Ward asks voters to OK Question 1

WOONSOCKET - In his press release, John Ward said that Question 1 on the ballot next Tuesday asks the voters to consider an "Amendment to the Woonsocket Home Rule Charter - Law Department."

"As anyone watching the city government operate for the last several years has seen, the Mayor has been able to drive her agenda through a solicitor who has to be more concerned with continued employment than with the law," said Ward. "He has discounted the point of view of the City Council at the instruction of the Mayor on every matter for which there was a disagreement. Though we can all expect the past not to repeat itself under a new administration, the people of Woonsocket need to establish some protection from the possibility of a repeat at some time in the future."

Ward said that Question 1 will balance the control over the solicitor position so that the interests of the entire city will come before the self-interest of any mayor or city council. "The solicitor can serve the law and the citizens of Woonsocket without the fear of being fired without cause by the mayor," he said.

Said Ward "I will be voting to approve Question 1 on Tuesday and I am asking all of the voters of Woonsocket to vote to approve Question 1."

Ward continued "The last Charter review and changes were approved by the voters of Woonsocket in 2001. Eight years have gone by and I believe it is time to review our charter. The time needed to convene a commission of citizens and experts, offer proposals, draft amendments and submit the legislation will see us voting on the proposals in 2011, 10 years after our last change," he said. Ward said the City Charter states, "If this charter shall not have been reviewed at sometime during the period of ten (10) years, the mayor shall appoint a Woonsocket Home Rule Charter Review Commission to update and review the charter." "The time is right to act now," he said.

Ward concluded "I ask for the voters to re-elect me to the City Council so I can help to work toward long-term solutions for our city."