To the Editor,

In 2016, I ran for Mayor of Warwick as the endorsed Democrat. I ran under the platform of “Cut Taxes – Cut Spending”. I spent over $40,000 of my own money because I absolutely refused to accept donations from political insiders.

Political Action Committees, as they are often referred to, are the destruction of Democracy and the control they have over our politicians is disgusting. I refused to have any part in it. Those that do, represent these special interest groups, NOT the taxpayers. My platform was loudly applauded by the general public and almost as loudly criticized by my opposition. My critics “guaranteed” that I wouldn’t earn over 1,000 votes. I received over 14,000! And a new, special interest group was formed; The Warwick Taxpayer!

I didn’t know it at the time but I had created a buzz that still gets me recognized everywhere I go today (even wearing a mask!). It wasn’t my intention to start a new “special-interest group” but I’m happy with the result. This new force told their City Council representatives, loud and clear, to “Cut Taxes – Cut Spending” and the Council actually LISTENED! When Mayor Avedisian introduced 29 new tax-increasing amendments in 2017, The Council shot each one down by a unanimous vote. Flash forward to present times and new Mayor Solomon introduced a new budget WITH NO TAX INCREASES. My taxpayers, (sorry, but I feel possessive about them).  MY taxpayers finally have a voice! We unknowingly created a special interest group to offset all the others, and folks, our group is GROWING and everyone, from the Mayor to every member of the City Council, is listening and reacting. I hear the phrase “that wouldn’t be in the best interest of the taxpayers” repeated at every City Council meeting just before the vote comes down to stop yet another unaffordable expenditure.

Which brings us to the upcoming election.

Mayor Joe Solomon and I don’t see eye to eye on a lot of issues. But I have to admit it. He’s doing the best job anyone can, given the economic times we are in. He’s doing the job of a leader. He’s not just giving in to the tax-and-spend demands of those that are still putting their interests ahead of the taxpayers. He’s not going on vacation. He’s not working another politically appointed job. He’s in his office every day working his butt off. I know. I watched him like a hawk for his first full year. His car was at city hall EVERY DAY. I may disagree with some of his decisions but I won’t fault his commitment to the taxpayer, because I’ve seen it for myself. Warwick has a Mayor who has given the loudest voice to the Warwick Taxpayers this century.

I’m voting for Joe Solomon for re-election. I recommend that the “80,000 taxpayers that are paying the tab” do the same.

Happy summer everyone.

Richard Corrente

Warwick