Pastore Gets the Boot; Annarummo Appointed to Planning Commission

The long tenure of Planning Commission Chairman Dick Pastore came to an end Monday after the Town Council voted 3-2 to remove him from the commission and appoint Michael Annarummo in his place. 

Councilmen Michael Bestwick, Charles Brennan and Charles Stamm voted to appoint Annarummo, while Council President Elizabeth Dolan and Councilwoman Carol Hueston voted to reappoint Pastore. 

“I think [Pastore] has done an excellent job, but this is about time,” Bestwick said in reference to Pastore’s 18-year stint on the Planning Commission.

While Dolan agreed “no one should have a lifetime appointment to any boards or commissions,” she said Pastore’s exit will be detrimental to North Kingstown.

“I had the privilege to serve with Mr. Pastore on the Planning Commission,” Dolan said. “It was indeed a privilege and I think he’s exhibited passion and energy and commitment to this town, and I think that his loss — his absence — on the Planning Commission is going to be a loss to this town.”

Annarummo appears to have the resume to fill the gap. He has more than 30 years of experience in environmental management and citywide planning. According to his resume, Annarummo's previous work experience includes serving as director of administration and public works for the city of Woonsocket from 1996 to 2010, and as director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management from 1989 to 1990, and again from 1994 to 1995.

While in Woonsocket, Annarummo helped with the planning and design of a $40 million regional wastewater facility.

The appointment is effective immediately and valid till July 1, 2017, Dolan said.