GLOCESTER – The Glocester Town Council and other local officials were sworn in by state Rep. Michael Chippendale at a special meeting on Thursday, Jan. 2, and as their first official act, councilors voted William Worthy to continue as president, with longtime Councilor Walter Steere elected to the position of vice president.
“This is a very special night for us,” said longtime Town Clerk Jean Fecteau. “We worked hard to get here, and we hope that we have earned your respect. We hope to continue to work for you, and to help you. If you need any of us, please feel free to call on us at anytime.”
Worthy agreed, adding the council worked hard to help ensure they made the right decisions in order improve the town and do what is necessary to preserve its rural character, while keeping taxpayers in mind as well.
“The biggest thing for me is helping the community,” Worthy told NRI NOW. “This is a great town.”
Worthy first arrived in town in 2008, establishing his home and almost immediately becoming a fixture, joining the Glocester Little League as a volunteer, coaching the GBYSA, becoming a member of the Economic Development Committee and eventually being elected to the council in 2020. Worthy, who owns Big Bear Hunting and Fishing in Harmony, formerly worked as a singer/organizer in wedding venues for 32 years. That experience, he said, helped him hone his skills at organizing and managing events and problem solving. As council president, he has had his share of putting those skills to work, he said.
Steere, a native of Glocester whose family has been involved in town government for decades, is starting his 17th year on the council. He was the top vote-getter in the recent election. His father, Walter Steere II, was a longtime member of the Glocester School Committee.
“I enjoy doing what I can to help this town,” said Steere, “I like helping out.”
Steere, who previously served as council president for six years and vice president for six years, is a regular attendee at local events, from participating in and sometimes, literally, running in fundraisers to lending a hand whenever called for.
Jonathan Burlingame, whose family has also been involved in town politics for many years and whose father, Edward Burlingame, was a former town council president, felt he had to do the same to help retain Glocester’s rural atmosphere.
“I love this town,” said Burlingame. “That’s the only reason I do this. You need people who care about this town, who want to keep it like it is.”
Burlingame was a member of the School Committee for six years. This is his second term on the council.
Cheryl Greathouse is in her second term as a councilor. A 40 year resident, she said she is concerned about the future of the town and wants to retain its rural character, as well.
“We have an obligation to protect the rural character of the town, while supporting economic development,” she said. “We have an obligation to listen to the taxpayers and respect what they have to say.”
Newest member Stephanie Calise has been a resident since 1998.
Asked why she decided to run for town council Calise responded, “Because there was an empty seat, and I was called to duty. I believe public service is the highest honor there is.”
Transparency, she said, is important. The public should know what is going on. Calise, who works for Rhode Island Medicaid, explained that she was previously a program manager for an information company.
“I do have experience with public administration,” she said.
Calise was previously on the Parade Committee and vice chair of the Ancient and Horribles Parade Committee.
“When there is something to volunteer for, I’m there,” she said. “This is the ultimate. This is huge.”
Others sworn in were Town Sergeant Allen Aubin; School Committee members Aaron Dupuis and Beth Keeling; Fecteau; and Human Resource Director John Luszcz.
