Barrington: We need to ensure transparency and accountability in our schools. We must uphold the highest academic standards while fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that truly reflects our community's values. This commitment is essential to providing the best possible education for all our children.

• Thing I love about Barrington: Barrington is more than just a town; it’s a safe, close-knit waterfront community that values education, parental involvement, and the importance of investing in our children's future. 

• Name: Lisa Nelson

• Party affiliation: Democrat

• Reason for running: School construction. I founded Fix Our Schools and spent more than a year researching how our buildings impact health, education, and finances. After lobbying the legislature and campaigning with my research, Rhode Island passed the $250 million school construction bond in 2018. I want to use what I’ve learned to Barrington’s benefit.

• Top issue facing Barrington: One significant issue is ensuring that we make the most of the incredible investment we’re making into our school facilities. The impact of these decisions will last decades, and we owe it to our kids – and the generations to come – to give these projects the thoughtfulness they deserve.

• Thing I love about Barrington: What I love about Barrington is how much everyone genuinely cares about the education our children receive. It’s clear from the level of involvement within the community that it's a top priority, and I’m proud to be part of that.

General Assembly candidates

• Name: Pam Lauria

• Party affiliation: Democrat

• Reason for running-"I was fortunate to have passed critical legislation my first term including bills to address; Secure Storage of Firearms, the primary-care provider shortage, medical debt, climate change, protections for victims of sexual assault and provide free EpiPens. I am running because there is so much more work to be done.”

• Top Issue Facing Barrington: "Barrington residents face many of the same challenges of all Rhode Islanders: affordability, access to quality healthcare, functioning bridges/roadways and effects of climate change. However, Barrington is particularly susceptible to the increasing waters of sea-level rise. We must help our coastal communities plan and build infrastructure to address climate resiliency." 

• Thing I love about Barrington: "This question is easy- my neighbors! Barrington residents are some of the kindest, most engaged and ready to help people I have ever met. It truly takes a village, and our village is strong!”

• Name: Jennifer Boylan

• Party affiliation: Democrat

• Reason for running: I seek to continue to work on behalf of the people in Riverside and Barrington on issues that are critical to Rhode Island’s future, including addressing climate change, passing common sense gun laws, protecting and strengthening reproductive rights, and supporting the small business community.

• Top issue facing Barrington:  Climate change and associated impacts to sea level rise, coastal erosion, flooding, stormwater management, and roads and bridges. As a coastal community, we must be prepared for and mitigate effects of extreme weather and flooding. We must transition away from dependence on fossil fuels.

• Thing I love about Barrington: There are so many things to love: the water views, our top schools, friends and neighbors, fantastic dining options, our beautiful town hall, our beaches and bike path. All of it together adds up to a fantastic place to live.

• Name: Jason Knight  

• Party affiliation: Democrat  

• Why I’m running: Rhode Island needs responsible and responsive leadership. I've brought that kind of leadership in my four terms at the State House. I’ve passed bills that keep Rhode Islanders safe including a ban on straw purchases of firearms and improved background criminal background checks.

• Top issue facing Barrington:  In a word: infrastructure. Barrington needs all the resources it can get to prepare for rising sea levels and it needs a strong presence on Smith Hill to ensure the governor and DOT are doing everything they can to complete the replacement of the Washington Bridge.   

• Thing I love about Barrington: The beach! 

• Name: Janine Wolf

• Party affiliation: Republican

• Reason for running: I believe in representative democracy, but it can only work if more than one side of an issue is represented. Representation in our state government has become so one-sided that no real debate occurs. I want to represent constituents who are not always in lock-step with the dominant liberal majority.

• Top issue facing Barrington: Like every municipality in RI, Barrington is being bullied by the current General Assembly. The legislature is steadily encroaching on so many aspects of our daily lives. Just look at the zoning changes that the General Assembly has forced onto Barrington in the last year.

• Thing I love about Barrington: Since moving here as a single mother in 1999, I have experienced nothing but kindness and generosity from residents of this town, including its officials. Despite differences regarding policy beliefs, I have had zero interactions that were not completely respectful and polite. That’s quite a blessing in this day!