Warwick is foothold for Irish companies

By Ethan Hartley
Posted 3/20/18

By ETHAN HARTLEY -- Two Irish companies are gearing up to conduct their first business in the United States, with Warwick as their entry point to the country, following the mayor's trade mission to Ireland in September.

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Warwick is foothold for Irish companies

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Two Irish companies are gearing up to conduct their first business in the United States, with Warwick as their foothold, following a trade mission undertaken by Mayor Scott Avedisian in September in conjunction with the Ireland West International Trade Centre.

Big Red Barn, a County Mayo-based producer of low-cost, highly energy efficient modular housing units and Ezewarm, an innovative producer (also from County Mayo) of solar-compatible, sub-floor heating units are targeting late spring/early summer time windows to showcase prototypes of their products in Warwick – both at no cost to the city.

At a roundtable discussion last Thursday morning in Avedisian’s office – a meeting in which even the mayor’s own chair was utilized by an Irish business delegate; Peter Hynes, chief executive for the Mayo County Council – the topic of the day was mutually-beneficial business collaboration, and there was palpable excitement among the more than dozen Irish business, tourism and political representatives in the room about the opportunities ahead for Rhode Island and the Emerald Isle.

"These are ideas with real value,” said Avedisian at the meeting. "This has been a process of growing ideas through collaboration and making them a reality."

"There is no bigger, more significant collective foreign investment group coming into Rhode Island than the county governments of Mayo, Clare, Sligo and Roscommon located on the west coast of Ireland and their local businesses they support through the Ireland West International Trade Centre in Providence," said Richard Pinto, manager for the West Ireland International Trade Centre.  "This mutually committed partnership becomes more exceptional with each visit and will pay growing dividends to Warwick and the state for many years to come."

The delegation first moved to Tennessee Avenue for a photo op and a groundbreaking on a plot where a two-bedroom, 800 square foot prototype of Big Red Barn’s is planned to be assembled. Step one towards that process happened Monday night, as Avedisian appeared before the Warwick Housing Authority for their approval of the site to become a future home for a low-income family in the city.

Doing more of that is the long-term goal with Big Red Barn, Avedisian said on Monday morning. Similar housing units in Warwick would go for around $250,000, according to Donal Byrne, CEO of Big Red Barn. However the Big Red Barn units can be assembled and purchased for less than $100,000. Byrne held up a poster with an example of one of the units, proud that the units more resemble “specialty homes” rather than what you may traditionally think of as a “modular home.”

"You wouldn’t know these were modular homes unless you were told," he said, adding that Big Red Barn, along with private investors, would pay the entire cost for the prototype unit in Warwick.

To Avedisian, the implications for low-cost, high-quality and energy-efficient housing could be tremendous for the state as a whole, not just Warwick.

The extent to which the state is able to implement these structures – which are assembled quickly via interlocking metal frames, are fully solar-capable and utilize energy efficient features to minimize loss of heat – on a large scale depends on the availability of land and money to build low-income housing. However Avedisian thinks the prototype will go a long way towards proving the concept.

"We think we’ll be able to demonstrate to people that it’s a cost-effective way to bring more housing to the state," he said.

A quick drive down to Warwick Mall revealed the next project for which Avedisian sees much potential – an Ezewarm installation at a bus terminal near Target. Ezewarm utilizes a coiled heat structure, deployable in a rolled up mat, underneath surfaces where people stand – such as at a bus or train stop – which produces heat. The technology is also utilized within the flooring of Big Red Barn structures.

Ezewarm technology can be powered directly via the grid, but its big selling point is the ability to be hooked up to solar power, which is more pragmatic for an isolated train or bus terminal than utilizing a traditional plug. The prototype of Ezewarm is expected to be installed at the Target bus stop, pending approval from the mall, by the late spring/early summer.

Avedisian said that he and Ezewarm CEO Brian Hopkins were working with Jeffrey Flath, founder, president and CEO of Warwick-based solar company eNow to potentially supply the panels for terminals. Flath has already worked with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to install solar panels on the roofs of its buses, and Avedisian said that RIPTA is looking to upgrade 600 of its bus stops throughout the state within the next two years.

A growing relationship

The recent and blossoming relationship between Rhode Island and Irish commerce goes back to at least 2014, when then-governor Lincoln Chafee visited on a trade mission. The Ireland West International Trade Centre, an LLC formed to make it easier for Irish companies to do business in the U.S., then launched in May of 2017 in Providence.

Physical access between Rhode Island and Ireland then became easier and more affordable last July, as the Rhode Island Airport Corporation announced direct flights via Norwegian Air to Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Belfast (as well as Edinburgh, Scotland) from T.F. Green in Warwick.

Then Avedisian went on his own trade mission to Ireland this past September, where he connected with Hopkins and Byrne and first discussed the concept of bringing their companies to Warwick. Those negotiations were no doubt aided by the established free trade zone near T.F. Green, in addition to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s application to make the entirety of the state a free trade zone, which would significantly lessen the burden for foreign entities to export their products.

This would also potentially benefit Warwick employers, as local contractors could be utilized to help assemble and transport products imported from overseas. Byrne said during the meeting on Thursday that he was committed to bringing as many Warwick employers into the fold as was feasible, and that job creation was an important part of the International Trade Center’s mission.

"This was a very promising trip and we hope this will be the start of great things to come for Big Red Barn and Warwick as we are 100 percent committed to grow our business throughout the U.S. and North America using Warwick as our base," said Byrne. "We love Rhode Island, Mayor Avedisian and his team’s positive 'can do' attitude."

The meeting on Thursday included heads of enterprise from four Irish counties – Mayo (John Magee); Sligo (John Reilly); Roscommon (Louise Ward); and Clare (Padraic McElwee) – in addition to the Mayors of County Mayo (Richard Finn) and County Sligo (Seamus Kilgannon). Mayor of County Roscommon, Orla Leydon, was unable to attend.

Avedisian said on Monday that there will be more announcements coming down the pipeline soon, and that the rapidity which these trade developments are coming to fruition is an indication of the strong opportunities to come.

“You know how slow government works,” he said. “To have the first discussion in September and have it taking place so quickly is pretty amazing.”

Ireland Warwick connection, Ireland West International Trade Centre, International Trade Centre Ireland Warwick, Ireland and Warwick business, Ireland and Warwick connection, Irish businesses in Warwick, Warwick and Ireland in business

Comments

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  • CrickeeRaven

    Recently, the fake "mayor" stated: "If he opens up a new Irish or Israeli business... that employees [sic] hundreds (or even dozens) of Warwick citizens then I will sincerely apologize."

    He also erroneously termed actual Mayor Avedisian's business development visits to Ireland and Israel as "vacations."

    [http://warwickonline.com/stories/mayor-brings-back-economic-opportunities-from-israel,131931?#comments]

    Now that the actual mayor's efforts are bringing businesses that will employ local residents, the fake "mayor" now has a prime opportunity to back up at least one of his statements.

    And while he is apologizing for bashing the city and its efforts to bring in new businesses, maybe he will also finally apologize for his ethically questionable and potentially illegal campaign activities, which include failing to report campaign spending in a timely manner, paying for a lie-filled advertisement, posting illegal campaign signs all over the city, and giving campaign funds to the same person who previously paid the delinquent tax bill on the fake "mayor's" residence:

    https://warwickpost.com/gop-chair-files-election-board-complaint-against-corrente-for-failing-to-report-ad-hq-spending/

    https://warwickpost.com/cote-corrente-political-signs-illegally-posted-city-traffic-control-boxes/

    https://warwickpost.com/digit-spinner-richard-corrente-fudges-numbers/

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • Kammy

    I wish I could see the chagrined faces of all those that have made comments about the Mayors mission trips being poorly disguised taxpayer funded vacations.

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    Hopefully, we can get Greencore to locate here.

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • Reality

    Is it true CrickeeRaven works for the Warwick Post and is cheerleader for Avedisian ?

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    No, Reality, I do not work for the Post. If you can find any articles from the Beacon that address those same issues, please link them here -- but you won't. That's why I link to the Post's articles.

    I have also routinely posted links to past Beacon articles [including the one in my earlier comment, which you either missed or ignored].

    As far as being a "cheerleader," I support the actual mayor over the fake "mayor," who has used the Beacon as a free political advertising platform and been proven a liar on many occasions.

    Is it true, then, that you support a candidate who regularly lies about basic facts, uses his campaign account to pay back someone who covered for his proven tax delinquency, and repeats false assertions even after they have been disproven multiple times?

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    The Beacon has reported on the city GOP chairman's complaint against the fake "mayor" today:

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/city-gop-files-complaint-on-corrente-candidate-argues-no-wrong-doing,132451?

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • Reality

    CrickeeRaven....in spite of your protestations to the contrary, you are a stalking horse for Avedisian. When "the captain" pointed out the abuses of the fire dept sick time etc. you didn't say a word. The reason being it reflected poorly on your boy, Scottie.

    If you go back and read your postings you will find you never commented on any post that pointed out Scottie terrible record as Mayor. The financial condition of this city is horrendous.

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Reality, for someone with that username, you sure spend a lot of time inventing stories, like my reasons for commenting [or not]. The fact is, I have no argument with Thecaptain and believe him on the issues with the fire department.

    To answer what your point seems to be, I think the actual mayor is doing a good job and will do a much better job than the fake "mayor" claims he would do. 26,000+ other voters who elected him in 2016 think so, too.

    If you have proof for your claims that the city's financial condition is "horrendous," go ahead and post it. Otherwise you're just engaging in the same kind of city-bashing that the fake "mayor" wrongly believes will help him in his latest soon-to-fail campaign.

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Mayor Avedisian has practically destroyed Warwick with his failure to address the unsustainable costs associated with City employee retiree pension and healthcare expenses. His over the top free lifetime healthcare for both employee and spouse is draining millions of dollars from education programs, senior and youth services and all other programs in the city. Once he is gone as Mayor the true extent of his policies will be felt by every person living and doing business in the city.

    See the following analysis by copying this link in your browser.

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cdTPu3KTMslZMQ2RCv2oY0wpWuZtHlL2/view?usp=sharing

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • Reality

    Thank you former Councilman Cushman for your comprehensive overview of the failed fiscal policies of the Avedisian Administration.

    I hope CrickeeRaven reviews your copious documents and sees how I arrived at my conclusion that Avedisian has set Warwick up for failure.

    Warwick desperately needs new leadership.

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Kammy,

    No "chagrined face". I'm happy to be wrong on this one. And if this new business brings jobs for Warwick residents, I sincerely apologize for suggesting otherwise. I didn't notice how many Warwick citizens they plan to hire. Any time Warwick gets back some of the 4,666 businesses we lost over the last ten years (according to the U.S. Census and the R.I. Secretary of States office) that's a good day for the taxpayers.

    I don't understand how a company can offer a $250,000 house assembled and purchased for under $100,000, especially when it has to be transported all the way from Ireland, but I do like the part where it says "at no cost to the City"

    Happy Spring Kammy,

    Happy Spring everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    "Any time Warwick gets back some of the 4,666 businesses we lost over the last ten years..."

    Kammy, we know that this is a lie. It has been disproven, with facts and evidence, with the truth provided to the fake "mayor" multiple times. No matter how often he repeats it, this statement it still a lie.

    https://warwickpost.com/numbers-game-corrente-claims-of-lost-businesses-dont-add-up/

    Reality, I am familiar with Mr. Cushman's work. Provide your own information instead of hiding behind others.

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • Reality

    CrickeeRaven....I don't have behind anyone to know what a fiscal disaster Avedisian has been.....you are the one being disingenuous by not admitting you are a big supporter of the Mayor.

    Are you running the Avedisian re-election committee?

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    CrickeeRaven many folks on this blog, including "Realit"y and "The Captain" are not only familiar with my analysis, however unlike you, they agree with my conclusions about Mayor Avedisian detrimental policies destroying this city.

    So characterizing "Reality" as “hiding behind others” is nothing more than a personnel attack on him/her to detract from your lack of taking a position on Mayor Avedisian’s culpability in the financial crisis facing the city.

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Reality and Bob_Cushman:

    More conspiracy theories -- "Are you running the Avedisian re-election committee?" -- and scolding -- "nothing more than a personnel (the word is "personal," Bob) attack on him/her to detract from your lack of taking a position" -- you're following the fake "mayor's" playbook and proving why no one takes your claims seriously.

    Also, in your haste to comment, you missed or ignored where I wrote, very clearly and in English, that I support the actual mayor over the fake "mayor." Although Bob gets points for moving the goalposts and demanding my "position on Mayor Avedisian’s culpability..." That's a heck of a rhetorical strategy, Bob: Set out a premise that you define and demand that others agree with it.

    I'm sure you will both have incisive and factually-correct evaluations of why, if the city is on the brink of fiscal disaster as you so often claim, it continues to achieve higher bond ratings and positive audit reports.

    No, actually, I'm certain of exactly the opposite. You'll just keep repeating your talking points -- much like the fake "mayor."

    I will give the two of you this: You're consistent in your behavior, including your support of yet another losing candidate.

    Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Report this

  • Kammy

    Respectfully, Bob_Cushman, correct me if I am wrong but aren't the municipal employees also covered under a union? Would that mean that just as the teachers and police/fire there is a lot of negotiation and bargaining for benefits? I have read through your analysis as well as the GASB Report to try and understand your points further. If the retirees and their dependents are protected by a union then I would find it hard to credit Avedisian with the entire blame on the polices. Also, in regards to your analysis, there are some points that factor in to the rise just as much as added administrative jobs. Inflation, the ageing population, and health care costs all play a role in the higher amounts of money being spent. Those rate hikes are unavoidable for any town/city/state. I would be interested in your opinion on what can be done now to minimize the fall out that you suggest will happen when he is no longer Mayor.

    Also, I do side with CrickeeRaven regarding his take on the fake mayor. That doesn't mean that I am an avid supporter of Avedisian (or part of his campaign) but that I take a great deal of offense to some of the comments Mr. Corrente has posted as well as his self-titled taxpayers mayor moniker. If a person chooses to try and run their campaign in the comment section of a local paper then I firmly believe it is acceptable for others to debate and challenge those comments. Although, it is probably in his best interest to campaign for free since he seems to have gotten tripped up with reporting his campaign finances.

    I am always ready to learn and grow as long as there is a healthy dose of respect in the debate. Thank you for providing the link to your analysis.

    Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Hello again Kammy:

    You very rightly bring up many of the same concerns that I have with Bob Cushman's analysis, the top one being that it is a selective reading of information that he uses to confirm his own preconceived conclusions.

    I also take issue with many of the underlying premises behind those conclusions; as you correctly point out, pension are negotiated with unions, meaning there are two parties who participate. One of Bob's premises is that the city should be able to unilaterally slash those negotiated and legally-protected contractual obligations with no consequences. In reality, any city that tries to do that winds up in lengthy and expensive court battles, which typically wipes out any "savings" that are promised.

    Another of Bob's premises, as you pointed out, is that Mayor Avedisian is solely to blame for the city's fiscal condition. This ignores the fact that the Democratic party has had a majority on the city council -- the body that approves the annual budget -- for many years and has apparently found the mayor's budget plans to be worthy of support.

    One of the most troubling premises behind Bob's argument is that Warwick stands on the brink of financial disaster -- and if we all just wait long enough, it'll happen. Thing is, he's been arguing this for many years, and it hasn't happened. The city's bond rating has improved, its audits have been positive, and the city has not been hit with anything like the fiscal crises that have affected other communities of its size [Cranston, Pawtucket, Providence].

    This leads to the real premise behind Bob's beliefs: He thinks that Warwick voters are so stupid, and that Avedisian has so effectively misled us for years, that we just don't realize that there's a financial collapse lurking around the next corner. Much of his argument is based on the idea that he, alone -- along with a small group of true-believers like "Reality" -- truly know what's happening "behind the scenes" at City Hall. The rest of us are just sheep who are falling for a nearly two-decade long scam -- or we're somehow connected to Avedisian.

    I'm just not going to agree with someone who tells me and other voters that we're too stupid to understand publicly-available information because we reach the clearest and most common-sense conclusion, instead of the one they reach by viewing that same information through the narrowest and most negative filter.

    As I've said, I agree with the Thecaptain that there are problems with the fire department, to use one example; the FY17 audit shows that the WFD finished the fiscal year something like $600,000 over budget. So, there are issues in Warwick -- but to me, they don't justify the doom-and-gloom that Bob Cushman and his friends continually try to push.

    Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Kammy, please post this link to a January 7, 2010 interview Mayor Avedisian had with Jim Hummel from "The Hummel Report" regarding over the top benefits the mayor provided to employees. Pay particular attention to the 3:19 mark in the video for the dialog between Avedisian and Hummel.

    http://www.hummelreport.org/Stories/1_7_2010_sick360.html

    There is no doubt that it demonstrates the Mayor's short term philosophy on how he has negotiated contracts with the unions throughout his tenure as mayor and developed a strategy of providing new benefits to keep labor piece and balance the budget with no regard to the impact of the cost of those benefits in the future (or tomorrow, as referred in the interview).

    Here is the word for word dialog from the Interview:

    [Avedisian admitted in our interview there is such an acute crisis in municipal budgeting these days, HE HAS HAD TO TRADE TOMORROW FOR TODAY. . .

    ``Think about it, every time you hit a bad budget cycle it is `I need relief from where we are today, AND THAT’S HOW YOU END UP GETTING ADDITIONAL HOLIDAYS, ADDITIONAL BENEFITS, ADDITIONAL PERKS,’ BECAUSE THERE’S NO CASH TO GIVE OUT THAT TIME.’’

    Hummel: ``Did you think you had leverage a year ago in February, or did the unions have more leverage?’’ Avedisian: ``I think we had more leverage last time.’’ Hummel: ``And were you satisfied with what you extracted from that contract?’’ Avedisian: ``WE WANTED MORE BUT IT GOT US TO WHERE WE NEEDED TO BE TO BALANCE OUR BUDGET FOR LAST YEAR.’’] But no thought to how this cost will impact the future!

    The analysis I provided, investigating the last 15 years of the city budgets, clearly show what the effect of the Avedisian short sighted approach as had on programs and services throughout the city. Avedisian’s management strategy has directly contributed to the fiscal crisis we are now experience in the city. As further proof, the independent city auditor Parmell Poirier & Associates, indicated in the April 1, 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, that the Financial Health of the city was “deteriorating” based on the decrease in the City’s net position.

    Link to previous analysis: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cdTPu3KTMslZMQ2RCv2oY0wpWuZtHlL2/view?usp=sharing

    Although these facts have been disputed and dismissed by Avedisian and his minions who have given the mayor immunity by blaming the City Council, the school department (who both share some responsibility) or simply sighting insignificant bond rating reports that have no correlation to why our roads are pot holed ridden, our school and city building are falling apart and programs and services for the elderly, poor, homeless and children have either been cut or eliminated in the last 10 years while spending increases each year leading to new property taxes.

    Also, please don’t take my criticism of the current mayor’s policies as support for Mr. Corrente or anyone else for Mayor. I just find it hypercritical that the mayor gets a pass all the time on this blog.

    Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Wow, that 2010 video sure is a damning critique of the mayor's approach to contracts -- if you ignore or forget that he negotiated fire and police contracts in 2012 with no salary hikes, increases in healthcare co-payments, and an overall reduction in the pension liability of $30 million: http://warwickonline.com/stories/city-pay-pacts-ease-burden-on-taxpayers,72646?

    This is a terrible outcome -- if you believe that unions only exist to suck the life out of cities and are incapable of recognizing when "the economy doesn’t allow for [raises]," as the president of the FOP said at the time.

    You'd also have to ignore the successful renegotiation of those contracts in 2015 if you were intent on proving that unions are only there to bankrupt a city.

    Here's the breakdown of the salary increases:

    Fire: July 1, 2015 1.5%; July 1, 2016 1.5%; January 1, 2017 1.5%; July 1, 2017 1.5%

    and January 1, 2018 1.5%

    Police: 3% each in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

    AFSCME: 3% each in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

    Here's the webpage with links to these contracts: https://www.warwickri.gov/personnel-department/pages/current-municipal-contracts

    Since 2012, fire salaries have gone up a combined 7.5% while the police and municipal employee salaries have gone up 9% -- that would be a real disaster, if you didn't believe that contracts can be negotiated responsibly between a city and its union.

    If you were intent on proving that the city is due for a fiscal crisis, you'd need to believe that bond ratings are "insignificant" when they show the city in a good light, whereas a 2016 financial report that shows the city in a bad light is the real truth.

    And if you had that mindset, you could certainly provide a valid explanation for another unqualified audit of the city's books for FY17, other than the city being in good financial shape: https://warwickpost.com/audit-warwick-shows-fy17-9-5m-surplus-long-term-debt-shrunk-8-9m/

    Or, you could just bash the mayor and say you're the only one who knows the truth -- there's no way voters would see through that, is there?

    Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear CrickeeRaven,

    I stated that "Anytime Warwick gets back some of the 4,666 businesses it lost over the last ten years (according to the U.S. Census and the R.I. Secretary of States office)..."

    You accused me of lying. You said "It has been disproven with facts and evidence".

    Where are your "facts"?

    Where is your "evidence"?

    I stated where my information comes from. That is the credible thing to do. It's basic journalism 101. Where do your "facts" and "evidence" come from? How come you never state your source? Ever? And why do you need "evidence" if you have "facts"?

    Your slandering remarks are going to cost you if you're not careful CrickeeRaven.

    Fake news, fake sources, fake people, fake names.

    Happy Spring everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Let's pretend that the facts behind the fake "mayor's" false claims have not been provided to him on multiple occasions, including earlier in this very comment thread. For his benefit, since he is so adamant about ignoring reality, let's start from the beginning:

    Here is the link to the news article that provides the true facts and honest comparison of information about the Warwick business sector: https://warwickpost.com/numbers-game-corrente-claims-of-lost-businesses-dont-add-up/

    Here is what that article says about the fake "mayor's" comparison: "[S]ince each entity uses a different method to count businesses, there’s no direct comparison between the federal government’s numbers and state data."

    See where it says "there's no direct comparison?" That means that subtracting the state number from the federal number is wrong. It is dishonest. It is a lie.

    Here's what else the fact-based and properly researched article says about the fake "mayor's" attempt to lie to voters: "What is clear from a correct review of the data is that whatever the methodology, none of the reporting entities — the city, the state, or the U.S. Census — show anything near the 4,666 lost businesses since 2007 that Corrente is claiming. An accurate comparison of the numbers available from the U.S. Census, the Rhode Island Secretary of State, and Warwick City Hall doesn’t support Corrente’s claim."

    This is an actual article from a real news website written by a real person using actual research and provable data -- completely contrary to the fake "mayor's" claims that they are somehow "fake."

    - "How come you never state your source? Ever?"

    Here's an article from July 5, 2017 where I provided this exact information to the fake "mayor," including a detailed explanation of the source for the information:

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/making-sure-warwick-businesses-have-a-shot-at-city-contracts,125765?#comments

    Here is another one, from October 26, 2017: http://warwickonline.com/stories/all-gone,128931?#comments

    There are many more, but these disprove the fake "mayor's" claim that I "never" provided the source of the information.

    As he has so often before, the fake "mayor" compounds one lie with more -- and with a pathetic threat: "your slandering remarks are going to cost you..."

    And it is the fake "mayor's" lies that will cost him -- in November when he is overwhelmingly defeated at the polls yet again by tens of thousands of honest, taxpaying voters.

    Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    I didn't want to jump into this but these added facts need to be presented. Crick, as far as the 2012 - 2015 pay freezes that the mayor did such a great job negotiating, lets look at some facts pertinent to the WFD that have not been presented here to date. These numbers are from APRA requests that I received from the city.

    During the "pay freeze period" overtime as follows:

    $3,236,011

    $2,045,854,

    $1,544,701

    I also have the 3 year base salary and end of year salaries for the WFD for those 3 years. With exception to men out on long term injury, every man on the job saw an increase in pay. A substantial increase in pay. Basically, every man received a promotion, so the salary increases were hidden by the promotion and overtime was carefully contrived and abused.

    Lets also not forget that in 2014 the WFD also received a 3.1 million dollar grant to train 22 more firefighters. Of that 3.1 million, 1.3 million was salary, 1.8 million was benefits.

    In fact, for example, I have the 3 years of W2 forms for the following men:

    Francis Colantonio, Thomas Maymon, and James Jordan

    The increase in salary for just these 3 men during the "PAY FREEZE PERIOD" was $238,180

    Colantonio had a salary increase from $99,074 - $124,276 and received an additional $66,895 in overtime.

    Jordan had an increase in salary from $86,983 - $116,734 and received an additional $82,433 in overtime.

    Maymon had an increase in salary from $87,734 - $138,575 and received an additional $88,849 in overtime.

    Unfortunaltely the documents sent to me are in PDF so I cant cut and paste them onto this site, but rest assured, I have them and I am willing to make copies to give to anyone who wants them.

    Also very important to note. The increase in the unused sick pay by 50% for the WFD resulted in, on average, an 8.2% raise from the previous year (2015) and those payments increased each year as the WFD salary increased thru the 9% raise that they got over the 3 years. So in essence, the men on the unused sick pay bonus list received 24.6% increase over 3 years in addition to the 9% contract raise. Not a bad deal.

    I would also like to point out that last April when the city actuary Joe Newton from Gabriel Roder came to address the city council he was asked by councilman Merolla the following: "based upon your assessment of the city finances and our position with pensions and benefits, when if any, will there be a time when we have past the point of no return".

    Joe Newton answer - "that was about 5 years ago".

    This was a remarkable revelation to several of us, who are not beneficiaries of the mayors extremely generous method of keeping labor peace. In addition, Newton was asked the following: If this city's fiscal management was a business model, would you approve of it. His answer - "I would run out of town". I will search and get the audio link and post it.

    So although I think that Corrente is an unadulterated fool and fiscal mess, I certainly, based upon the facts that I have uncovered through APRA requests, would not label Scott Avedisian as fiscally accountable or acting in the best interest of the residents of Warwick. Remember, he is a politician who would sell his mothers womb for a vote.

    Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Thank you Captain for explaining the real compensation numbers and showing how Avedisian has been able to hide the real costs of the unsustainable benefits he has given away.

    Let me also stand corrected and agree with Crickee that it not only is Avedisian responsible for these terrible contracts. The former chief of staff at the time was a total failure in trying to get concessions from the unions. I can still recall during the many budget hearing his ranting on how he and the mayor were working to eliminate automate COLA payment to retired employees and impose co-pays on their healthcare. Well none of that was accomplished and today automatic COLA and free lifetime healthcare with $600 caps on prescription drug are costing taxpayers millions of dollars a year.

    The man talked a good talk but never delivered on his promises. Total failure.

    Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    I will admit not knowing about that information, Thecaptain, and thank you for your work in getting it.

    As I have said, I agree with your assessment that there are issues with WFD that must be addressed. Same goes for pensions -- maybe it's time to look into what Johnston did a few years back in moving retirees to Medicare for healthcare to at least reduce the city's OPEB liability?

    And while I generally agree with you on these matters, based on the volumes of evidence you present, I have a different opinion on the mayor. What I will say is, the true test of his character is how he addresses these serious issues -- and he has a lot left to prove.

    Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Since I have single handedly uncovered the willful destruction of financial documents on the part of the WFD, maybe it is time to look into the grant monies and to ensure in fact, that all monies were spent correctly and that no monies were re-alocated to any other line item. As you know, federal grant money must be accounted for and cannot be used for any other reason other than what is specified in the grant. That means that the WFD must have a balance sheet outlining the expenditures for all grants. Grants such as the following:

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/12m-in-grants-to-help-upgrade-warwick-cranston-fire-equipment,78179?

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/wfd-receives-414620-grant-to-fund-breathing-devices-for-firefighters,51144?

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/federal-grant-to-go-to-fire-training-facility-sprinkler-alarm-system,95298?

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/1m-federal-grant-to-enhance-fire-dept-search-rescue-training,105195?

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/firefighting-team-to-be-trained-for-high-risk-accidents,105639?

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/trained-to-rescue-from-tight-spots,112290?

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/fire-dept-special-operations-benefit-from-grant-funding,126363?

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/in-the-hot-seat-officials-media-suit-up-for-fire-ops-101,118250?

    Would anyone like to volunteer some time to put forth some APRA requests? Maybe Corrente can do some research.

    Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Before the fake "mayor" replies with another of his delusional rants [and asking other readers' indulgence while I rip apart his last one], let's look directly at the data:

    The R.I. Secretary of State provided information to the Post that showed 4,589 businesses as of July 20, 2016, an increase of 839 from the 3,750 the same office reported in 2015 -- not a loss of 4,600.

    The memo from the Secretary of State to the city is here: https://html1-f.scribdassets.com/7sttjaherk5fsa5w/images/2-031a73d86a.jpg

    Here is the link to US Census information about the business sector in Warwick:

    http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/4474300

    Scroll down to where it says "All firms, 2012" and you will find a number of 8,299. In 2007, that number as reported by the US Census was 8,410.

    8,410 - 8,299 = 111. Not 4,600.

    Here's the link to another prior article From Sept. 1, 2016 where I provided this information to the fake "mayor," before he falsely accused me of lying: http://warwickonline.com/stories/warwick-ranked-28th-in-national-rating-of-city-services,115848

    In his comments on that article, the fake "mayor" also falsely claimed that his figures "were independently verified by the Beacon" -- yet in an article from May 31, 2016, the Beacon reported: "Corrente acknowledged he is comparing data from two different sources... Corrente didn’t have more current census or more historic secretary of state figures that would have given comparisons."

    In fact, the information the fake "mayor" provided was evaluated by the Beacon as being incomplete -- and he admitted that he was setting up a false comparison.

    In that same article, the fake "mayor" falsely accused the city of "stonewalling" his requests for business information -- yet the Post article includes the PDF version of an April 13, 2015 "response to records request" from the Warwick Tax Assessor providing specific information about the number of businesses in the city:

    https://html1-f.scribdassets.com/7sttjaherk5fsa5w/images/1-59156fd3a1.jpg

    That data shows that the city recorded 3,930 businesses in 2010 and 3,844 in 2014.

    3,930 - 3,844 = 86. Not 4,600.

    So, either the fake "mayor" is suffering from amnesia -- or he is intentionally lying to voters.

    Thursday, March 22, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Before the fake "mayor" replies with another of his delusional rants [and asking other readers' indulgence while I rip apart his last one], let's look directly at the data:

    The R.I. Secretary of State provided information to the Post that showed 4,589 businesses as of July 20, 2016, an increase of 839 from the 3,750 the same office reported in 2015 -- not a loss of 4,600.

    The memo from the Secretary of State to the city is here: https://html1-f.scribdassets.com/7sttjaherk5fsa5w/images/2-031a73d86a.jpg

    Here is the link to US Census information about the business sector in Warwick:

    http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/4474300

    Scroll down to where it says "All firms, 2012" and you will find a number of 8,299. In 2007, that number as reported by the US Census was 8,410.

    8,410 - 8,299 = 111. Not 4,600.

    Here's the link to another prior article From Sept. 1, 2016 where I provided this information to the fake "mayor," before he falsely accused me of lying: http://warwickonline.com/stories/warwick-ranked-28th-in-national-rating-of-city-services,115848

    In his comments on that article, the fake "mayor" also falsely claimed that his figures "were independently verified by the Beacon" -- yet in an article from May 31, 2016, the Beacon reported: "Corrente acknowledged he is comparing data from two different sources... Corrente didn’t have more current census or more historic secretary of state figures that would have given comparisons."

    In fact, the information the fake "mayor" provided was evaluated by the Beacon as being incomplete -- and he admitted that he was setting up a false comparison.

    In that same article, the fake "mayor" falsely accused the city of "stonewalling" his requests for business information -- yet the Post article includes the PDF version of an April 13, 2015 "response to records request" from the Warwick Tax Assessor providing specific information about the number of businesses in the city:

    https://html1-f.scribdassets.com/7sttjaherk5fsa5w/images/1-59156fd3a1.jpg

    That data shows that the city recorded 3,930 businesses in 2010 and 3,844 in 2014.

    3,930 - 3,844 = 86. Not 4,600.

    So, either the fake "mayor" is suffering from amnesia -- or he is intentionally lying to voters.

    Thursday, March 22, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Before the fake "mayor" replies with another of his delusional rants [and asking other readers' indulgence while I rip apart his last one], let's look directly at the data:

    The R.I. Secretary of State provided information to the Post that showed 4,589 businesses as of July 20, 2016, an increase of 839 from the 3,750 the same office reported in 2015 -- not a loss of 4,600.

    The memo from the Secretary of State to the city is here: https://html1-f.scribdassets.com/7sttjaherk5fsa5w/images/2-031a73d86a.jpg

    Here is the link to US Census information about the business sector in Warwick:

    http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/4474300

    Scroll down to where it says "All firms, 2012" and you will find a number of 8,299. In 2007, that number as reported by the US Census was 8,410.

    8,410 - 8,299 = 111. Not 4,600.

    Here's the link to another prior article From Sept. 1, 2016 where I provided this information to the fake "mayor," before he falsely accused me of lying: http://warwickonline.com/stories/warwick-ranked-28th-in-national-rating-of-city-services,115848

    In his comments on that article, the fake "mayor" also falsely claimed that his figures "were independently verified by the Beacon" -- yet in an article from May 31, 2016, the Beacon reported: "Corrente acknowledged he is comparing data from two different sources... Corrente didn’t have more current census or more historic secretary of state figures that would have given comparisons."

    In fact, the information the fake "mayor" provided was evaluated by the Beacon as being incomplete -- and he admitted that he was setting up a false comparison.

    In that same article, the fake "mayor" falsely accused the city of "stonewalling" his requests for business information -- yet the Post article includes the PDF version of an April 13, 2015 "response to records request" from the Warwick Tax Assessor providing specific information about the number of businesses in the city:

    https://html1-f.scribdassets.com/7sttjaherk5fsa5w/images/1-59156fd3a1.jpg

    That data shows that the city recorded 3,930 businesses in 2010 and 3,844 in 2014.

    3,930 - 3,844 = 86. Not 4,600.

    So, either the fake "mayor" is suffering from amnesia -- or he is intentionally lying to voters.

    Thursday, March 22, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Apologies to others for the multiple posts; I received an error message from the Beacon and do not know how that happened.

    Thursday, March 22, 2018 Report this

  • Kammy

    Gentlemen,

    I have basic budget knowledge that has gotten me through 40+ years. A few years ago someone pointed me in the direction of the Beacon and I felt like a fish out of water as I read article after article of how our city is run. THEN I DISCOVERED THE COMMENT SECTION! From that point on I dutifully read every comment and looked up definitions and terms so that I could educate myself. I am still a newbie with a very tiny grasp of the situation but I am sure in time I will be able to understand the finer workings of Warwick City Government. I appreciate the personal time and money you all put up to provide documentation and proof of what is happening. I am thankful for the explanations provided. I do check out each link added and I even save them to use as a reference. I no longer wish to be clueless about how my city runs.

    I hope you all keep fighting the good fight and know that there are people who are paying attention. They may never run for office or stand up at a town meeting but they make their voices heard in the voting booth. Here's hoping we have a real contender enter the race this year and give Avedisian a run for his money! A little shake up now and then is good for us all.

    Friday, March 23, 2018 Report this