SANTILLI

JOHNSTON — Councilman Gabriel DeFeo’s District 1 seat is up for grabs this political season, and two Democrats are clamoring for the office he’s decided to give up.

One of them is William F. Santilli — a former district councilman who wants his old seat back. The other is a newcomer. She’s a school crossing guard, and an enthusiastic booster of the Johnston Police Explorers and the Citizens Police Academy.

“No one asked me to do this,” Melanie Turner said yesterday. “I did this on my own, because I honestly believe the town of Johnston needs change and I can do that.”

The change Turner envisions starts with the benefits available to members of the Town Council.

Council members can receive health-care insurance coverage and they can also elect to participate in the state-run pension system for municipal employees, Turner said.

“Unfortunately, that’s an unrealistic expectation at this day and age,” she said.

“I want the town to move in a forward motion,” she said, “not a turn-the-clock-back motion.”

She promises that cutting benefits to part-time elected officials would be her first order of business.

Her other priorities would include keeping taxes down and carefully vetting the particular companies that Town Hall encourages to set up shop in Johnston.

Turner said she didn’t want officials courting companies that weren’t compatible; she also opposes the use of 10-year tax deals to attract businesses.

“The town can’t afford to do that,” she said.

Turner, 45, of 50 Starr St., has an 18-year-old daughter.

She said Mayor Joseph M. Polisena is supporting her campaign. She supports him:

“I’ve seen a big turnaround in the last 17, 18 months,” she said. “I’ve seen businesses coming into the town that will be good for the town.”

Santilli, 69, of 72 Maple Ave., isn’t so supportive.

The taxes Polisena levied last year were too much, he said, adding that the town’s fiscal-recovery plan wasn’t a sufficient excuse. He measured the tax increase at 13 percent.

“That’s ridiculous,” he said. “I don’t care.”

“The mayor doesn’t like me because he can’t control me,” Santilli said. “He just wants people he can control.”

Holding down taxes is at the top of Santilli’s list of priorities, along with maintaining services in a time of need.

Ensuring that the town’s schoolchildren get the best possible education for the money spent is another goal.

Like Turner, Santilli, also wants to stay away from costly tax treaties for businesses.

He also proposes “a community-based support group” to help the town’s population of elderly citizens access the new Senior Center.

Santilli, who has five children, was on the council from 2000 through 2006, when he lost his seat to DeFeo.

DeFeo opted against a reelection bid for personal reasons.

“I did miss it,” Santilli said. “Even if you can help one or two people when you’re in office, that’s big.”

“I missed talking to people,” he added.

mreynold@projo.com