WEST WARWICK — Yes, Edward A. Giroux has stepped down as Town Council president. But he is running for reelection to his Ward 3 seat on the council in November.

“I’m alarmed that people think I have quit,” he said. “I want to run again and I want to win. And I think I deserve to.”

Giroux’s council colleagues last week accepted his resignation from the presidency, effective Sept. 1.

As for the election, “My heart is absolutely in running,” Giroux said. “I want to be there to help solve [the town’s fiscal] problem because I’m a taxpayer, too. I’ve started projects I want to finish. And I think I represent my constituency well.”

Should he return after the election, Giroux said he does not plan to seek the presidency again.

“I’ve always made it clear that I believe the presidency should be rotated,” he said. “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of it.”

— TALIA BUFORD