By SANDY McGEE

CUMBERLAND --- The three-way race for the District 1 Town Council seat is now down to two.

 Robert John Dias of 23 Abbott St. recently announced that he is no longer running for office. Dias was one of three Democrats set to face each other in the Tuesday, Sept. 9, primary.
Voters will now be asked to decide between political newcomer Thomas Tougas, of 46 Harrison St., and incumbent Antonio Albuquerque of 46 Howe St.
There is no Republican challenger, which means the primary will almost certainly determine the District 1 representative for the two-year term that starts  in January.
In a recent press release, Dias said, “When I heard Tom Tougas was running and saw the work he was putting into it, I decided to back out because I know he’s a hard worker like myself. He works hard to support his young family, pay for their health care and (he) cares about the quality of life in Valley Falls.” 
This was the first time that Dias, who owns Top-Notch Construction, ran for local office. He has lived in town for 13 years. 
“It’s time for a candidate with an independent mind, who will advocate for the Valley regardless of who the mayor is,” Dias said. “I urge all my supporters and readers to support Tom Tougas. Tom is a man who cares about Valley Falls and can get the job done.”
Tougas, 40, a warehouse manager for Central Paper in Pawtucket, is also a newcomer to local politics. A 1985 graduate of the William M. Davies Career and Technical School in Lincoln, Tougas explained his decision to run in a recent press release.
“The lack of response by Mr. Albuquerque is what motivated me to run for this office,” Tougas wrote. “If elected, I pledge that every call will be answered.
“I agree that the town faces some major issues and I would assist the mayor and the rest of the council to work on town-wide issues, but the first priority of a councilman should be to his constituents that are in need. That’s what local government is all about.”
Tougas has worked with his wife, Rhonda, to organize several fundraisers, including events held to benefit the Setera family after their Cumberland Street house was damaged in an electrical fire two years ago.
He is also a member of the Elks Lodge in Warwick and the Knights of Columbus, St. Thomas Council, in Cumberland. He is married and has three sons.
Albuquerque, 55, the owner of the Third Base Bar and Sports Grill on High Street, is seeking his second term in the District 1 seat. He been endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee.
Albuquerque supports the development of a plan to revitalize the Broad Street Corridor. The redevelopment and expansion of Broad Street, according to Albuquerque, will help existing businesses, attract new business, fill vacant storefronts, bring job opportunities for residents and expand the town’s tax base.
“I know we need to maintain our infrastructure and make improvements to remain competitive,” Albuquerque said. “Communicating, cooperating and negotiating that balance is vital to the job of a councilperson ... I have seen what can be accomplished when people work together toward a common goal. The mindset that I bring to the council table is one of cooperation that encourages our government to operate efficiently and be responsive to its residents.”
During his first term, Albuquerque served as a member of the Finance Subcommittee. He is a 1970 graduate of Central Falls High School.
He has also served as president of Club Juventude Lusitana, as a former member of the town Planning Board and as an organizer for several fundraisers, including the Run for Kids benefit race and the Phantom Farms Road Race. He is the father of an adult son.
“The bottom line is, I care about Cumberland,” Albuquerque said. “When re-elected, I will continue to work hard for my neighbors in District 1 and for all Cumberland residents.”