All the signs of an election

By John Howell
Posted 9/29/16

Signs of the Nov. 8 election are everywhere, and they promise to get even more plentiful in the coming weeks. That presents a dilemma for Christine Allen, Mayor Scott Avedisian's campaign manager. In an interview Tuesday, she claimed a

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All the signs of an election

Posted

Signs of the Nov. 8 election are everywhere, and they promise to get even more plentiful in the coming weeks.

That presents a dilemma for Christine Allen, Mayor Scott Avedisian’s campaign manager. In an interview Tuesday, she claimed a number of Richard Corrente signs are on city property and should be removed, but if she files a complaint with the city and city workers remove the signs, the Democratic candidate will cry that Avedisian is using his position to benefit himself.

“[Avedisian is] in a no-win situation there,” Allen said.

That hasn’t stopped Allen from filing a complaint with the state Department of Transportation about Corrente signs on state property.

Meanwhile, there appears to be a virtual free-for-all on the placement of political signs with them popping up all over the city. It promises to get even more cluttered.

“We just got more today,” Corrente said from his headquarters on Warwick Avenue. He gave his sign count at 50 “fat boys,” signs measuring four-by-four feet; 200 “little boys” at two-by-two feet; and 300 “baby boys” at one-by-two feet. In addition, Corrente has “little itty-bitty boys” that resemble a Rhode Island license plate with his name and a yellow November sticker in one corner.

When informed of Allen’s allegations, Corrente’s initial response was, “that’s like calling the kettle black.” He said some Avedisian signs are on city or state property, but he didn’t identify where. He said in seeking to find locations for his signs, businesses and homeowners have turned him down fearing retaliation from the mayor.

“You’ve heard the words extortion and retaliation,” he said. “People have no choice but to put up Avedisian signs.”

Allen said the campaign has 50 large and 450 small Avedisian signs.

As for the indiscriminate placement of his signs, Corrente said he has permission from property owners “99 percent of the time.” He said he finds people are receptive to his requests to put up a sign and his campaign.

“I’m an outspoken salesperson,” he said. He said his signs are “immediately taken down” should a property owner call and complain. He said occasionally a husband or wife will not have communicated with each other and were unaware approval was granted.

As for claims of extortion, Avedisian said in an email, “Once again, charges and no proof…Corrente needs to stop his foolishness.”

Al DeCorte, director and building official for the city, was unaware of any complaints over signs. He pointed out that an outline of city ordinances as to when political signs can be erected and warnings on their placement so as not to obstruct views of traffic were distributed to all declared candidates. He is uncertain as to how he might follow up on a complaint, pointing out that the courts have struck down efforts to have political signs removed on the basis of First Amendment rights. Also, he noted, the department would need to ascertain the owner of the property where the sign is erected and whether approval had been granted.

There does appear to be a bit of sign frenzy, too, as Corrente admits.

“If it’s a boarded up house with 12 signs,” he said, “well, guess what, there’s going to be 13 of them.”

Corrente said September has been a month to get out his signs and he will devote October to meeting and greeting voters – “belly-button to belly-button.” He expects to be walking door to door with Democratic candidates.

Allen said Avedisian would also be out walking. She said about 250 people attended Avedisian’s fundraiser at Iggy’s Boardwalk Monday night. Another fundraiser is planned for Oct. 24 at Harbor Lights and a rally at headquarters on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.

She said the campaign sent letters to all veterans in September highlighting efforts the administration has made on their behalf. A letter addressed to seniors will go out this month outlining city services available to them. She said the mayor would also host chowder events at seven senior citizen complexes in the coming weeks.

As for her complaint to the DOT, Allen said she was told the state would inform Corrente to remove his signs from state property and if not removed they would be taken down.

Comments

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  • Thecaptain

    "Al DeCorte, director and building official for the city, was unaware of any complaints over signs."

    Again this prooves my point as to the utter incompetence of the building inspector. How is this comment possible when I have made severalcomplaints, both in person and by phone, along with numerous other people, particularly pointing out the Vella Wilkinson violations of oversized signs and signs on city and state property. Just more smoking mirrors fromthe City workers protecting those that have allowed them to rob us blind. In fact, after the last conversation I wrote this lettert to the editor:

    THE RULES DON’T APPLY

    For in excess of 2 months, Councilwoman Camille Wilkinson has displayed campaign signs which are in direct violation of Warwick City Ordinance 803.5 which reads as follows:

    Political signs, non-illuminated, incidental to a city, state, or federal election or referendum, or signs which are political in nature. Such signs shall be constructed of durable material, and shall be prohibited from trees, traffic signs or utility poles. Such signs shall be erected not more than 60 days prior to such election or referendum, or in any event, no premises shall have a sign erected for more than 120 days in any calendar year. Political signs relating to any election or referendum shall be removed within 14 days after said election or referendum. In all districts, such signs shall [are] not to exceed 16 square feet in area per side.

    Not only did Wilkinson erect signs prior to 60 days before her primary, she has also erected signs on city and state property and more notably, the sign at her “campaign office” is twice the square footage which is allowed by ordinance. Numerous residents have made complaints to the building inspectors department for in excess of 2 months, however, to no avail and no enforcement.

    Upon contacting the building department for the third time in 2 months I was told that the building inspector has not had time to go to the building to see the sign, nor have they been able to contact Wilkinson.

    In other words, no one has been able to contact the elected official that frequents city hall on a regular basis? We are supposed to believe that?

    Immediately after declaration day all candidates were given a packet containing the sign ordinance. Wilkinson, an elected official that has sat on the ordinance committee and voted on numerous ordinances, doesn’t understand a regulation of the city on a committee that she sits on? Was she unable to read the packet that was given to her after declaring candidacy? Or could it be as simple as she is ignoring the ordinance and giving the middle finger wave, yet again, to the rules and regulations that we are all supposed to abide by?

    The problem is that this individual has an established pattern of behavior of not following rules. For example, due to her activities she has been cited twice by the attorney general and fined $2000 for open meetings violations. She circumvented the city charter and single handedly hired her friend Kathleen Avila as the city council auditor. (by the way, no record of her work product has ever been produced) She has gone out of her way to sequester the voices of people who wish to make public statements about city issues both at council meetings and at the charter review commission meetings. She openly ignored all of the recommendations of the healthcare consultant that would have saved money for the residents. She debated the clear simple English of Rule 20 so as to stop people from commenting on legislation that was on the council agenda. And interestingly enough, she sicked the building inspector on a store owner that was displaying a car tax revolt sign.

    Now I am supposed to believe, as I was told, that the building inspector hasn’t had the time to go and look at the illegal sign. Well, maybe if the building inspector didn’t take 90 minute daily lunch breaks at Sam’s Inn, and maybe if he wasn’t photographed buying a surround sound system at Sears during the work day, he would have time. The point is very simple. To these people, the rules don’t apply.

    Thursday, September 29, 2016 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Rob,

    A couple of things. The zoning ordinance is 803.5 D and it does not apply to any sign other than "lawn signs". For example, if she or any candidate wants a 50' X 50' sign on their vehicle or office roof it is not covered by this regulation. Neither are billboard signs. As far as the square footage, you're right, and the most common size is 4' by 4' which is exactly 16 square feet, the largest size I have seen her use. I have seen a few 4' by 8' signs but none by Camille (or me).

    As far as her "jumping the gun" she did not, but another candidate did, for school committee and he was taken to task for it. I honestly didn't see anyone else violate that regulation at that time, and Rob, I was looking!

    One more thing. What is a "smoking mirror"? Did you mean "smoke and mirrors"?

    As you know, Camille and I have not always agreed on issues but on this one I have to side with her. It seems to me she is being compliant.

    At least from what I can see.

    Happy Autumn Rob.

    Richard Corrente

    Endorsed Democrat for Mayor

    Thursday, September 29, 2016 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Rick,

    Are you F"ing bipolar? Camile has a 4x8 sign at her campaign headquarters. She put signs up weeks before the primary, I have date stamped photos of them and have been to the building inspectors office a dozen times. And you are also wrong about another thing. Yes, billboards are exempt, but the statute does not just apply to lawn signs and there are state regulations as well.

    The state statue also says NO political sign may be DISPLAYED for more than 120 days in a election year. That includes your brother - in laws, campaign headquarters.

    By the way, the 4x8 signs you have displayed on your jeep in the parking lot, are also a violation. As well as the signs from Langevin and Walaska. Funny how its all Democrats violating the statute. And will you please stop defending that disgrace of a human being Camille. Its really sickening.

    Thursday, September 29, 2016 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Rick, care to elaborate on your plan to "cut taxes"? You have said in the past by "gaining taxpayers". However that will not happen overnight. When money is being spent on tax rebates, paying 50% of seniors car taxes, a pension buyout plan, freezing permit fees where will the revenue come from in the short term? Without that tax revenue how on earth will you be able to "cut taxes"? That would take the kind of spending cut that will slash most city services.

    Will you guarantee a tax cut for all Warwick taxpayers in your first term? Can you say 100% that there will be no tax increases during ANY of your tenure in office?

    Where will the revenue come from without tax increases? What type of spending cuts (specifically) are you proposing? (I know you have said 5% from every department)

    What departments would YOU like to see reduce spending?

    Friday, September 30, 2016 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Rob,

    According to Al DeCorte, the sign a candidate has on their office or vehicle is exempt from the "lawn sign" regulation. If you have date-stamped pics, good! I didn't see that but it doesn't mean for sure that it wasn't there.

    Dear Scal,

    You are trying to pin me down to an exact number or percentage so you can find fault in my plan. I never said "5% from every department" Please don't lie and say I did. I will not "slash most city services".I won't give you any exact number for two reasons. One, it's not all up to me. I have the City Council to respect as well. Two, if I say an exact number or percentage to someone like you I will have given you the "exact" information that you can then rip apart. Scal, you're not trying to help. You're just trying to argue. If you have anything positive to say, I want to hear it. If you have an idea that will help us "Cut Taxes" or "Cut Spending" in any area, please let me know. If all you want to do is show how wrong something is without coming up with a better plan then I really don't have time for you.If you are trying to get me to promise or "guarantee" something we both know is impossible to "guarantee 100%", then I don't have time for you. Read my web site Scal. The plan is there at www.correntemayorwarwick.com. It's a plan, not an exact percentage, as opposed to Avedisian who doesn't have a plan other than raising taxes...again. One thing. Please don't lie. Care to call me at 338-9900?

    Enjoy your Autumn Scal.

    Richard Corrente

    Endorsed Democrat for Mayor

    Friday, September 30, 2016 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Rick, You are wrong again and Al Decorte, if you spoke to him is also wrong. Can you show me anhere in the statue that idnetifies a "lawn sign"? Here again is the statute:

    "Political signs, non-illuminated, incidental to a city, state, or federal election or referendum, or signs which are political in nature. Such signs shall be constructed of durable material, and shall be prohibited from trees, traffic signs or utility poles. Such signs shall be erected not more than 60 days prior to such election or referendum, or in any event, no premises shall have a sign erected for more than 120 days in any calendar year. Political signs relating to any election or referendum shall be removed within 14 days after said election or referendum. In all districts, such signs shall [are] not to exceed 16 square feet in area per side."

    You are convienently doing what your buddy Camille the giant Panda-er does. She interprets regulations to whatever she feels like so that it benefits her. For example, Rule 20 of the city council rules indicates that any Warwick resident may speak publicly about any item that is on the "council agenda". You remember when she tried to stop people from speaking about her "audit" because she intended to remove the legislation? Remeber that Rick? Again, rule says you can comment on the subject that is ON THE COUNCIL AGENDA". There are no exceptions to the rule that state if a number of people show up against the legislation, that the rat, i mean councilwoman, has the right to stop people from speaking because she "intends" to have it removed after the committee hearing. See Rick, this is the type of BS that the democrats wallow in constantly. Please find the statement in the ordinance that speciffically states " lawn signs" and I will display a lawn sign that states "Rick Correntee - WORLDS GREATEST FISHERMAN" or Rick Correntee - WORLDS GREATEST FISH STORY TELLER !

    Friday, September 30, 2016 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Rick, I have read your website. Apparently YOU HAVEN'T because it said you would ask for a 5% reduction in EVERY city department. It continues...those who cut 5% will be "rewarded", those who don't "punished". Perhaps you should spend less time grandstanding and more time reading the website you continually tell others to read.

    Rick, your problem is you don't like being called out. The honest truth is you will not be able to cut taxes and it shows more and more with every comment you write.

    Your whole campaign is telling people "16 straight years of tax increases is enough". You can't even guarantee it won't be 18 years or 20 straight years under your administration. Atleast with this mayor I know the increase will be modest. You continue to dodge every question given to you. I have been constructive in my criticism, and I have laid my case out time after time. I have told you the revenue is not there and you won't even acknowledge that. You can continue to attack me Rick, but you can't tell me where I'm wrong and that speaks volumes.

    You are just another politician telling people what they want to hear. The more you comment, the more you come off like a snake oil salesmen. You tell me to come up with a better idea, my better idea is for you to acknowledge you will not be able to cut taxes.

    Not to mention the other huge amounts of money you want to spend, all while crying the city will go "bankrupt" in 2 years. There is a word for someone who spews nonsense, doesn't acknowledge it and continues to lie to people...it's called a fraud.

    Friday, September 30, 2016 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Rick, just to stop you from attacking me here is a couple ideas (ones I have shared in comments previously on this site). I have suggested the city look at what Providence did for pensions, not that I'm saying it's a glowing example. I'm saying look at the framework. They capped pensions at 150% of the median household income. It was a way to stop pensions from continuing to rise and control the overall cost into the future. The problem with a pension buyout plan is the deal has to be incredibly generous for anyone to forfeit what they already get.

    Another idea would be to try and gain concessions from the unions..but with real ideas. Not by saying it, by offering higher hourly pay while increasing health care contributions. Another idea would be furlough days in exchange for a 1/2 day or 1/4 day vacation time. Again, giving something up to gain something (also note these are specific examples, not great ones but something to get the ball rolling). I would rather see vacancies go unfilled then to see anyone lose their job, a study should be conducted to look at inefficiencies or repetitiveness in a department.

    I would also like to see beach fees collected (I know they were before. I'm saying with a working program that can raise a little revenue and help keep beaches clean. In the past it has cost more to pay someone to collect the fee, than it has raised in revenue. This needs to be looked at and fixed before a fee is ever collected again. People use our beaches and a fee (whether it's $2, $5? That part needs to be evaluated) is a good deterrent to keep lousy beach goers out.

    Lastly, I've suggested this to you before but I just don't feel we can afford to pay 50% of our seniors/veterans car taxes. They are our most deserving taxpayers but if the debt in this city is as bad as you say it is then how can we afford it Rick? On the surface it seems like a huge contradiction. I asked if you estimated the cost (not to trap you) because it could be a potentially big cost. That was the point I was making. You dismissed me as being unreasonable and trying to "pick it apart", another foolish, childish rationalization on your part.

    There are some ideas for you...stop saying I don't have any. I was more specific in one comment then you have been in 2 years. You seem to welcome any feed back...as long as it doesn't question you, your policies or the cost of them. You say I want to argue, there isn't much to argue about Rick. You are telling people you will lower their taxes, when you have no clue what any of your proposals will cost. It's not fair for you to lie to honest taxpayers and try and attack me for pointing it out. If you think asking honest questions is trying to argue, or "trap" you then I'm not sure why your running. It seems like this campaign is very much about you, and very little about Warwick taxpayers.

    Friday, September 30, 2016 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    i have seen mayer corrente's signs, the small ones that look like a license plate stuck to utility poles. one at corner of post and atlantic. i hope the candidate will be out there with a razor blade and removing these distractions

    Monday, October 3, 2016 Report this

  • Biggameatball

    This string of comments is BORING

    Monday, October 3, 2016 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Rob,

    The challenge you offerred is accepted. The regulation is not just for "lawn signs" but for all temporary political signs. You will note there is a time limit on these. As for signs on an office, even a political office, they are regulated by Zoning Regs 805.5, 806, 806.2, 806.3, with supplemental regs of 807.1, 807.2, 807.3, and 807.4. This doesn't specifically state "lawn signs", but I think it proves my point.

    Rob,

    I'm really looking forward to you keeping your word and putting a sign on your front lawn that says "CORRENTE, THE WORLDS' GREATEST FISHERMAN". Please spell my name right.

    Thanks Rob!

    Tuesday, October 4, 2016 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Scal,

    My opinion of you has improved greatly. You are now part of the solution, not the problem and I will read any suggestion you offer. I appreciate your ideas and will consider them carefully. As for the comment of "5% from every department", I never said it. I couldn't find any reference on my web site about it, and if it is there it shouldn't be because I am against that kind of politics. Also, I never said I would "punish" anyone. I did say "I will reward any department that under spends their budget and penalize any that overspend." In fact, I repeated it at the City Council meeting Monday (10-3). Could you please call me. If there is verbiage on my website that doesn't belong there I would appreciate knowing about it but Scal, my new friend, I couldn't find it. I'll even go one step further, I'll buy the coffee if you want to have a one-on-one. How about it Scal1024? Are you up for it? Call me at 338-9900.

    Thanks.

    Rick

    Tuesday, October 4, 2016 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Justanidiot,

    The license-plate sign has gotten great reviews but if you see any on a tree, telephone pole or a utility pole please call me at 338-9900. I will remove them immediately and personally. I went to Post and Atlantic and couldn't find any on a utility pole.

    Thanks Justanidiot.

    Always good to read your comments.

    Stay well.

    Rick

    Tuesday, October 4, 2016 Report this