It is now well known that Democratic Council President Archambault's relatives have been attend Smithfield's schools - illegally - for the past eight years. This has cost our school system about $220,000.

The School Committee, currently controlled by Democrats, voted with Republicans to urge the Town Council to act to recover that money for our students and taxpayers.

At the most recent Town Council meeting, the Council met in closed session. Mike Flynn made a motion to direct the town attorney to take all necessary steps to recover the money. Republicans Flynn and Manni voted YES, to recover the money. Democrats Hawkins and Cerroni, however, voted NO. A tie vote fails.

Why was it a tie? Archambault, the Council President, was not allowed to participate since these kids are his own nephews and niece.

So thanks to Hawkins and Cerroni, as well as Stephen Archambault, Smithfield's students and taxpayers are $220,000 poorer. That money could have bought much needed textbooks, four years of a teacher's salary, repairs to our school buildings, improvements in student transportation, athletic equipment and coaching and many, many other things that could benefit our schools.

This money works out to about $35.71 per taxpaying household. It's our taxpayers and students who are the victims of this fraud.

Members of the Town Council are obligated to act in the interests of our residents and students, not their friend on the Council.

When you see Bernie Hawkins and Jean Cerroni, ask them why they voted no. They even refused to investigate. Smithfield can use that $220,000. It's your money that was stolen! Join us in demanding an investigation!