Councilman John Beauregard is right. This isn’t your parents’ Democratic Party.
Councilman Beauregard’s recent letter to the editor regarding the North Smithfield Democratic Town Committee accused us of being divisive. We won’t relitigate his many controversies – a quick Google search does that for us. But we will say this: a man with his record has no business lecturing anyone on divisive politics. We’re far from the first constituents he’s chosen to fight rather than listen to. But he takes political criticism personally. Our focus has always been on his record as an elected official. Notice that the Councilman signed his letter as a member of the Town Council — not as a private citizen. He’s using the weight of his office to go after constituents he disagrees with. That’s exactly the kind of abuse of one’s position North Smithfield voters should be paying attention to. That’s not leadership.
Councilman Beauregard calls us “far-left progressives completely out of touch with North Smithfield.” Our members want paved roads, clean drinking water, buildings that can pass inspection, companies held to ordinances, and elected officials who do their jobs. And if the current laws are failing to protect our community, then we need new ordinances that will. If that’s far-left, the bar for radicalism in North Smithfield is remarkably low.
We also won’t fact-check every lie in his letter — we’ll leave that to voters. Visit our website and Facebook page to see who we are and what we stand for. We do, however, want to address his comments about the Lynch shooting directly. One individual expressed frustration in a Facebook comment that he called for a moment of silence, but opposed real action on gun control. These were her opinions, and she spoke only for herself. This was never an official position or statement of the Democratic Town Committee. When we heard that the phrasing felt hurtful to survivors, we did what Councilman Beauregard struggles to do: We listened. As a result of that listening, we implemented changes: a formal code of conduct for our Facebook going forward, and a commitment to continue offering the numerous mental health resources we offered on February 17th, including free Intro to Mental Health services provided by a licensed counselor.
But this isn’t really about any single member of the Town Council. It’s about what he represents.
When we reformed in spring 2025, we started by listening. Our coalition is broad: small business owners, civic leaders, military families, parents, retirees: people with real stakes in this town. And what we kept hearing was the same thing: North Smithfielders are tired of leaders who spend more time arguing on Facebook than delivering results. Tired of Democrats being too timid to stand up to bullies. Tired of common-sense policies being painted as radical.
People also told us North Smithfield feels stuck, and it’s easy to see why. Councilors have served term after term with nothing to show for it: buildings barely insurable, roads full of potholes, vacant lots, and volunteers who feel ignored.
So our message to Councilman Beauregard is simple: shape up or step aside.
We won’t be intimidated by your Facebook posts, your letters to the editor, or any of the veiled threats you make. We will keep standing up for our values, and we will keep calling out your disrespect — both for the office you hold and for the constituents holding you accountable. You can keep attacking us, or you can do your job. If you’re planning to run for reelection this year, we strongly suggest the latter.
North Smithfield Democratic Town Committee Executive Committee
Paul Jones, Chairman
Elizabeth Hammond, Vice Chairperson
to paraphrase Jean-Paul Sartre:
“Never believe that [Mag-publicans] are completely unaware of the absurdity of their replies. They know that their remarks are frivolous, open to challenge. But they are amusing themselves, for it is their adversary who is obliged to use words responsibly, since he believes in words. … They even like to play with discourse for, by giving ridiculous reasons, they discredit the seriousness of their interlocutors. They delight in acting in bad faith, since they seek not to persuade by sound argument but to intimidate and disconcert. If you press them too closely, they will abruptly fall silent, loftily indicating by some phrase that the time for argument is past.”
sounds like a bunch of middle schoolers. its the same circle of people always complaining and fighting with eachother. on here, the valley breeze, social media, and at town meetings. how embarrassing you all are. find something positive to focus your energy on, and if you happen to disagree with someone, move on. the whole thing is tiring and predictable. its ok to have differing opinions, maybe keep them to yourself. maybe nothing is getting accomplished in town because we are all too busy trying to call people out and get back at others for their comments. less talk, more action. i cant imagine anyone wanting to go into polotics in this town. thanks.
Well if anyone wants to watch the drama Mr. Carriere made another dignified well thought speech at the council meeting on March 16th. The speech was well crafted, dignified, and well presented and delivered. Mr. Carriere reviewed his training with a PHD in psychology from Georgetown and spoke of the mental mechanisms of certain political groups by labeling them without even listening to the constituents concerns and trying to problem solve because it did not agree with their beliefs. Then Mr. Beauregard did not listen and had to comment that Mr. Carriere does not even know what he is saying and believes everything he said is true. But Mr. Carriere’s comments only spoke truths and was an attempt to work in a collaborative manner. But Mr. Beauregard wants no part of a collaborative effect because he is a person of zero dignity, class, or morals, and thinks he is always right like his cult hero. Mr Beauregard exhibits zero leadership skills and ability to problem solve town issues because his mind in blind to others problems, concerns, or solutions. It is time for the town to move on from this type of individual.
Let me make it perfectly clear. My family and I have been impacted by gun violence. I sympathize and grieve with all victims and their families, whether those victims and families are located in North Smithfield, the Midwest, Brown University, the children and families of Sandy Hook, the July 4th shooting in Illinois, in churches, schools or other parts of the country. I called out the hypocrisy of the person that made it his duty to have the TC pass an ordinance contrary to the laws of this state regarding firearms. Maybe Mr. Beauregard should reflect on his behavior as it relates to gun laws and control of firearms.
Fact check: what you actually said was, “I also noted how rich his performance regarding prayers for those injured at the Dennis Lynch Arena, without the mention of his defense of guns. It is evident that “thoughts and prayers,” are not working, especially, as we now know, in Rhode Island.”
Those injured? How about those killed? And those traumatized for what may be the rest of their lives? Diminishing the horror of one month ago at Dennis Lynch arena by comparing it to other senseless shootings only cuts deeper, but you can’t stay on point, can you? And cutting deeper is something you’re very good at.
And of course, you can’t help but make this tragedy about yourself. Haven’t we all been impacted by gun violence in some manner? John requested “thoughts and prayers” because many North Smithfield residents were in attendance (some acting as heroes), and the TC neglected to address the tragedy at the previous meeting (when he was away). John basically corrected a glaring omission. You think he should have also added “but I really like guns you know”? You have obviously lost touch with all reality.
Keep posting Mary, you’re only digging yourself a deeper hole. But you don’t care, do you, because it’s only about you.
Interesting perspective Paul and the one I have asked not to mention,
You are leaving out an important detail when you claim the post was just from a member and not representing the thoughts and opinions of the group administrators. Someone from your administrators placed a heart emoji on the comment indeed representing your group. That caused a secondary reaction which allowed things to spiral out of your control. You own it. Or at least one of you owns it. I realize some of your group is relatively young and have not learned that social media can blow up around individual indiscretions. I believe this has caused your group to lose credibility. It will take time for you to gain it back if you ever do gain it back.
Secondly, as you identify with Democrats I do not think you should be endorsing Town Council candidates who are not supposed to identify with the national political party. That gets very confusing. It would make far more sense to me if you wish to endorse a particular group of candidates that you submit your endorsement as individuals rather than as a misapplied endorsement from a political party. Or, you should just propose that North Smithfield eliminate the pretext of non-partisan candidates. Then go ahead step in and make your endorsements.
Either way, don’t play the victim card when you were a significant cause of the recent kerfuffle.
PS I think I have found a possible way to locate a bar lower than hell. I will stop mocking the phrase, except perhaps by making a post about the theoretical location.
No I own it. John is a hypocrite…he proposes ordinances for the town that 90% of people democrats and republicans think go too far as it relates to guns. That was my point. Gun control laws need to be increased. Roberta Esposito Dorgan should never had access to a gun and no domestic abuser should either, but many do. The individual had significant mental health issues, another red flag. Unfortunately, this person wreaked havoc, caused death and traumatized individuals in town. I am an advocate for much stronger gun laws and Mr. Beauregard should review his own actions and speak for himself for a change.
First off, Mr Dorgan lived in Fla…..came up and did his dirty deed after much back and forth animosity for a while with his father-in-law especially. He had no prior history, thus able to have firearms. This has nothing to do with NS or JB. But instead, the hockey rink should have had some method or security checkpoint in place to thwart any firearms on the property.
So, being neutral here, how on earth does JB have anything at all to do with this event? None.
so the North Smithfield Democrats are at it again…
I have never voted for JB … but since you’re singling him out..
I guess I have to vote for him the next time!
Wonder how many others are tired of you calling out conservatives BUT YET it’s the democrats that run the state…no? Highest electricity, roads absolutely TERRIBLE and you’re still playing politics. YOUR elected officials didn’t have the class to show up at the SOTU and yet they are supposed to represent EVERYONE… you’re doing the same…
I saw the comment from Mrs. Cimini. It was deplorable to call out Mr. Beauregard for asking for a moment of silence for the victims of the hockey rink shooting. I also saw the North Smithfield Democratic Party “heart” the comment. There are people in this town that run to internet forums to complain about every move the Town Council makes, especially if Mr. Beauregard champions the idea. We as a town have lost out on numerous opportunities to better our town because of them. We as a town voted these people into office, and a small portion of outspoken citizens who seem to HATE certain members of the council that we elected ruin every opportunity we have out of spite. I for one am done listening to the unelected gaggle of old crows who do nothing but sow discontent.
We voted for you Mr. Beauregard. Those with open eyes see what is happening. We are behind you. Thank you for fighting for our town.
Mr. Jones as for you, a quick google search shows you are knee deep in campaign fraud yourself. Makes sense that you lead the North Smithfield Democratic party. We have no need for your “leadership”.
For anyone curious about the last part of that comment, it refers to a complaint that was ultimately deemed unfounded and dismissed by the Board of Elections. More information can be found here https://www.nrinow.news/2022/11/10/republicans-file-finance-complaint-against-jones-candidate-says-records-prove-he-had-no-violation/
Please see my response regarding my position and as to why I believe Mr. Beauregard is a hypocrite. It is very sad that gun violence has finally hit so close to home that people are suffering.
OMG they just had the victims services last night and you decided to double down. Mary Cimini should’ve apologized and so should the NS Democrat page for the insensitive comments but instead your page decided to just keep going, block people who didn’t agree and hide comments made. Let it go you were wrong and these people need peace.
Please see my previous comments as to the tragedy that unfolded here. Grief is shared by anyone that is affected by gun violence, but passing ordinances that do not restrict gun ownership is hypocritical, especially when it hits this close to home.
Stop just stop! You used this awful tragedy to attack John Beauregard for the moment of silence. Don’t back pedal now we all read it. Everyone needs to stop now and let these families impacted have some peace.
Well said Deb. Apples and oranges as to JB and what Dorgan did, was able to do, as a whole. Dorgan had no history to withhold possession. And JB certainly had nothing directly, or indirectly, with what occurred. This family is hurting. They need peace is right. Some ppl need to keep things in perspective there in NS.
SuzyQ – Perhaps you also shouldn’t speak when you don’t know all the facts. Because IN FACT – councilor Beauregard’s wife was in the rink that day and approximately 4 feet where there was a mass shooting where 3 people were executed, 2 additionally shot and 1 person committed suicide. So yes, he is directly involved and had every right to ask for a moment of silence.
…Now is when you apologize for your belligerent statement
No I do not need to apologize. Saying well said to Deb…is supportive of JB…duh! As I am referring to his being attacked about gun control issues, and his asking for a moment of silence as a whole. I am supportive of him, and YOU misconstrued my post by not following the conversation. Duh…. I happen to think it was honorable to ask for a moment of silence. Agreed with Deb. Mary keeps after him in any way shape or form constantly. And every little way possible to go after this man is getting old. He cannot get anything right to some, no matter what he does.
So maybe YOU need to apologize to me now as YOU jumped to a conclusion about me without following the conversation. I also SUPPORTED Deb who supported the moment of silence.
You all need to chill in NS and begin to pay attention to conversations as they are posted. I am due an apology from YOU. And here’s a suggestion…..don’t like a person’s view, be an adult, move on. Supportive or not. But you cannot seem to manage that in NS in a large way. Too much jumping to conclusions and attacking before asking questions or paying attention….just like they do to JB.
SuzyQ: my sincere apologies as I guess I took the following excerpts from your comments out of context.
“ This has nothing to do with NS or JB”
“ So, being neutral here, how on earth does JB have anything at all to do with this event? None”
“ And JB certainly had nothing directly, or indirectly, with what occurred.”
Accepted. He had nothing to do with the gun laws, any lack of the security at the event, and luckily Mrs B made it out ok. I just wish ppl would appreciate JB’s attempts. Seems he can never ever please anyone no matter how kind an act he tries to do like the moment of silence. How anyone can fault him for that is heartbreaking. Ty. Have a Blessed Day.
Your snarky public comments on social media tell another story. While there are issues on both sides I believe the public has had enough of the “keyboard warriors” and the reasonable citizens are afraid to even get involved in the discussion. Disagree with Mike Clifford? Be prepared to be researched and belittled by his loyal followers. Impartial civility is gone. And so is the ability to post anything without the sidetrack of nastiness coming for you. Hence why I’m not comfortable sharing my name. It’s a sad state of affairs. Can’t we do better?
There’s a big difference between a few volunteers/private citizens being snarky, and an elected official engaging with his constituents. But, as you can see in your article, it seems like they’ve taken feedback and implemented a code of conduct. Something John has refused to sign…
It speaks to my point if we need a code of conduct to have a discussion. Bad behavior is bad behavior, whether by an elected official or a citizen commenting. Very sad that it’s gotten to this point. I hope the code of conduct discussion helps us in the future to actually move the goal post forward instead of backwards
Actually Ester J, you should get your facts straight. The code of conduct passed and JB voted in favor. The Dems code of conduct was a knee jerk reaction to the flood of negative comments they received, same for this LTE.
John only passed it when it was made toothless, and still refuses to sign it.
May 5th, 2025, 31 minutes 35 seconds: “Councilman Beauregard: [00:31:35] As long as there’s no teeth to it and the code of conduct is more of a suggestion than with no No penalty for violating that code of Conduct then I don’t I wouldn’t have a problem with that.”
June 16th, 2025, 1 hour 23 minutes 52 seconds through 1 hour, 25 minutes, 57 seconds: “Councilman Beauregard: [01:23:52] I think you should do the town a favor and table this and send it off to the land of forgotten agenda items. Because this thing is an absolute mess. It really is. [01:24:03][10.3]”
Councilman Beauregard: [01:25:57] I would not sign that. If that comes before me, I will not sign it. I’m telling you right now. And I will encourage everybody else on any board committee to not sign them. [01:26:05][8.3]
July 21, 2025: Councilman Beauregard: [01:11:09] And I’ve got to tell you, good government requires compromise. And I’m good on my end. That was a good compromise, because I didn’t want to see it be enforceable… That’s gone, so I support you. [01:11:28][19.0]
October 6th, 2025: 43 minutes to 46 minutes: Councilman Beauregard: [00:43:12] Okay, because I personally would urge people to not sign that, and I’m certainly not going to sign that. [00:43:18][5.7] Councilwoman DeCristofaro: [00:43:33] That will be a factor in my decision. [00:43:34][1.3] Councilman Beauregard: [00:43:35] It’ll also be a factor in mind, only the other way around. [00:43:37][1.8]
[3.1] Councilman Beauregard: [00:46:19] And I’m not signing, and I would encourage other people to not sign it as well. [00:46:23][3.9]
Well said! John is a trumper that likes to call people names and lefties when they do not agree with his fiscally irresponsible agenda that he considerers conservative. Time to rid the town of the bully who calls himself conservative but never saw a dime that he does not want to spend or waste. In all his time on the council he has nothing to show except tax increases every year, bad roads, town embarrassment, and large union increases. John does not sound much like a conservative republican but sounds more like a Democrat.
Well Said!!!