The Black and White

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

by Henry Iech

As Warwick prepares for its upcoming mayoral election, candidate Patrick Maloney stands out with a robust platform focused on improving local education and fostering community engagement. With a background in education advocacy and community service, Maloney is committed to addressing the pressing needs of Warwick residents, especially those in underrepresented communities.

Commitment to Community Engagement

Maloney, who previously served on the Warwick School Committee, is determined to ensure that all voices are heard in local government. “When I ran for the School Committee, I made it my mission to engage with residents across all neighborhoods. I believe that every community deserves attention and resources, not just the ones that are typically prioritized,” he stated during an interview.

Education Reform Initiatives

One of Maloney’s key initiatives includes modernizing the Warwick school system. He plans to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, ensuring that students have access to a wider variety of pathways, such as cooking, plumbing, and electrical work. Maloney believes that these programs should be available to all students and aims to implement internship opportunities that would provide real-world experience.

“Our youth need more than just a traditional education; they require practical skills that will help them thrive in today’s economy,” Maloney said. “Programs like internships and capstone projects are essential to prepare students for their future careers.”

Supporting Small Business

Beyond education, Maloney is known for his genuine kindness and deep commitment to the community. He actively fosters a supportive environment, offering help to those in need. He has launched Game On!, a small business that fosters Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) games for local youth. GameOn not only provides a creative outlet for students but also encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. “D&D is about collaboration and storytelling, and it offers a fantastic way for young people to connect with each other,” he explained.

However, Patrick Maloney highlights the significant challenges small businesses face in Warwick, introducing the idea of “shared sacrifice.” As the only candidate who operated two businesses during COVID-19, he understands the ongoing struggles these enterprises encounter. His business, Game On!, has seen a 15% loss in revenue due to the 195 bridge situation. Maloney points out that small businesses often pay higher rates for essential services compared to residential customers and face an unfair tax burden. With many small businesses struggling, he believes new businesses face significant hurdles for success. To address these issues, Maloney proposes creating a group for local business owners to discuss their challenges and advocate for solutions that support the small business community in Warwick.

Safety and Security

Maloney’s dedication to community safety is quite notable. He advocates for increased lighting in public spaces and marked police vehicles to enhance visibility and deter crime. “We need our residents to feel safe walking in their neighborhoods at all hours,” he emphasized. “A visible police presence can make a significant difference in preventing crime.” During the interview, Maloney also took the time to show me a street where he had advocated for sewers to prevent flooding, demonstrating his proactive approach to community safety and infrastructure.

Financial Priorities

Finances are a top priority for Patrick Maloney, who is dedicated to ensuring that all city employees receive what was promised to them. He believes it is crucial to maintain the integrity of pension systems and other financial commitments, protecting the livelihoods of those who have devoted their careers to serving the city. One of Maloney’s key focuses is addressing Warwick’s unfunded liability, currently standing at $1 billion. He emphasizes the importance of transparency regarding the city’s finances, particularly as it relates to employee pensions. Maloney notes that many retired employees receive pensions significantly higher than their salaries during their working years, raising concerns about the sustainability of the city’s financial commitments. His commitment to financial accountability aims to ensure that Warwick’s future remains secure for both current employees and retirees.

Additionally, Maloney is advocating for taxpayers by demanding a more responsible financial approach, stating, “We need to stop spending on frivolous projects.” He points to the city’s plans to build an ice rink next to City Hall as a misallocation of resources. He also firmly believes that instead of constructing two high schools—an unnecessary expense for Warwick—the city should concentrate on building one adequately funded school. Maloney explains the rationale behind the decision to build two high schools, noting, “The Rhode Island Department of Education told us that if we don’t build two, we won’t get funding for half of it.” He expressed concern that this approach feels coercive or threatening, as if the department is twisting the city’s arm. “Warwick originally wanted just one high school, but the Department insisted that it wasn’t equitable since there have always been two.” He questions this logic, asking, “If we don’t have enough students for two high schools, then why do we need them?” Maloney argues that pursuing two high schools is inequitable and places a financial strain on the community.

Vision for Warwick’s Future

Maloney’s campaign is driven by his desire to see Warwick thrive. He believes that with focused leadership and a commitment to engaging all residents, the city can overcome its challenges and build a brighter future. “I am passionate about this community and its potential. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every resident feels heard and valued,” he concluded.

As the election approaches, residents of Warwick will have a critical choice to make. Patrick Maloney’s vision for community engagement and education reform positions him as a compelling candidate ready to lead Warwick into a new era.

For more information about Mr. Maloney’s vision go to www.maloneyformayor.com