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The only game changer in this primary has been the local media's obsession with defending the mayor. Article after article on the apponaug connector, the "progress" at Rocky Point, the mayors "positive" campaign. All while putting a lack of real attention on city schools. John Howell has had a busy election season...but not for reasons you'd think. He's been spinning himself dizzy trying to defend this mayor, at the same time discrediting Stacia Petri's entire campaign.

When it came time to debate... Mr. Howell wanted to restrict the amount of people in attendance from each campaign in order to promote fairness. Fairness to who? The 14 year incumbent is more than capable of filling seats in a senior center. It was the new candidate on the scene that made Mr. Howell nervous. All the energy is on Stacia's side....we can't show the people of Warwick that this candidate has momentum. So instead Mr. Howell decided to have the debate at the very popular 2pm Friday timeslot. Not every person in Warwick can ask Dave Picozzi if they can use an hour of sick time to attend the debate, most of us have real jobs where that is not possible. I wouldn't expect Mr. Howell or the mayor to understand that, they are both out of touch with what everyday people are going through.

The mayor doesn't deserve to win this election. He has run a relatively empty campaign, with a look toward the past as his only "vision". John Howell and the mayor represent an old way of thinking. A way of thinking that has led us into this mess. The reason they have dug in so hard is because they see that way of thinking threatened. For the last 14 years the Beacon has printed nothing but fluff pieces about this mayor and the great job he has done. They have declined to go into details on our general fund being raided, the constant property tax increases, schools that are in terrible condition, the overall debt the city has hanging over it's head. Why write the truth when it's much easier for Mr. Howell to spin? Change needs to come to Warwick. It's about time the young citizens of this city come out and vote to make a difference. It's time to tell this hack John Howell, and his indifferent boss (the mayor) to retire. Warwick would be better off!