In the first local shoe to drop during the three-day filing period for upcoming November elections, Eileen Spillane, the lead blogger down the road at RITwelfth, announced that she will be running for the Middletown Town Council:

We all deserve better here in Middletown. I know how government works, how to run a campaign, and how to help others achieve goals. When Rep. Long at the beginning of a campaign season questioned my experience & abilities a few years ago, I took umbrage. For more than 30 years I convinced students who didn't want to come into my classroom, that they did. I then persuaded them that they wanted to do what they really did not want to do. And then when it was time for them to leave, I persuaded them that they should come back days & do the whole thing all over again. If that isn't leadership, what is?

I will run for the Council. I am running as an Independent candidate. I did not ask the Dems for an endorsement; although I have the greatest repect for the local Party – just not the current leadership. I respect members of all local political parties & those who choose not to affiliate – the electorate. I am a registered Democrat.
— Via RITwelfth

I've known Eileen for only a couple of years, but she is both smart and wise, and a no-nonsense straight shooter who would be a great asset to any Town's government. Best of luck, Eileen!

Update: RI12 posted an update announcing that fellow RI12 blogger Thomas Kalinowski (of the late, lamented Newport9) will be running against brand-spanking-new Rep. Steve Coaty! GO TOM! Wow, what a day for bloggers here on the Island!