The Black and White

This is Part II of a three part series of interviews with the current mayoral candidates for the city of Warwick

by Chloe Casavant

Leah Hazelwood, the new, but not so new face of Warwick. Leah Hazelwood, a Warwick resident for 50 years, is looking to make a change. 

Leah Hazelwood came to Pilgrim High last week to have an interview with the Black and White about how and why she decided to run for mayor. She has been involved with and worked at Pilgrim High for years and is a known face by the kids and the teachers.

 Hazelwood first decided to think about running at the beginning of 2024, which was a surprise to the community, but also to herself. Her motto is about helping the students, and the community, being or not being mayor. The sentence that stuck with her was when she was looking to help people, she was already on the school committee and wanted to help even more. She was talking about it with one of her colleagues when they stopped her and said, “ If you want to help Warwick, why don’t you think about running for mayor?” This is why you now know the name Leah Hazelwood.

Hazelwood began to speak on her thoughts about being mayor, and what the most important factors are. She stated, “ I’m committed to collaborating with the city council to find effective solutions that meet our city’s needs and improve services. I’ll visit each department to meet with directors, hear their perspectives on current challenges, and understand what resources they need. “ Hazelwood feels that communication is very important to have with the community. She believes in transparency and truth, and in remaining accountable to the community. 

Hazelwood then went on to talk about what her top priorities are if elected. She follows again with communication, about how it’s important to keep residents informed on Warwick’s financial situation at all times. She states, “I’ll create a detailed five-year forecast and plan for Warwick’s future, so we can make clear, transparent decisions that benefit everyone.” 

When discussing improvement in the new schools for education, Hazelwood is ready to take the initiative with the new schools coming in to replace Pilgrim and TollGate. She put, “As mayor, I can improve education in Warwick by fostering collaboration, and partnerships, even without direct control over the school budget. I’d work with the school committee to secure fair funding and align city resources with school needs. By supporting partnerships with local businesses and colleges/universities, we can bring in valuable resources for students.” Hazelwood talks about expanding city programs and internships, so she can support students beyond the classroom. She believes that engaging families in the community is able to build stronger support with the schools and the kids.

Contributing to this, she was able to come to Pilgrim High and have an interview with a student, Hazelwood explained how she would be listening to residents’ concerns if elected mayor. She states, “I will engage with residents by holding community forums, and open office hours, creating accessibility to me.  I will partner closely with the City Council to address concerns in their neighborhoods and speak with residents face-to-face.” She also adds that she will prioritize direct messages for feedback and concerns through emails, social media, and newsletters. She adds,” I’m committed to being available and responsive. Listening to the community’s input is essential to making decisions that truly reflect their needs and priorities.”

Hazelwood said she has no further political ambitions other than being the mayor of Warwick. Though not completely sure where she will end up after this election she knows she will be doing her best to support Warwick being the mayor or not.