Return to My Roots I am currently visiting Lake Tahoe for the sixth time, marking 11 years since my last visit to my favorite U.S. destination. My first trip here in 1998 was a final “hurrah” before starting my PhD at URI, and I returned in 2003 to celebrate its completion. Reflecting on these milestones…
Category: Town Leadership
Leadership of the Town and School Department
FY2027 Budget & Fiscal Policy (Part II)
Introduction This article is Part II of the Editorial for the FY2027 Budget & Fiscal Policy discussion. If you wish to view Part I, click here. Discussion #3 New Fire Station The bonding which was approved a few years ago by the voters has not been drawn down. In simple terms, we have not…
Kenneth J. Sousa for Smithfield Town Council
PRESS RELEASE Kenneth J. Sousa Declares Candidacy for Smithfield Town Council June 24, 2026 KSousaSmithfield@gmail.com On June 22, Kenneth J. Sousa submitted his candidacy for the position of Town Council in Smithfield RI. He is requesting your support as an endorsed Republican candidate. Experience – Business Dr. Sousa’s career has an extensive background in business,…
FY2027 Budget & Fiscal Policy (Part I)
Introduction At Smithfield RI budget and Financial Review Board meeting on Tuesday, April 7, the Smithfield Public School Department provided a presentation on their FY2027 budget. As an educator, I am committed to delivering a quality education to my students. Just ask them!! Haha. Education has changed my life and career. Here are the thoughts…
Town of Smithfield — 5 Year Financial Analysis
This document consists of an executive summary of the two documents compiled in January 2026 consisting of both the report and spreadsheet analysis pages. This document provides a clear, structured summary of the fiscal analysis report for the Town of Smithfield, RI. The full documents were provided to the Town’s leadership in January 2026. This…
Making a Meal with Several Hands in the Pot — A Refreshing Part 2
Complicated situations can often generate opinions and thoughts from various people and constituencies. And the depth and variation of these thoughts can develop a life of its own. Often, with emotions, strategies, personal objectives, and perspectives. If you wish to read Part 1 (November 2025), click here. What Now? I decided to postpone the second…
Making a Meal with Several Hands in the Pot (Part 1)
Complicated situations can often generate opinions and thoughts from various people and constituencies. And the depth and variation of these thoughts can develop a life of its own. Often, with emotions, strategies, personal objectives, and perspectives. The current situation associated with the Smithfield School Department appears to be gathering tremendous attention in the last months….
Analysis of Budget and Metrics (FY2026) — Fire Department
Fire Department Analysis of Metrics It is important to compile an appropriate budget recommendation, the members of the Budget and Financial Review Board must review several historical records. The Town’s spreadsheet has several previous fiscal years (actual) as well as the current fiscal year (recommended, approved, and actual spending). The spreadsheet is very dense with…
Smithfield Municipal Court — To Be or Will Be?
To Start … Before the 2024 election, this subject started to be discussed. In calls that were discussed with me, I provided an objective, factual narrative about the past history on this subject. Now on to the objective discussion. A Decade Retrospective This subject began with discussions from March 2015. See compilation of minutes document…
Definition of Fiduciary Responsibility and Oath of Office
Fiduciary Responsiblity — Basic Definition Fiduciary responsibility is a legal and ethical obligation to act in the best interests of another party, placing their needs above one’s own. It involves trust, confidence, and a duty to act with loyalty and care when managing someone else’s assets or affairs. Fiduciary Responsibilty — Details Duty of…
