Avanzato Withdraws from NK Town Council Race, Replacement Named

The North Kingstown Democratic Town Committee announced Thursday that School Committee Member and candidate for Town Council Lynda Avanzato has officially withdrawn her candidacy as of Wednesday.

Replacing her on the ballot will be Ellen Balaco, a lawyer and 25-year North Kingstown resident.

She is the wife of Tom Bartkiewicz, owner of Bart’s Flooring and Carpet, a longtime town business; and she is the Deputy Chief of Legal Services for the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

“n the coming weeks and months, Ellen will be communicating with thousands of residents to listen to and understand their needs and desires,” a town committee release stated. “She will constructively propose and support good solutions to the challenges we face. Ellen will engage in the planning process, to ensure that we avoid problems before they affect the quality of life of our residents.”

No immediate reason for Avanzato’s withdrawal was given.

Balasco has served on the North Kingstown Zoning Board, Charter Review Committee and is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and a member of the board of directors for the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island.