In & out of 2016 election lineup

Mayor declares for 9th full term

By John Howell
Posted 6/28/16

David Testa got a jump on everyone Monday as the three-day period for the declaration of candidacies started at 8:30 with the opening of the city’s Board of Canvassers.

Within two hours, another …

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In & out of 2016 election lineup

Mayor declares for 9th full term

Posted

David Testa got a jump on everyone Monday as the three-day period for the declaration of candidacies started at 8:30 with the opening of the city’s Board of Canvassers.

Within two hours, another half-dozen candidates had filed declaration papers, including the city’s longest-serving mayor, Scott Avedisian, who is seeking his ninth full term. He was first elected to the office in 2000.

The candidates just kept coming, with as many as five waiting at the counter to file at 11:30.

Testa, who has run twice for the non-partisan School Committee, is running again for one of two at-large seats on the committee. Also filing for School Committee is recent Toll Gate High graduate Nathaniel Cornell, who at 18 is believed to be the youngest person to have ever run for a Warwick public office.

Avedisian, who in prior years has chosen to announce at an event, elected not to do so this year. Asked for comment, Avedisian responded in an email. The mayor looked to ongoing city developments and the future.

“There are lots of good things happening in the city today. Airport expansion has been resolved, new fields constructed, a new, safer Main Avenue is about to open, and air service is increasing. Hotels and other development are starting to happen in City Centre Warwick. The Apponaug road project is on schedule and under budget. Rocky Point enhancements will make that beautiful park even more of an asset in the future,” he said.

Richard Corrente, who launched his campaign for mayor almost two years ago, had filed as a Democratic candidate by mid-morning yesterday. In his campaign, Corrente cites tax increases and declines in population and city businesses among reasons there should be a change in administrations.

In order to be listed on the ballot, candidates, depending what office they are seeking, are required to obtain signatures from a number of registered voters within their district, ward or citywide. Those papers become available July 6 and must be filed by July 15.

That rankled some of those declaring, as they would miss July 4 for gaining signatures at neighborhood and family gatherings, as is often the tradition. But Dottie McCarthy of the Board of Canvassers explained that by law, papers are distributed three working days after state nominations, which will be filed this Friday.

“It’s not going to happen again [where papers aren’t available until after the 4th] for another 11 years,” she said.

By Monday morning, it was evident there will be a number of contested seats both at the council and state levels. Ward 3 Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson, as she announced, filed for the House District 21 seat now held by Eileen Naughton, who was in the office barely an hour later to file her own papers.

Timothy Howe, running as a Democrat, declared for Ward 3. John Falkowski, who filed as a Republican, likewise declared his candidacy for the ward. Incumbents declaring by mid-morning included Rep. Joseph McNamara, D-Dist 19; Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi, D-Dist. 23; Sen. William Walaska, D-Dist. 30; Sen. Erin Lynch Prata, D- Dist. 31; Sen. Michael McCaffrey, D-Dist 30; and Ward 5 Councilman Ed Ladouceur.

A Democratic primary appeared to be shaping up for the Ward 2 council seat being vacated by Thomas “TC” Chadronet. Former state senator Jim Donelan declared for the seat, as has Sean Rainey.

In Ward 7, where incumbent Kathleen Usler has chosen not to seek re-election, Jack Kirby, who has run as a Democrat for mayor, is a declared candidate. Also saying they are running for the seat, but as of yesterday at noon had still to file, are Charles “CJ” Donovan and Stephen McAlister.

Also filing declarations papers yesterday morning were Richard Corley who is running as a Democrat in Ward 1; Andrew Knutton, running as an independent in House District 21; and Elizabeth Smith, running as independent in House District 22.

Comments

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  • wwkvoter

    Scott Avedisian is the right man for the job. Glad he's running again.

    Tuesday, June 28, 2016 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear WwkVoter,

    If you approve of your Mayor raising taxes every year for 16 years in a row;

    If you approve of your Mayor hiring 4 Chiefs-of-staff in 14 months;

    If you approve of your Mayor going on vacation 5 times in one year; (2015)

    If you approve of your part-time Mayor working full time for RIPTA; (see "Corrente gives Avedisian an 'F' on RIPTA);

    If you approve of your Mayor having a "hands-off" policy with $160,000,000 of taxpayers money for our schools;

    then, yes, for you WwkVoter, Scott Avedisian is "the right man for the job".

    For me, and I firmly believe, for 80,000 taxpayers that are paying for Avedisians tab, he is NOT the right man for the job.

    You are entitled to your opinion, of course, however misguided (and anonymous) it may be.

    Enjoy your summer WwkVoter.

    Richard Corrente

    Democrat for Mayor

    Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Report this

  • Scal1024

    When pressed on how to pay for many tax cuts that he has proposed, I have heard silence from Mr. Corrente. I have asked how many seniors would be eligible to have 50% of their car taxes paid? I've also asked how much it would cost to have new businesses receive 2 years of tax credits? He has also proposed tax credits to new homeowner's...but at what cost?

    These are legitimate questions that havent gotten any response. These tax cuts will blow a huge hole in the budget, city services will have to be cut, and no amount of growth can make up for it. That's not telling it like it is, that's telling people what you think they want to hear. You talk about the mayor raising taxes, so the answer is to spend more $$$? Meanwhile you support most (if not all) of the Democrats who have supported everything this mayor has done. Did you agree with the budget they passed? Do you agree with passing amendments only to simply approve the mayor's budget in the end? If these questions can't be answered now, how will they ever be answered in a debate?

    Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Report this

  • Momend22

    Vote no to any and all incumbents!

    Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    None of Corrente's "promises" can actually work. It's smoke and mirrors with zero substance.

    Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Report this

  • AryaStark

    Oh goodie... I can't wait for another year of tax hikes and raises for the connected! I love how so many members who "run" our City didn't see their houses increase (including Avedesians house)... The list is long. Meanwhile my elderly neighbors will be paying +600 more a year on a street with 2 run down abandoned houses yet all our houses increased in value but Piccozis house didn't? Huh? Car taxes and insurance in Warwick are INSANELY high!! I'm paying a thousand dollars more in house taxes in the 7 years of ownership. And for what? For a very, very expensive public school, fire and police department. I have nothing against them - it's just their salaries combined with those overly generous benefits will eventually bankrupt Warwick.

    I have had buyers regret ever since I moved here. I should have known this city would be as crooked as the State. I can't wait to leave. Nothing will change here because there are way too many people on the public dole to keep these tax and spend pols in power.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Scal1024,

    Please stop saying "I have heard silence from Corrente".

    I have responded to you almost 100% of the time. I welcome you to visit www.correntemayorwarwick.com to read all my plans but to answer your most recent questions:

    1. I never said "tax credits". I said "tax rebate checks" to any new home buyer or brick-and-mortar business. I also said "a two year moratorium of building permit fees" to stimulate construction. These 3 ideas alone will increase total tax revenue, forever. The more taxpayers paying into the system the less each individual will owe. That will CUT TAXES.

    2.Voluntary pension buyouts saved Texas $780,000 million dollars. I like their idea. It will CUT TAXES.

    3.A complete, independent audit will show where we are spending poorly. The results will CUT TAXES.

    4. Renegotiating the Airport Agreement will CUT TAXES.

    5.A hiring freeze will stop political kick-back jobs and reducing salaries for new hires when needed will A. secure present employees and B. reduce costs on new ones. The result will allow Warwick to CUT TAXES.

    6. Hiring a grant writer (like Central Falls - cost $30,000 - savings over $600,000) and the profits will CUT TAXES.

    7.Promote Warwick to the rest of Rhode Island to attract new taxpayers. More taxpayers, will CUT TAXES per-taxpayer.

    8.The first 90 days we examine every dollar in and every dollar out of the City. The goal is to CUT TAXES - CUT SPENDING.

    9. Energy deregulation will reduce electricity costs for ALL Warwick taxpayers.

    10. Offering rewards to departments that under spend and penalties to the ones that over spend will CUT TAXES.

    Now Scal1024, you've read my comments before. You've read my articles. You've read my advertising. Here are 10 more. So, in the interest of "cutting" why don't you cut ME some slack and stop accusing me of "silence"

    Fair enough?

    Happy Forth-of-July Scal1024.

    Richard Corrente

    Endorsed Democrat for Mayor

    Friday, July 1, 2016 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear WwkVoter,

    Your newest accusation says my comments are "smoke and mirrors with zero substance."

    I clearly stated my platform twice in this article alone. You are afraid to even tell us your real name!

    You didn't mention ONE THING Avedisian is planning to do if elected.

    You didn't mention ONE THING Avedisian has done in the last 16 years (other than raise taxes EVERY YEAR!).

    You didn't mention ONE THING Avedisian stands for. When I responded to your original comment how he "is the right man for the job." you had NO DEFENSE of Scott Avedisan.

    There is "smoke and mirrors with no substance" going on here WwkVoter, but it's coming from you!

    Sorry to hit you so hard with the truth WwkVoter, but you were asking for it.

    Have an enjoyable Forth of July anyway.

    Richard Corrente

    Endorsed Democrat for Mayor

    P.S. If you want the whole platform please visit www.correntemayorwarwick.com

    Friday, July 1, 2016 Report this

  • Scal1024

    My point is Mr. Corrente whether it is a tax credit or a tax rebate it costs money. Not collecting building permit fees for 2 years costs money. Voluntary pension buyouts will only work if employees believe they are getting a better deal, in order for them to get a better deal it is going to cost alot of money.

    I also asked you the question in my last comment how much would it cost to pay 50% of seniors car taxes? I didn't think it was out of line to ask a candidate for mayor what his proposals will cost. I agree with you when it comes to an audit. The problem is one should've been conducted already, and the people you support in the council bare some responsibility for that. That was another part of my last comment that you didn't address. Do you support the budget approved by the city council? I could go on, but I'll stop there. As far as cutting you slack you are a candidate for mayor of this city. If you cannot take debate or constructive criticism, I'm not sure this is the job for you.

    Also, I have been complimentary of you in other comments. Saying it's good that you put proposals out there. I also appreciate that fact that you stepped up to run. You weren't telling me to "cut you some slack" then.

    Did you cut the mayor slack when you suggested he knew nothing about the schools because he doesn't have a wife or kids? Lastly, name one question I asked that wasn't a fair question?

    Happy 4th!!!!

    Friday, July 1, 2016 Report this