Council candidates cite goals

Council candidates cite achievements, goals

Posted 10/30/14

CITY COUNCIL WARD 1

Steven A. Colantuono

251 Country Club Drive

Age: 51

Occupation: Attorney in solo private practice

Party Affiliation: Republican

If incumbent, when first …

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Council candidates cite goals

Council candidates cite achievements, goals

Posted

CITY COUNCIL WARD 1

Steven A. Colantuono

251 Country Club Drive

Age: 51

Occupation: Attorney in solo private practice

Party Affiliation: Republican

If incumbent, when first elected: 2008

Education: Juris doctorate, Roger Williams School of Law; master of arts in Psychology, Rhode Island College; bachelor of arts in Psychology, Rhode Island College

Community Activities: Rhode Island Bar Association, Rhode Island Bar Volunteer Lawyer Program, Roger Williams Law School Alumni Association, Foster Parents of Rhode Island Association, Pawtuxet Village Association, VOWS Board Member

What are the major issues facing your ward and how would you address them?

The major issues affecting the ward include public safety concerns related to traffic, speed, stop signs and, as of late, concerns related to illegal activity. Included in the safety concerns are the condition of some of the streets and multiple tree issues. I have, over the years, attempted to work cooperatively with all city departments to address concerns in a timely and appropriate manner. When requested, I have had a great response from the Warwick Police Department with respect to increased presence in the neighborhoods, higher levels of traffic monitoring and traffic study to promote safety. Other city departments have also been responsive and have assisted in resolving many constituent concerns. There are still those issues that are unresolved and require additional time and effort, but working well with all parties leads to positive results in most instances.

If you are an incumbent, which achievements are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the accomplishments I have been able to work with others on involving the direct and most pressing day-to-day concerns they have. There were several residents greatly affected by Hurricane Sandy and I was able to work with local support from the mayor to insure that those most affected in our area were brought assistance as soon as possible. I am also proud to continue to be able to work with the mayor and other members of the council to promote reasonable airport development, development in the station district and the preservation of open space.

Also, as a member of every standing committee of the council, I am fortunate to have a good working knowledge of all the “happenings” at the council level. I am able to work effectively with other members of the council and members of the administration to continue to support the efficient and effective operation of our government without regard to party affiliation. It is my opinion that my major role is to be the advocate for the concerns of the people of Ward 1 and my regular presence in the community has allowed me to stay on top of these concerns to the best of my ability.

Patrick Maloney Jr.

11 Dawson Ave.

Age: 43

Occupation: Small business owner in Warwick

Party Affiliation: Democrat

If you have been a candidate before, when and for what office(s)?

Warwick School Committee at-large (elected 2008); served as School Committee member and vice chairman from 2008-2012

Education: Attended University of Rhode Island, graduate of University of Alaska, Anchorage; Associate of Arts degree from Bryant University; served in the U.S. Army as a non-commissioned officer from 1992-1996

Community Activities: Former Warwick Accelerated Learning Activities program (ALAP) P.T.A. president; active John Brown Francis P.T.A. member; served on the Parent Communications Advisory Committee, Warwick Special Education Advisory Committee and volunteer of Warwick Schools Board. Served as coach and assistant coach for Warwick Soccer Association and Warwick Firefighter Soccer Association; Red Cross volunteer.

What are the major issues facing your ward and how would you address them?

The people of Ward 1 are concerned with continuing to be able to stay in their houses. The population of Warwick is dropping each year and the tax burden for each household is unsustainable. This must stop. During my time on the School Committee, I voted to cut the budget and negotiated for savings of millions of dollars. Decisions I made have saved taxpayers $18.7 million since 2010 and continue to save the taxpayers each year. My goal is to keep people in their homes and attract new families and businesses by creating a stable environment.

COUNCIL WARD 2

Thomas H. Chadronet

117 Elberta St.

Age: 76

Education: Johnson & Wales University (2 years), Lowman Financial

Party Affiliation: Democrat

If incumbent, when first elected: 2012

If you have been a candidate before, when and for what office(s): City Council Ward 2 (1996), House of Representatives (2010)

Occupation: office manager; U.S. Army Veteran

Community Activities: William Shields American Legion Post, JONAH Community Center, St. Rose of Lima Church

What are the major issues facing your ward and how would you address them?

During walking campaigns, the biggest and most complaints were about the condition of the streets and roads. Also, people are worried about taxes – property and auto, and also sewer bills are too high and are a main concern.

If you are an incumbent, which achievements are you most proud of?

I sponsored an ordinance to remove abandoned and junked vehicles to clean up our neighborhoods. I also co-sponsored a resolution to establish a boarding house committee to update the zoning ordinance. Additionally, I saved taxpayers $1,400 per month by not taking city health insurance.

COUNCIL WARD 3

Camille Vella-Wilkinson

786 Church Ave.

Age: 57

Education: Juris doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law, master of science degree in labor relations, University of Rhode Island; bachelor of arts degrees in English, psychology, Long Island University

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Career coach; retired U.S. Navy Officer

If incumbent, when first elected: 2010

Community Activities: Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights, Administrative Hearing Officer; Rhode Island Military Organization, Board of Directors; Warwick Veterans Services Organization, Westbay Community Action, Board of Directors; JONAH Community Center, Board of Directors; Warwick Association for Active Independent Living, Advisory Committee; St. Benedict’s Church Daughters of Isabella Circle #423, Military Officers Association of America, Warwick AARP, National Rifle Association, American Legion Shields Post 43, Leadership Rhode Island, Alumni Association; Warwick Citizens Police Academy, Alumni Association

What are the major issues facing your ward and how would you address them?

Airport expansion: Keep lines of communication open with Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) and monitor their progress in completing items identified in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Schedule community outreach for periodic briefings on expansion, noise abatement, construction projects and environmental impact. Continuously follow up on return of RIAC-owned but non-airport utilized properties to the city tax rolls.

Public safety: Ensure continued funding for the Warwick Neighborhood Intensive Traffic Enforcement (NITE) program so council members can adequately address constituent complaints; encourage greater use of technology to enhance Ward 3’s engagement in public safety issues and resolution; continue working with residents to establish more Neighborhood Associations and Crime Watches.

Minimum housing violations: Work toward funding/reinstating a second full-time position in the Minimum Housing Division responsible for inspection, data entry and follow up to violations. Resubmit legislation to require lending institutions to file transfer of title within 30 days of foreclosure/abandonment and substantially increase fines for violations.

Environmental concerns: Continue to monitor the airport expansion project in the areas of air and water quality; reach out to graduate students to work with RIDEM to analyze data and create an action plan using the Scientific Method. Continue to address RIDEM and General Assembly to provide funding to study and permanently cap the Truk-Away Landfill on Industrial Drive. Work with RIDEM and local city departments to develop enforceable regulations designed to protect fresh water resources.

If you are an incumbent, which achievements are you most proud of?

Lead negotiator for MOU with RIAC. The city did not have an enforceable agreement with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation until I challenged the FAA’s record of decision and the parties signed the negotiation agreement. Elements within that agreement include: date certain for home acquisition and noise abatement, additional air and water quality testing, build out for glycol treatment facility, development for new Winslow Sports Complex, added construction jobs, and more.

Expanded veterans benefits and services: As the designated veterans’ coordinator, I wrote the ordinance to double the property tax exemption from $1,000 to $2,000, provided a pool discount of 50 percent for disabled veterans, and worked with the Rhode Island Military Organization to create an Airport Military Lounge. I also helped organize the Warwick Veterans Services Organization and initiated the Rhode Island Blue Star Family Holiday.

Open Government Actions: I required live streaming video of all City Council subcommittees and full Council meetings, created the “open microphone” as part of the Council Rules and then amended them to bring that segment to the beginning of the meeting and also wrote a resolution encouraging the School Committee to follow suit. I also changed the reporting of the Council agenda to show when legislation is not drafted along with other reporting changes, and helped ensure easier access to airport information on the city website.

John Falkowski

38 Everglade Ave.

Age: 53

Education: Graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School (1979), attended University of Rhode Island

Party Affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Owner/President Falcon Pest Services LLC and Block Island Pest Services

Community Activities: Warwick GOP

What are the major issues facing your ward and how would you address them?

There are a number of issues facing Ward 3 in particular and Warwick as a whole. First, many citizens in Ward 3 feel that they are not being heard or taken seriously at City Hall. They have issues and concerns, and many feel their representative on the City Council and local government either doesn’t listen, or worse, doesn’t care. I would conduct precinct meetings on a regular basis so concerns and issues can be addressed at City Hall.

Second, taxes. As a business owner, I am acutely aware of the rising costs of doing business. I have to run my businesses as efficiently as possible. I have to manage the cost of fuel, insurance, salaries, inventory, etc. and ensure that I am getting the most out of my revenue dollars. If I constantly pass these increases onto my clients, it won’t be long before they make a change. My clients only had two small service fee increases (about 5 percent) in eight years.

The citizens of Ward 3 have endured numerous tax increases over the years. This practice of passing it onto the taxpayers needs to stop. All departments need to be analyzed. All departments need to run lean and efficient. The way to increase revenue needs to be with creating an atmosphere where people and businesses come into Warwick. It is simple math. More businesses plus more resident taxpayers plus efficient government equals more revenue dollars. More revenue dollars mean no tax increases. It works in business; it can work in Warwick.

Third, while some citizens can’t recite the city budget, there are certain things all people know, want and deserve. We want our trash picked up. We want the snow removed from our streets. We want to drive on roads that are not inundated with potholes. The city has an obligation to keep our streets safe for children, adults and vehicles. Only $450,000 is allocated for road repairs from an operating budget of approximately $289 million. This is woefully inadequate. I will fight to make our roads safe for you, your children and your vehicles.

Harold Ouimette

24 Guilford Dr.

Age: 41

Education: GED and is pursuing a degree from the Community College of Rhode Island

Party Affiliation: Independent

Occupation: Rhode Island State Constable; also a member of the Iron Workers’ union

Community Activities: Coaching Warwick Continental Little League and other local youth sports teams

What are the major issues facing your ward and how would you address them?

Among the main issues is the city’s school system. As a parent, I have had a lot of experience with the school system. I do believe that a school building has to close due to declining enrollment and cost. The studies have been done that back this up, and I think consolidation would improve the school system. People are afraid to stand up on this, but sometimes you have to stand up for the good of everybody.

I am also wondering about that proposed alternative learning academy. I am supportive of it because there are some kids who are better working with their hands, and college is not the right fit for them. I think we need this.

Another issue is the airport and air quality. Our ward hugs the airport and if elected, I would keep a keen eye on the expansion and the pollution issues around it.

I have never held elected office before, but I think I can bring a lot of realistic experience to the position. I became a father as a teenager and worked at a young age to support my family. I have always been a hard worker and know what it is like to struggle and to worry about your future. We must also do what we can to create more jobs in Warwick, so people can support themselves and their families.

CITY COUNCIL WARD 4

Joseph J. Solomon

180 Shawomet Ave.

Age: 57

Occupation: Accountant, attorney, businessman

Party Affiliation: Democrat

If incumbent, when first elected: 2000

Education: Graduate of Classical High School, bachelor of science degree in accounting from Providence College, New England School of Law, Boston; National Judicial College, Reno, Nevada

Community Activities: Charter member Conimicut Village Association, Rhode Island Bar Association, William Shields American Legion Post, Oakland Beach Fire, Tri-City Elks, St. Benedict’s, St. George

What are the major issues facing your ward and how would you address them?

Economic development: attracting new business by promoting the lighthouse and Conimicut Point and Rocky Point as tourist attractions and host to tournaments for fishing, ball fields and amphitheaters for entertainment, and campsites like Fishermen’s Memorial in Galillee, to put our community on the map. This will help expand our commercial tax base, alleviating the burden on our residential taxpayers. Also important is wise spending of our tax dollars; getting the most for our dollars.

If you are an incumbent, which achievements are you most proud?

Forced bidding on multi-million dollar contracts, getting the best pricing by promoting competition. Also, Conimicut Point Lighthouse and millions of dollars of grant money for enhancement to our community. Preservation of historical Rocky Point; ratification process for contracts that were once unilateral agreements without any oversight on expenditures

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