“Outrage,” “unacceptable,” and “shame” were among the most used words at Tuesday night’s tense school committee meeting. Teachers, parents, and committee candidates alike turned out in …
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“Outrage,” “unacceptable,” and “shame” were among the most used words at Tuesday night’s tense school committee meeting. Teachers, parents, and committee candidates alike turned out in droves to express their distaste for how the new school year began.
The general consensus among those who spoke during public comment was that the schools were wildly unprepared for the school year, with one teacher saying conditions in her classroom resembled a refugee camp and another saying she found mold in hers. Teachers lamented that their technology was not functional or nonexistent – many claimed the most advanced tools with which their classrooms were equipped were chalkboards, which were supposed to be replaced with interactive promethean whiteboards.
“I don’t even have chalk for mine,” quipped a music teacher at Warwick Vets.
Others claimed the labs were incomplete or unsafe, with one teacher stating the science labs did not have eyewash stations. Another said students in robotics and computer classes had no equipment in their classrooms and could not begin their work.
While the schools have new Chromebooks to utilize, teachers said the wi-fi needed to use them does not work. Pilgrim teacher Jason Huddon said the school’s Internet went down 17 times in June alone.
Superintendent Philip Thornton said he took notes during the public session and that as Wednesday many issues had been addressed and he is looking into others.
On Tuesday night parents and other residents with students at the schools expressed anger at the renovations continuing while students are inside the school.
“I am ashamed and disgusted for my siblings who have to sit through the smell of paint,” said one speaker. “Those are not working or learning conditions.”
Mike Pierce, a Warwick Vets science teacher, agreed, saying that revamping the spaces visible to the public, like auditoriums and football fields, should have been placed on the back burner.
“The spaces in which students learn were not made a priority,” he said.
Parents also took issue with busing, with one mother claiming her son’s bus driver asked him which school he attended.
“My son may be six feet tall, but he is still 13 years old,” she vented. “It’s unacceptable that you would look at the big kid on the bus and ask him how to get to school.”
The only committee member to receive any positive feedback was Karen Bachus. Teachers and parents said she was the only committee member to tour the schools to see the work left to be done, and that they expected the other members should have done the same.
On Wednesday, Thornton said some of the grievances aired, like the bus problem, were already resolved. Currently, he says, others that have the most “validity” are being addressed.
Mold was the first issue. The Superintendent said that though no mold has been found in the past, the schools are being tested for it again.
The same went for the science labs. Thornton said he has not seen unsafe conditions in the labs, but that if needed, changes will be made.
In terms of the public spaces being renovated before the classrooms, Thornton said the school wanted to first upgrade the public spaces with the most impact and that classrooms will require more work and funding. He said that at $50,000 a classroom that includes window and ceiling replacement and painting, it would have cost about $14.5 million to renovate all of the system’s 290 secondary school classrooms. The district spent $3.2 million this summer to address “common areas” including auditoriums and gymnasiums. Thornton said classroom improvements would be part of a bond issue he is proposing for a special election in 2017. He said the bond would be in the range of $70 million to $90 million and would require voter approval.
He added that the promethean boards were going up in classrooms each night.
34 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
richardcorrente
I was not there. I sincerely apologize. I carefully checked the School Committee Meeting schedule on line and there was nothing posted about Tuesday's meeting. Had I known, I would not have missed this all-important meeting. If a non-posted meeting gets scheduled again, could someone please contact me at 401-338-9900.
As bad as the renovations and classroom issues are, the part that has the most damage, is not as "visible". Our teachers need contracts! The teachers are ready, willing and able to sit and negotiate with the School Committee but the SC refuses. They appear more than willing to spend the taxpayers money on court proceedings but not put in the time and effort to meet with the teachers, which would cost the taxpayers nothing and would restore a lot of faith in the SC.That is the biggest "wrong" of this school year and what is the Mayor doing about it? Nothing! Not a visit. Not any advice. Not listening to the taxpayers that are ultimately paying the bill. He hasn't been seen at ANY SC meetings. (Except for Tues. I haven't missed one!) I know because I hear those complaints every time I DO listen to parents, students and teachers. Avedisian says he "can't get involved with the negotiations". What he is failing at is making sure there ARE NEGOTIATIONS. He has a responsibility to the parents, teachers, students, and Taxpayers to make that happen and to date he has done nothing! Nothing! That is not the kind of leadership Warwick deserves!
I won't be that kind of Mayor. Please vote for me.
Thank you!
Richard Corrente
Endorsed Democrat for Mayor
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
ThatGuyInRI
My God they had to smell fresh paint! When will the injustices end?
It sounds like there are a lot of physical plant issues with the buildings, not good. Who is to blame? How about everyone who has been in central administration since the buildings were built since it seems like this is not a new problem but years if not decades of neglect? How about the people of Warwick? Have we stepped up and funded the renovations? Seems not. There are a lot of chefs in this soup.
We have two choices, complain and assign blame, or do something to fix the years (decades?) of neglect. Which shall we choose....
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
ThatGuyInRI
Question: Does anybody know of an article or website that explains the positions of everyone running for city office?
Elections are coming soon and I'd like to know where the candidates stand.
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
CC1174
Mr. Corrente, please stop using this forum for your ridiculous campaign. How could you not know that there was a School Committee Meeting on Tuesday? The schedule has been up for months. The major crime in the school consolidation has been the lack of collaboration between the city and the school department. The City of Warwick spent thousands of dollars on a Master Plan that did not even include the schools. The strength and success of a school system directly impacts the business and economic development of the City .
All of the politicians and school committee members were at Pilgrim on the first day of school when only 400 seniors were there.. of course everything ran smoothly. There was not one politician, school committee member or school department representative out in the front of the school when the remaining 1,000+ students arrived the next day. I have not seen the mayor at Pilgrim HS in the 3 years that my daughter had been there but on the day the Freshmen arrived he was there to show off to the cameras the new auditorium and football field. It is great to take credit for when things go well but even better to take responsibility when they do not.
Mr Corrente, I am not asking you to respond with what you would have done on this day to make things better because I think that you have shown that you are only willing to take action on the key board of your computer but not out in the community where it really matters
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
Norm88
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=warwickschools.org_2d3935303333393539343734%40resource.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
BigPapi
Corrente doesn't even know what the 1st amendment to the Constitution is. While out campaigning he came to a residents house and that resident had one question to earn his vote, "what does the first amendment to the Constitution state?"... after fumbling over himself for a few seconds Corrente's well thought out and articulate response was "what does that have to do with me being mayor?"
Enough said
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
DannyHall82
ThatguyinRI,
It's in the hard copy of the Warwick beacon, for whatever reason the candidates are the last story to be posted online today.
Danny
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
richardcorrente
Dear CC1174,
You have the right to attack me even though you don't have the courage to identify yourself, but I also have the same right to defend myself. The schedule I have hanging on my wall does not have the meeting of the 6th on it. Feel free to stop by and see for yourself. Also, if you don't want me to respond, don't ask a question, and if you don't like reading my responses you can call me at 401-338-9900. (Let's see Avedisian do that!)
I completely agree with you about the city and the school department needing to collaborate.
Avedisian didn't for 16 years. As Mayor, I will.
Avedisian doesn't attend City Council meetings. As Mayor, I will.
Avedisian doesn't attend School Committee meetings. As Mayor, I will.
Avedisian didn't treat his responsibility as a full time job preferring to go on vacation 5 times in 2015 and working at RIPTA more hours than in the Mayors office. As Mayor I will work full time, 7 days a week,no vacations, at least for the first year.
Avedisian refuses to get involved with the teachers. I have written about them over 50 times and when they were on the picket line this Summer, I was there with them.
Avedisian won't help the contract meetings get started. As Mayor, I will.
In fact, I already have given the teachers more support in the last year than he did in the last 16! (with the exception of that timely photo-op that you mentioned.)
CC, if I may call you that, you say that I have shown that I am only willing to take action "on the computer keyboard". I have actively campaigned every day for almost 2 years, longer than anyone else in history. What makes you think I would "not go out to the community where it really matters"? I have done it every day! Haven't you noticed? Everyone else has.
I will be at the Food Truck night tonight (Sept.8th). Stop by. I'll buy you a coffee, your daughter a soda, and answer any hard questions you have.
Hope to see you then.
Richard Corrente
Endorsed Democrat for Mayor
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
Scal1024
Rick, how will you make up for the loss in revenue from paying 50% of seniors/veterans car taxes?
How much will freezing building permit fees cost taxpayers up front?
Your website says you will "reduce salaries of new hires" while also stating "I want a hiring freeze"? Which one is it?
Lastly, you constantly rail against the school committee, comment on every school article, make this out to be our biggest issue facing our city and yetyou didn't even make it to the meeting? You don't think this makes you seem a little disingenuous? Oh the irony....
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
WarwickfortheKids
CC1174,
You are absolutely correct, the school buildings are the result of decades of neglect and will take significant investment and time to bring them up to acceptable learning environments. The schools have been leveled funded by the city for years and have been forced to pay for any capital upgrades through their annual budget - causing difficult choices for the school system regarding maintaining/upgrading facilities and grounds, technology, staff compensation/benefits, and resources/services/programs for students. Meanwhile, our taxes increase every year with no noticeable improvement in the quality of life for residents (and arguably a significant decrease), particularly children. Schools need to consolidate based on the declining child population but many of the issues being experienced now are the direct result of the lack of city support for upgrading the schools. Additionally, Warwick, once known as a top community for children, has not maintained/improved community playgrounds and fields, recreational areas such as Mickey Stevens (once the best in the state), sidewalks/safe pathways to schools, programs/camps for children or many of the resources that once made it the ideal place to grow up. The airport has increased exposure to noise and air pollution which further impacts our children's quality of life - teaching is interrupted constantly in many schools by air traffic and air quality measurement is needed on school grounds. What really needs to occur is city funding for new schools where our children can be given the opportunity of 21st century educational environments enjoyed by other communities, without living through constant construction (or even worse, continued deterioration of buildings). It is time to reinvest in our kids and the city's future.
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
richardcorrente
Dear Scal1024,
Another batch of loaded questions that any answer could be picked apart. C'mon Scal, that doesn't help anyone.
As far as your first question "How will I make up for the loss of offering the seniors 50% of their car tax?" Please read my website www.correntemayorwarwick.com. It's spelled out there and you've asked it before.
Your second question can't be answered and you know it. (You've asked this one before also.)
We don't know what the cost will be because we don't know how many people will take advantage of the program. Here's what I do know. Warwick will lose the building permit fee (of $200 to $1700+-) every time we replace it with annual income that the taxpayer will willingly pay year after year making this idea a win-win for the taxpayer AND the City of Warwick. Scal, if you could make hundreds of extra tax dollars every year FOREVER, couldn't you find the money to lose a little money from the building permit fee loss? A small investment to make a "forever" one? Scal, you'd find the money, wouldn't you?
Third question: Are you sure you want to ask this? Both answers are correct, and again, you know it (or at least you should).
But just so that you don't confuse the reader, yes "I want a hiring freeze". We have more employees than we need as it is and I want them to have job security. And yes, there will be times when we have to hire a new employee as in the case where the position is only occupied presently by a single employee and he or she retires. So, when that happens we should be able to hire the new employee "for a reduced salary" , but Scal, you have to be kinda dumb not to know that and I don't think you are. As far as missing the Tuesday School Committee meeting. I missed it and that was a first for me. I am ALWAYS there. Avedisian, on the other hand hasn't attended one. Not one. How come you don't attack him for his "zero" attendance record instead of me with my 99% one?
I have a plan to reverse 16 years of tax increases. Avedisian doesn't. He just keeps increasing taxes and spending.
Irony. Don't you think Scal, or whoever you are.
I will be at the Food Truck event tonight (Sept. 8th). Stop by Scal. I'll buy you a coffee
Richard Corrente
Endorsed Democrat for Mayor
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
markyc
Priorities: the Superintendent as well as the School Committee dropped the ball for the opening day of school. Superintendent Thornton indicated ALL summer that the improvements/upgrades/the consolidation process was going without any hitches & everything was on schedule. Renovations should NOT be occurring during school time. With consolidation one might expect some problems/glitches as it is being implemented. The renovations should have been limited/reduced if there was ANY problems with their completion being ON TIME-rushed jobs many times require that they be done again! Now we receive the Superintendents' statements that more time & money is required for all the improvements(I don't believe the School Administration should be asking for funding for a "State of the Art" sports facility when we can't trust the School Administration with "basic" operational issues) to occur . I/one can possibly see some problems with new bus schedules/routes & traffic problems at the beginning/start of the school year-these need to be addressed on an ongoing basis. The Warwick DPW installed sod for Pilgrim's football field; my understanding is the turf needs to "settle" & can't/won't be used until next fall-couldn't this be done in the spring of 2017? The School Administration needs to address priorities:
1) Negotiate/obtain/agree/settle on a new teachers contract
2) Implement school consolidation at the secondary level/address any & all problems/issues
3) Upgrade Vets HVAC system-don't wait for a new bond issue proposed for November 2017; in all likelihood that means at least another winter(winter 2018) where an antiquated HVAC system is operating. That would be WASTING money & not providing a good learning environment.
4) Communication with Warwick residents/taxpayers/parents/students/teachers/the Mayor/City Council as to phase 2 of the consolidation process; in the fall of 2017 the SC is planning 2 grades of students to change schools(6th/7th grades) because of the middle school model conversion as well as closing 2 elementary & reconfiguring Francis to replace Drum Rock. From the past 6 months the community has generally been aware of this but on Tues.(9/6/16) was the first public indication of ANY specifics(maybe it would be better to delay this 2nd phase by one school year)-better communication is needed.
in the meantime, issues HAVEN'T been addressed & NEW issues have developed; this is NOT well for school operations & PR perceptions.
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
AmesBeau
With all due respect Mr. Corrente, among many other issues with your campaign...if you wish to be given the title of a more accountable mayor, then you're gonna have to do better than "sorry I did not know this vastly important, publicly open, and well documented in scheduling meeting was happening."
Giant eyeroll to you, sir.
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
AmesBeau
Shame on this school committee.
They cite declined enrollment at Wickes when this year I know of a few kindergarteners that were literally turned away in registration and sent elsewhere because they were at capacity.
They cite the smaller size of Holden, while ignoring the fact that that smaller size also comes with the best performing school in the district. Maybe, just maybe, there is something to that?!
They cite the fantastic features of John Brown Francis as to why it is the top candidate for repurposing, as if the children already learning there are not worthy of those features themselves.
Pardon my language, but this whole thing is a sh!t show. They need to fix the messes and injustices already being suffered by the students in this district before they even consider more moves. Hopefully by then people will have woken up and we will have a new school committee. Elections are coming people, always keep that in mind.
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
Scal1024
Rick, I disagree these are "loaded" questions. I'm not looking to pick things apart, I'm looking for answers. If you read in previous comments another reader estimated the car tax break could cost anywhere from $2mil-$2.6 million dollars is what I believe they came up with. That is a sizeable hole. Also, I don't see the answer on your website as you claim, so please share it here if you can and I will read it.
The problem as I see it is if you can't even estimate the amount of money you are going to spend on these programs, how can you even begin to promise people you will cut taxes? It is literally impossible Rick. I don't even mention things like the pension buyouts that you are also proposing.
The reason I asked about the hiring freeze vs reducing new hire salaries wasn't to "confuse the reader". It sounds good on paper, the reality is these things would have to be negotiated through the union. I was wondering if this was something you've discussed with the union? It seems kinda dumb not to...and I don't think you're dumb (is that how you take a passive shot? as you always seem to do to me.) Once again you seem to dismiss any question or differing opinion as attacking you or stupid.
Lastly the school committee meeting was all over social media, wpri had a story the morning of on elementary consolidation being proposed later that night. You can't make schools, or the teachers contract such a big issue, and then not claim you didn't know the meeting was scheduled and not show. That is a very weak response to not showing.
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
enoughalready
Why does the Mayor get off without blame here? Isn’t he the leader of the city? Does he understand the concept of separation of power? A true leader does not need a seat at the table to lead. Consolidation is needed due to declining enrollment over the last twenty years. You think there might be a correlation between a lack of leadership over the last twenty years and the declining population?
By the way, the Mayor loves to point out the school budget is the largest portion of the budget. What he fails to mention is every dollar in increased tax revenue from property tax increases, hotel taxes, the 1% meals tax, taxes on new homes and buildings for the last several years has been spent on the city side of the budget, the schools have been level funded. He has not only increased the tax rates, he has increased the tax base from which he is collecting it on.
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
smh
I posted earlier but for some reason I do not see it here...So, I will write an abridged version as many have reiterated my sentiments.
Clearly, the Superintendent and School Committee members are arrogant, ignorant and INCOMPETENT! That goes without saying. They are some the most self-serving individuals I've ever seen.
Obviously, if the Superintendent and SC Chair person had ventured past the front entrances of each school, instead of grandstanding for the media, they may have seen how incomplete and unsafe the environments really were/are. Perhaps they DID tour the buildings more closely, but knowing the backlash they would face upon admitting that it would be best to delay the opening of school, chose to look the other way. After all, they know best.
The Superintendent's comments as to the "validity" of some issues completely underscores his blatant disregard and disconnect. Stating that they chose to upgrade the most visible areas of the schools bc to renovate the classrooms would be too costly, proves that he knew (well in advance) that this consolidation (as it stood when unfavorably voted upon) was botched from the start.
On these matters, I think we can all agree.
I was in attendance at the September 6, 2016 SC Meeting. I was pleased to see that it was "standing room only" during the "Public Comment" portion of the evening.
What greatly saddened me, however, is the fact that when the "New Business" portion of the meeting started, nearly 50% of the people left the building.
Yes, it was beyond necessary that the public be heard, but even more importantly, WE needed to hear what the SC was voting on and approving!!! Countless items, HUGE amounts of money being wasted yet again ~~ 1) voting to "table" the issue of unsafe tables in the Science and other classrooms bc Mr. Ferucci did not know if the vendor could be contacted to get them replaced. This matter is "tabled" until the October SC Mtg. This means that our children will be sitting in classrooms for at least another 4 weeks at tables that could cause harm.
2) unanimously approving a contract w/an unnamed CPA firm @ $55,000.00 per year for an, as of yet un-certified accountant, to review accounting errors made by the WPS Administration Finance office (if any are made - please note the sarcasm). I asked three different people if I was hearing and understanding this correctly. All three concurred, I thought for sure the committee would say this was unnecessary ~ Apparently they think it is. What does that tell you?
3) voting to table Item #21 ~ Elementary Consolidation. This request was made by many people on hand, the thought being that perhaps we should tackle the mess we have now before beginning another debacle...
All this while the teachers work without a contract and our children are put at risk both educationally and safety-wise.
I could go on and on but my POINT is that we cannot affect change if we are not part of the solution. I understand it was after 9 o'clock when this began and did not end until almost 11, but if we all feel that our children are worth it and that we want to know here our tax dollars are going, etc., we MUST see it through to the end.
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
smh
*correction*
3) should read "voting NOT to table Item #21" ~
this allowed a presentation on why & which schools should be closed/repurposed.
PLEASE attend the SC Mtg & subsequent Elementary Consolidation meetings scheduled for October. We really DO need to be present and informed.
Thank you
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
Imhere
Once again the incompetent "superintendent" the one and only brain dead Phil Thorton and his puppets on his administration and school committee failed all residents,parents,taxpayers, and especially the STUDENTS!! Phil Thorton continues to fall on his face on more issues than not and the school committee should feel very little after they treated everyone the way they did at the school committee meeting. They should be completely embarrassed and ashamed of their actions. Anyone in there right mind shouldn't even think about giving the incompetent Phil Thorton another "$70-90 million he screwd up $3.25 million and it's obvious he couldn't handle that!! It's a great time for the school committee puppets to cut the rope but I think they are to far gone. I also think they have no WiFi or phones don't work because they don't respond to emails ever. It's time for all voters to step up and cut dead weight this year and in the future! All sitting members need to be reminded they work for US and should keep the children's safety and education first. Vets is a dump, many safety hazards and it's unacceptable for our children this not a third world country, we pay good money for these schools to be maintained and kept neat and orderly. Has the maintenence dept been on vacation for the last 15 or so years? So much neglect and Thorton just let it keep happening and the directors of education (we go back to puppets). Phil Thorton I ask you to RESIGN!! You've done enough damage and you want to consolidate more and you haven't come close to finishing the mess you and the incompetent school committee have made.
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Report this
richardcorrente
Dear Scal,
Sorry, but I am not going to estimate any numbers for you because whatever I "estimate" you will find fault with.
The truth is, the numbers are a moving target and there are many factors that will change the figures on a daily basis. The bottom line is this: I have a plan. Avedisian doesn't. I missed one School Committee meeting. Avedisian missed a hundred. If I am "wrong", (and I admit I am), Avedisian is one hundred times more "wrong".
I have also missed one or two City Council meetings. Avedisian missed them ALL! Who have the better record Scal? Me or Avedisian?
I have researched these issues for years and I continue to do so. I have met with many of the "players". I have estimates that I believe are accurate. I do believe we can "Cut Taxes - Cut Spending" and improve the economy in Warwick, similar to what was done in other cities and states. No, I am not willing to share any numbers for 2 reasons. One: they are not fine-tuned and can't be until I see them from the Mayors office, and Two: I am unwilling to offer them to you for the sole purpose of having you judge them. I will spend the first 90 days of my administration looking at every dollar in and every dollar out to see where we can make things better for the taxpayers, not Avedisian's political insiders.
If you're looking for numbers to judge, check out the City of Warwicks' own financial report. Warwicks' liabilities have exploded from $310 million ten years ago, to $770 million today, and they have doubled again in the last year. Why are you criticizing me when Avedisian is rapidly heading Warwick toward bankruptcy? Do you understand that, at the rate Warwick is presently losing money we will be over $5 BILLION DOLLARS IN THE RED by 2020?
No city can afford that. No city can afford Scott Avedisian.
Do the math Scal, and if you want to to be part of the solution, I will be happy to meet with you and hear your advice and/or hard questions, but if all you want to do is criticize, Avedisian has a 16 year record of annual tax increases that have resulted in the financial disaster we have now. Criticize him.
If you agree that losing 5,800 taxpayers and 4,666 businesses in the last ten years is a good thing, vote for him.
If you think his "hands-off" policy with the school department is working, vote for him.
If you think he acted responsibly by removing all lifeguards for the remainder of the season when a 6 year old child drowned, vote for him.
If you feel having so many political kick-back jobs (4 chiefs-of-staffs in 14 months!), and giving away political kick-back lowering-of-taxes is good for Warwick taxpayers, vote for him.
If not, vote for me.
It's your choice Scal1024.
If you want to talk, call me at 401-338-9900. Unlike Avedisian, I always listen.
Stay well.
Richard Corrente
Endorsed Democrat for Mayor
Friday, September 9, 2016 Report this
CrickeeRaven
Hello Scal1024:
Credit to you, again, for trying to get straight answers out of this candidate, only to be told that he must be elected first to provide specifics. He also appears hesitant to engage in dialogue because you may "find fault" with his responses.
You are not alone in that, Scal1024. There are many people who "find fault" with this candidate's campaign [as evidenced by prior comments here], including in the numbers he employs. For someone who touts himself as a successful business person, this candidate shows a distinct lack of understanding about how numbers work.
I am sure you will remember how he claimed a "tripling" of the assessment on one of his properties, which not only turned out to be false [$3,700 to $8,700 is not triple], but it was also found that he received a $5,000 reduction on another property, and is paying no property taxes on the home where he lives since it is owned by a limited liability corporation in Louisiana. So far, he has remained silent on this site in response to these findings.
You will also recall that he has recently been told that his use of two different ways of counting businesses -- one by the US Census and the other by the RI Secretary of State -- is an inaccurate comparison to make and leads to a fraudulent conclusion about the business "losses" that he claims have happened in Warwick. And yet he persists in copying and pasting this erroneous statement everywhere he can on this site, and has argued that because the Beacon published his numbers, somehow his conclusion is still valid. [This is despite the fact that the article writer noted the candidate could not provide historic state data or more recent Census information, which would have produced a valid comparison.]
This article shows what a valid review of the information reveals about this candidate's statements regarding the business sector in Warwick: http://warwickpost.com/numbers-game-corrente-claims-of-lost-businesses-dont-add-up/
And as this candidate has just done again, he questions the use of pseudonyms on a website that he neither owns nor manages, meaning he has no standing to impose or uphold standards for its use, instead of actually correcting his statements. I am sure you will agree that this is curious behavior for a candidate who has made holding the current mayor accountable a central theme of his campaign.
Thank you for your continued efforts to hold this candidate accountable for what he says, and for joining the thousands of Warwick voters who will not be fooled by his campaign.
Friday, September 9, 2016 Report this
Scal1024
"I am unwilling to share them (the cost of his own proposals) with you for the sole purpose of you to judge"- Richard Corrente
Well if that doesn't say ALOT about the candidate I don't know what else will. This is what we are dealing with, a candidate who speaks in sound bites with no substance.
Rick, the truth is you don't have the numbers. You can call it a "moving target", you can try to discredit my very valid points. The bottom line is if you don't know the COST of what you're planning, you have no idea whether or not you can CUT TAXES!!! That is the truth and for you to hide behind these silly, weak excuses is baffling.
You talk about the liabilities under the mayor...so your solution is to spend more money and give more away??? Seniors and veterans are some of our most deserving taxpayers...can we afford to pay 50% of their car taxes??? There are plenty of people who love our veterans and seniors who don't think we can. It doesn't mean they care less than you, it doesn't make you a better person, it means that you are making false promises you know you can't keep for the sake of getting elected.
When you first ran I gave you credit on here for starting early, and putting your name out there. I told you what i agreed with and didn't agree with... funny I don't remember you saying I was "attacking/judging" you then. You have been running for 2 years and yet there is ZERO specifics on some of these proposals. That is unacceptable!!!!!! You can claim you have the answers and that "you aren't telling" like a petulant child, but the voters see right through it.
I also asked if you had talked to any of the union leadership about your hiring freeze/reduced salary plans. I didn't ask if you "knew the players"...I specifically asked whether or not you've discussed this with them? My guess is that means you haven't...
CrickeeRaven thank you again for your comment. It's crazy to me that this candidate would rather try to discredit me and you, rather than give any type of credit to his own proposals. Any time he's (Rick) asked a tough question he blames the questioner, attacks the mayor or attacks the question itself. It is obvious that the math hasn't been done. Yesterday they were "loaded" questions, today he has the answers but refuses to share. Tomorrow it will be that the dog ate his numbers on him.
My point is legitimate...if you don't know the cost of YOUR plans you can't even begin to say you will cut taxes. You don't even know what type of spending you would have to cut to make that happen. Stop with the disingenuous rhetoric Rick... instead of "cut taxes, cut spending" do us all a favor and "cut the BS".
Friday, September 9, 2016 Report this
Stella
Why have the comments strayed so far from the committee meeting. Forget the political BS and take a tour of Pilgrim and Vets. Then tell me they are ready to move forward with more closures. Talk to the teachers, ask them about the condition of the school beyond the front entrance. Ask them how many students are in the classes and how many have special needs. The school are still dumps, 30 plus years of neglect is not fixed with so little money in so little time. Lets get the first part right then move on, the savings is a drop in the bucket with respect to the work that needs to be done. I guess all you advocates for additional school closings think the Adm. and SC have done a fine job. I know I know when you were in school 50 in a class and you walked 5 miles each way through 3 feet of snow. May be you did but is it right in 2016 our students should have to. Take the challenge go see for yourself before you flap your lips. Remember great schools create great communities and require a buy in from everyone
including those members that don't have students in the system. Lastly try not to harp on the test scores before you educate yourself about testing. Check out who Pearson Education is and tell me it is not about money and politics.
Friday, September 9, 2016 Report this
wwkvoter
Consolidating and updating a large school system is a process. Too many sour grapes when everyone knows that declining enrollment means closing schools.
But let us look at the bright side - in 2 months when corrente gets crushed by Mayor Scott Avedisian, he will go away and stop pandering to everyone who is upset about whatever.
Friday, September 9, 2016 Report this
Stella
WwkVoter back to the same political BS. You are right it is a process and you should take a look for yourself. So far It is like doing a house remodel (on a grand scale) installing a new front door, entrance paint, living room carpet and some new furniture and moving in. Why bother with the rest? The students don't deserve heat, new lighting, top to bottom clean building, ect ect. I don't thing you would ever see a commercial contractor attempt a project of this scope with their name on it and invite the press to the grand opening. They could kiss the business good by. At the very least the school should have been closed until the project was completed. It is like remodeling a house while you are living in it, think painting the Newport Bridge, it never ends. Are we really saving money? That is just addressing the facilities, what about technology, class size, and everything being in place and working at the start of school. As a taxpayer I give, uncle.
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Report this
JohnStark
In December 2013, the SC voted to consolidate schools, something that any thinking person in the city saw coming for the better part of two decades. Yet, there was the obligatory "outrage" from all the usual suspects. Hence, the SC elected to abdicate their professional and civic responsibility and punt to a third party consultant. Said consultant came back and said the SC recommendation didn't go nearly far enough and that more schools needed to be closed. Result: "outrage". So the SC tabled the rather expensive recommendations from the consultant and voted to consolidate to a lesser degree. Result: "outrage". Perhaps it's time to recognize that ANY significant change (e.g consolidation, curriculum changes, layoffs, testing of any kind) in the rusting hulk that has become the Warwick public schools will result in "outrage" and simply move on.
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Report this
Stella
John Stark
Did you read the final SMMA report, I think the number was upwards of 275 million to just bring the schools up to code and keep them in usable condition. You could consolidate half the school population and still not have enough money. They recommended the city build a new school complex 1st, 2nd two middle/high schools , third close Vets for 1 yr and make the needed repairs. But first settle the contract. So I guess the mess and blame belongs to the SC , Adm. and lawyers. Yes the people had the right to be outraged because they never put forth a reasonable plan. Bottom line the city does not want to provide the type of facilities the students deserve. They have kicked the can for decades and now the bill is due.
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Report this
Thecaptain
All this rhetoric about the schools and Im falling off my chair laughing!! I am so happy that I spent $120,000 for high school for my 2 children and avoided all of this chaos. For the poor parents that have to suffer through all of this. Where have you been for the last 10 years? Council meetings empty, budget hearings empty, keep electing the same morons overseen by the chief moron who by the way, doesnt have a kid in school so frankly could care less about the schools.
For the past 10 years I have heard Cushman screaming about the city side of the budget exploding and the schools being level funded. He has written dozens of articles about the issue and he has spoken publicly hundreds of times about it. Unfortunately, the council chambers is always empty. You people who complain about the schools are too busy, too tired, or too something, to stand up and get your asses to the city council meetings and MAKE A FREAKIN ARGUMENT! You all want someone else to do the hard work and then you show up at the end when its too late and cry and complain.
None of you get it. There is no money to fix the broken school system, there will never be any money to fix the broken school system. In part because the majority of the residents have stood quietly while the mayor of this city has given away the store. You have stood shamelessly quiet while the fire dept and labor unions have been allowed to rape you of your tax dollars all while the mayor gains political foothold in the city. You have no one to blame but yourselfs for continuing to elect the same people on the city council. Do you people actually think that you have a city council that is effective on your behalf? If you do, clearly you have not looked at a spreadsheet of the projected debt thru the year 2026.
Why is it that i am involved in dozens of new school construction projects all over Mass. when nothing is being built here? The reason is that just over the border, people pay attention at the local level. Not here in Warwick or in RI.
In 2012 I gave a speech at the council meeting about the RI report card which showed Wawicks schools at the bottom of the list for education out of the 40 RI public high schools. Too bad, thee were only the 6 regular attendees and the deaf council members. Highest paid cry baby teachers, lowest overall school grades. As I have said in the past which is documented in print. Warwick highschool graduates are 16% proficient in math and only 11% proficient in science. So give the teachers another raise, vote for the same dopes that continue to allow these contracts and budget allocations, and send your kids to schools that are loaded with mold. You have no one to blame but yourselfs.
Sunday, September 11, 2016 Report this
smh
To "TheCaptain":
Thank you.
Monday, September 12, 2016 Report this
richardcorrente
Dear Scal1074,
If my "missing one School Committee meeting" is "weak" as you say, how would you describe Avedisian missing them all?
I have been at every other SC meeting for the last 50 or so meetings. He has NEVER shown.
Scal, how is one "weak" for me but 50 is "not weak"? for Avedisian?
More "irony"!
Richard Corrente
Endorsed Democrat for Mayor
Monday, September 12, 2016 Report this
richardcorrente
Dear Scal1074,
If my "missing one School Committee meeting" is "weak" as you say, how would you describe Avedisian missing them all?
I have been at every other SC meeting for the last 50 or so meetings. He has NEVER shown.
Scal, how is one "weak" for me but 50 is "not weak"? for Avedisian?
More "irony"!
Richard Corrente
Endorsed Democrat for Mayor
Monday, September 12, 2016 Report this
richardcorrente
Scal 1024,
You want specifics on a plan that is dependent on the outcome of the population change, the number of Seniors that apply and the number of building permits we end up granting in the two year moratorium period. As you know, it is impossible to calculate until we try it but to give you 2 outlooks.
1. Each new home buyer of new business that arrives in Warwick will benefit the tax base. Will it be one or a thousand? I don't know, but Warwick benefits every time we attract those new taxpayers. It will allow the rest of us to PAY LESS. (note: Avedisian never tried to attract ANYONE IN 16 YEARS!)
2. In 2006, then Governor of Florida Charlie Crist raised taxes approximately $500,000,000 and the result was Florida lost 832,000 jobs. In 2011 the new Governor, Rick Scott LOWERED TAXES by $500,000,000 and Florida gained over 600,000 jobs. The idea Scal is that lower taxes attracts more taxpayers and that, my friend, increases the total tax revenue while making Warwick a better, more attractive place to live. (note: Avedisian has NEVER lowered taxes. He raised them EVERY YEAR FOR 16 YEARS IN A ROW)
I will be at the School Committee meeting Tuesday Oct 11th at 7 P.M. at Tollgate. Join me?
Richard Corrente
Endorsed Democrat for Mayor
Monday, September 12, 2016 Report this
CrickeeRaven
Hello again Scal1024:
I credit you with quite a bit of patience in dealing with this candidate, as yet again, he can not offer any response to your questions beyond the suggestion that he must first be elected to provide specific answers.
And do you find it curious that this candidate has applied so much effort to decrying the city's business sector [which it has been shown he is characterizing inaccurately] and its management under the current mayor, yet at the same time is claiming that he will be able to attract potentially hundreds of new residents after months of this kind of rhetoric?
Thank you for joining the thousands of Warwick voters who think better of the city and plan to reject this candidate on Nov. 8.
Monday, September 12, 2016 Report this
Scal1024
Rick, the mayor isn't on here commenting on every single school article in the Beacon, grandstanding etc. If he were, I'd call him out for not attending.
Since you've referenced Governor Scott let's examine his actual record (all information found on politifact). When governor Scott ran he used a platform of 7-7-7. The plan was 7 steps to create 700,000 jobs in 7 years (700,000 jobs on top of the 1 million jobs Florida economists predicted would be created anyways. A total of 1.7 million jobs created). Of the 600,000 jobs you speak of (which is actually 594,900 through July 2015) 134,800 were from industries that tend to favor jobs that earn lower wages (politifact lists the 3 industries as retail/transportation, education and health services and leisure and hospitality). Rick Scott also never included all the public sector jobs he was slashing when sharing labor statistics. Thats because the state lost over 25,000 government jobs under his watch by the end of 2015.
Don't forget that this 7-7-7 plan was actually supposed to create 1.7 million jobs (remembering Governor Scott promised 700,000 on top of the 1million economists said were coming already). That means he fell short of his promise by 1 million jobs, not a very impressive number is it Rick??? I guess just like you Governor Scott was making unrealistic promises to the voters that he knew he couldn't keep. 600,000 jobs on the surface sounds great, but when you actually look at the numbers it's not.
Do you support the slashing of public sector employees enacted by Governor Scott? Is that how you plan to cut spending? Is Governor Scott the type of politician you model yourself after?
Finally, you keep saying you can't figure out how many seniors, new homebuyers will take advantage of the program, so you don't know the cost......Rick you are making my point for me!!!! If you don't know the cost, how do you know you will have the revenue to cut taxes???? You don't!!!!!!
Monday, September 12, 2016 Report this