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Dear Kammy,

Excellent idea. I will take your advice.

I spoke with Anthony Ferrucci about a year and a half ago and asked "Anthony. The school department has (at that time) about $3,300,000 in their cash reserve account for their health benefits. Is that right?" He said "Yes." I asked "Would it cost about $1,000,000 to purchase enough Chromebooks so that every student would have one?" He said "Yes." I said "Anthony! Why don't we take $1,000,000 out of that cash reserve, and go to Best-Buy TODAY and buy the Chromebooks that our students so desperately need?" He laughed and went on to explain (for about fifteen minutes) why we couldn't touch that money. When he was done I only had one more question. I asked "Anthony! Why can't we take one million dollars out of a fund that the School Committee has NEVER needed to withdraw from; no a penny in SEVENTEEN years, and go to Best-Buy TODAY?" Again, he laughed.

I still don't have a real answer, but I honestly like your idea. I will ask at the next School Committee meeting, but I don't think the members will answer questions, just listen to comments. I will try. I promise.

Like you, I am also bitter about the lengthy contract-talk process. Here's what we do know. The Warwick Teachers Union was willing to meet anywhere, any day, anytime, about any related topic. They deserve our respect and gratitude. The School Committee refused to put even a mild effort, as far as I have seen, and deserve our contempt as a result. Finally, the Mayor, who waited for two years before he entered the conversation, should have made himself available right from day one. That's what I would have done. That's what I will do if elected.

Merry Christmas Kammy.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Rick Corrente

The Taxpayers Mayor