New Central Falls City Councilmembers sworn in to Wards 2 and 3
CENTRAL FALLS, RI (January 5, 2022) – New Central Falls City Councilmembers, Kevin Kazarian (Ward 3) and Robert Ferri (Ward 2), were officially sworn in by Mayor Maria Rivera on Monday night.
“I am grateful to the residents of Central Falls who put their trust in me,” said newly-elected Councilman Kevin Kazarian, Ward 3. “It is an honor to be elected to represent them. I look forward to this public service opportunity.”
Councilman Kazarian replaces term-limited Councilman Hugo Figueroa, who was first elected in November 2013, making history as the first elected official in New England from El Salvador. He helped spearhead many important initiatives including the city’s redevelopment plan, the Pawtucket Central Falls Station District Joint Planning Commission, and the Road Paving and Utility Accountability Act of 2017. Councilman Figueroa sponsored many initiatives in support of the immigrant community, including support for the DACA program and Temporary Protection Status for immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador, and other nations. Councilman Figueroa also utilized his IT industry expertise to be a knowledgeable voice for government modernization, as well as support of fiscal responsibility and economic development.
Councilman Robert Ferri replaces Councilwoman Adamaris Villar, who recently resigned from her role on the Council after serving for approximately one year. Ferri was appointed to the position by the City Council in December pursuant to the Home Rule Charter.
“It will once again, be my pleasure and an honor, to again represent the residents of my ward, and of the entire city,” said Councilman Robert Ferri, Ward 2, who previously served on the Council following a June 2012 special election. “I have and will always have compassion and love for the city I have grown up in, and for all who have lived here, all at present who live here, and all who will in future years. God Bless our square mile city and America."
During former Ward 2 Councilwoman Adamaris Villar’s time on the Council, she was a strong voice for safe and clean streets, and co-sponsored legislation to hold negligent landlords accountable. She passionately advocated in support of state legislation declaring that health care is a human right and that would ensure that all children, regardless of immigration status, qualify for health insurance under the state’s RIte Track program.
More About Councilman Kevin Kazarian, Ward 3
Kevin Kazarian has over 20 years of experience in Hospitality Management, and is currently the Director of Operations for Spumoni’s Restaurant in Pawtucket. Councilman Kazarian is a member of the Leadership Rhode Island Class of 2016, and currently sits on the boards of the Pawtucket Central Falls Development Corporation and Blackstone Valley Community Action Program. He served as Vice Chair and Finance Committee member at the Segue Institute for Learning in Central Falls.
More About Councilman Robert Ferri, Ward 2
Robert A. Ferri previously served on the City Council following a June 2012 special election, including serving as Council President. Prior to the City Council, Councilman Ferri served on the Recreation, Appeals, and Purchasing Boards. A lifelong resident of Central Falls, during his previous time on the Council, Councilman Ferri oversaw the comeback of the City by partnering with former Mayor James Diossa to ensure greater fiscal responsibility, greater public safety, and a higher quality of life for residents.
Councilman Ferri has coached Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball, boys and girls basketball, baseball and softball, including high school and collegiate levels. He is the Past President and League Director of the Blackstone Valley CYO Coaches Association. He served in the Rhode Island Army National Guard, co-chaired the Veterans Central Falls monument located on the grounds of the Adam's Library, supported the newly-built Veterans Memorial Park, and chaired the Coutu Memorial Park effort. He currently sits on the Board of the Blackstone Valley Historical Society.
