Former Chair of Warwick School Committee Announces Run for Warwick Mayor

Former Chair of Warwick School Committee Announces Run for Warwick Mayor

Frank Picozzi, the former Chair of the Warwick School Committee, has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Warwick -- as an independent. 

Picozzi, who is known in Warwick for his "Picozzi Family Christmas Display," announced the following. 

Campaign Announcement

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“I have lived in Warwick for more than 52 years. I grew up here, raised my children here, and they in turn are raising my grandchildren here and I will live in this city for the rest of my life. At one time Warwick’s residents were immensely proud of their city but that is no longer the case. Although there is still a fierce sense of community and people helping each other morale is very low among the resident," said Picozzi.

"For a very long time I have been besieged with requests to run for Mayor but it’s not something to which I ever aspired. However the current mood in the city and the continued requests have made me feel as though I was turning my back on my community when they were asking for my help and that is something I would never do. I have no ill feelings toward the present Mayor, I just strongly feel that the residents of this city want change."

"My desire and goal is to make Warwick be a place that young families desire to move to because this is no longer the case. The cornerstone of my plan will be to improve our school system. As a former Warwick School Committee Chairman, I can attest to the fact that the relationship between the school department and city government has always been adversarial- at times viciously so. I would improve that relationship and have both sides pool resources and work together towards a common goal- to restore our school system to its former glory and reputation of being one of the best," he said. "I will also improve our decaying recreational facilities and I have plans for adding additional family oriented attractions. It will cost money but I will find a way to raise it without putting additional burden on the taxpayer.”

Picozzi and his wife Kim have been married for 41 years. They have two daughters, Jaclyn and Stephanie and four grandchildren, Tyler, Benjamin, Thomas and Emily, all residents of Warwick.

He was formerly the Chairman of the Warwick School Committee, a sponsor, coach, board member, and President of Apponaug Girls Softball and a coach, sponsor and treasurer of Warwick North Little League. 

“The world is changing quickly and cities and towns must change with it. With brick and mortar stores quickly becoming obsolete cities are going to be collecting less and less property taxes. We cannot keep going deeper into the homeowner’s pockets. We have to start looking for and finding alternate sources of revenue and ways to cut costs," he said.

"I have some ideas that I consider creative and will explore the possibilities. I will not seek endorsement from any political party or union. I will however be grateful for any support. When elected I will owe no political debts, the only people that I owe will be the people of my city and I vow that I will work on their behalf and work harder than anyone that has ever held the office. I will make Warwick’s future brighter."