"It is with a deep sense of
gratitude that I stand before you
today as the mayor of the town of
North Providence. It has been my
goal for many years to serve the
town of North Providence in this,
the highest of all elected town
offices. This was a political
journey that began 29 years ago. The
road I traveled at times was rough,
but the cause was worth the trip.
Over the years, I've faced many
frustrating moments and situations,
unable to overcome the political
inner-workings, which, in my
opinion, inhibited the moral,
ethical, and sensible implementation
of sound governmental practices and
decisions that minimized the maximum
benefit to the citizens of our town.
I felt then, as I do now, that I
would set a course of action that
would require my complete
dedication. I've always had
confidence that my plans could
improve our town and make what is
good even better. I was fully
committed to those ideals, and I am
twice as committed now to see those
plans through.
The electorate has spoken, and I
guarantee you I will respond. You
have now given me the opportunity to
restore dignity, respect, and pride
by conducting our town's business as
I have my own and handle the
people's finances as I have my own.
We call North Providence our home.
Our efforts are to make our town one
of which residents are proud and a
town that is an envied place in
which to work, live, and play,
educate our children, and retire. We
only can do this with an
administration that governs for all,
while we strive to be recognized as
a leader in our state.
Please be assured that we will make
all of our decisions based on the
needs of all our people, not the
wants of a chosen few. We will
prioritize our spending by
addressing the things that are of
immediate attention. The most
important thing that I have learned
during my many years in business and
government is to listen to the
people and surround myself with the
most professional individuals
available to me.
Last, but most important, we will
keep you informed of our
administration's progress. As I
stated this past Wednesday at a
department head meeting, this
administration is going to be about
"keeping your shoes shined and our
attitudes polished."
It's about me respecting all of our
employees and all of our employees
respecting me, but most importantly,
it's about all of us respecting
every taxpayer (walking through the
door) in town.
Just a reminder, and a request, to
all my colleagues in government and
employment: we have to work with
each other, not for each other, and
most definitely not against each
other. Finally, my office and my
mind will be open to all.
This evening, as I look at all of
you here, I know that one of the
greatest rewards I have ever
received is the confidence and trust
you have placed in me, confidence
and trust that are reaffirmed by
your presence this evening.
In closing, I would like to thank
God for giving me the opportunity to
serve you and ask that he bless
Jackie in heaven, because I know
that is where she is. Sometimes, as
elected officials, we lose our
identities at home. Thankfully, our
families understand and are
supportive of our efforts, but they
are the ones most affected by all of
this. Once again, I thank my
parents, my wife, and my children,
who have sacrificed so much. I thank
all the citizens of the town of
North Providence for having faith in
me.
Please pray that God will give all
of us the strength and wisdom to see
this vision to fruition, and let the
Lombardi mayoral years be known as
years of integrity, respectability,
pride, and responsibility.
Thank you, and God bless. |
