Stuart Wilson for RI

I attended the Warwick City Council meeting last night, which featured lots of financial committee work. I wasn't there for a specific reason, so I could take in the items without previous bias.

There are a number of professionals trying to do their jobs, including people who work for the city and the council. There are also some vocal citizens who are angry and making their voices heard. It's the same voices that want to close schools and reduce staffing. They are also emboldened by the no vote last week.

It's a tense environment, unfortunately. It feels adversarial, not productive. Perhaps we can keep a goal of better government in all our heads as we work on the many projects the city has in front of it. I don't think politics have to be yucky.

On the way home I drove by the airport, and guess who was getting back? The Patriots! I saw the plane, and at least a half dozen buses on the tarmac. I don't think it's related but it is a cool thing about Warwick.

Time to vote Warwick! Yes on #1

A few people have asked me about the special election question for an additional $50 million for a recreation bond, which includes athletic facilities at the new high schools.

I understand the sticker shock, especially after several rounds of voting for more money. It can be tough to swallow something like this, but I will be voting yes. I know that sports are important in this city, both for student-athletes and many other citizens. I won't take that away from them, especially the kids who are blameless in the current budget crunch.

My family has enjoyed years of healthy play on the parks and playgrounds of Warwick, and we see how popular they are with so many others. These rec facilities are worth it; they enrich lives.

I think it's worth pointing out that inflation has really screwed up the construction budget for the new schools. That's not the fault of anyone in the city, but it's a worthwhile lesson for the future when we are tempted to delay the maintenance and replacement of crucial infrastructure.

Border patrol has no business being in Minnesota. Donald Trump doesn’t care about our country or the the people living in it. His priorities are his legacy, his wealth, and staying out of prison. The Republican Party is made up of cowards who care more about their careers than their communities. They have given DJT control of their careers and that’s what matters to them most.

To the oppressed, the murdered, there is no difference between the polices of this administration, the N***s, or the confederacy. The racism, hate, and violence is the same.

I have some exciting news to share today: After much discussion with my family, I have decided to re-enter the political arena in 2026. I will be seeking to represent Ward 1 in the Warwick City Council. With 2026 now upon us, I will be immediately setting up the infrastructure of a campaign again.

Since running for office in 2020 and 2022, I’ve had 4 years to continue listening to my neighbors: friends, other parents, teachers, and students. Their opinions, ideas, and concerns are the ones that I will carry to the City Council.

Warwick Schools are at a crossroads, and we need someone on the City Council who understands that. Someone who values education, and the communities that are built around our schools, not just fiscal efficiency. I’m invested in our public schools. My kids attend E.T. Wyman, and I teach there in the after-school program as well. The School Budget has become a hot button issue, but I think there are larger budgeting issues at hand in our city and state, and it’s important that we don’t let our schools and the children and families of Warwick suffer as a result.

We need someone with a vision to keep the streets of Warwick safe for pedestrians, pets, and cyclists. Warwick has the ability to be a walkable city, and I want to encourage that. It’s how we get to know our neighbors, and build our sense of community.

We also need to encourage building more housing. Infill development and greater housing density will add more properties paying into city taxes, which eases the burden on struggling households.

I was fortunate to have a great deal of support in my previous runs, and I’ll be asking for help again in 2026. When I look at all the concerns in the world, I feel that starting in my own backyard is where I can make the most impact. I hope I can count on your support.

Thank you for reading,
Stuart Wilson

I went to this today. I was happy to see there were many more like me, there to speak up on behave of trans student-athletes. I'm looking for places to be present, to make sure I support the those who are at risk. In this case, people with a similar mindset far outnumbered the sadly misinformed man who represented the transphobic minority.

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League obeys in advance and weakens protections for transgender, gender diverse and transitioning student-athletes The RIIL Principals Committee on Athletics meets on Monday, March 24, at 1:30 PM, in the RIIL Offices at 875 Centerville Rd. Building 3, Warwick, RI 02886. Public attendance is welcome.

This week brought more disappointing election results. Perhaps I was too optimistic, but I never take a win for granted. We worked hard for Harris and other Dems and still lost.

Democrats let Joe Biden’s ego get in the way of a real primary, or enough time to run a real presidential campaign. The ego of leaders. I’m disappointed in the Democrats right now.

I have not given up though, which is the most important thing. Don’t give up. If you are helping others commiserate this week, you haven’t give up either. We will support each other, and that matters.

I can’t predict what horrors will come in the next four years, but It will not be okay for everyone. Women will continue to die because of Abortion bans. Immigrant families will be thrown into chaos. Hopefully we won’t see hundreds of thousands needlessly die in a pandemic. Trump will have more power than ever.

I’ve decided not to give up, I hope you haven’t either.

Election Day is tomorrow, and I IMPLORE you to vote. I vote in order to improve the chances of what I think would be the best possible outcome in an election.

National politics feel so distant some times, but I can't imagine a better candidate for President than Kamala Harris. I respect her intelligence, persistence, experience, wisdom, and humor. Unlike some names further down this list, I have of course never met her. I can't imagine a worse person than Trump. If he's elected his administration will do irreparable harm to this country.

I've had a Senator Sheldon Whitehouse sign on my lawn for months. He's great and I'm voting for him and Seth Magaziner.

I'm obviously not running for state representative right now, so I'll be voting for Joe Representative Joseph McNamara.

I'm enthusiastically supporting Zach Colón for Warwick School Committee, as well as David Testa.

I'm voting no on the first ballot question. I don't think a constitutional convention is a good idea right now.

I will be voting yes on the other four questions; all bonds I support.

In RI you can view a sample ballot here: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/PollingPlaces?ActiveFlag=2

The RI Working Families Party has a great list of state reps and state senators they have endorsed here, and I'm happy to talk more about your part of the state, because there are some really great people who deserve your support.
https://workingfamilies.org/state/rhode-island/?link_id=0&can_id=ee0ae5b6b01ed1a8e5d89ebd50ca8592&source=email-votingriwfps-recommendations&email_referrer=email_2516886&email_subject=voting-nil-riwfps-guide

If you have any questions please reach out! I'll be voting in person tomorrow.

workingfamilies.org

Here's what I learned in Pennsylvania:

Enthusiasm is high for Harris. Knock for Democracy sent two buses, 170 volunteers, to the Allentown area on Saturday. We worked with locals to knock on 5500 doors. My experience on the doors was about what I expected. We were in towns I'd never heard of but they could've been streets around here. Some older folks who are solid Harris supporters. A few people who didn't want to discuss how they were voting. Who knows what that means.

It was a well organized event, and the people at Knock for Democracy have gotten pretty good at this. Plenty of snacks, and our local driver insisted on taking me to "WAWA" for a "hoagie." Democratic supporters we talked to were happy to talk and appreciative that we were doing what we could, not only for Harris but Rep Susan Wild and Senator Bob Casey. After knocking all day, Governor Josh Shapiro gave an impromptu pep talk! Very unexpected.

I'm not going back any time soon but there are plenty of opportunities to phone bank still.

There are also lots of local candidates to canvas for too! I'm planning to do some more of that this weekend.

Thank you for all the support. If we work together we can defeat Trump again.

I spent the day knocking doors in Pennsylvania!

I’m glad I had the chance to canvas for dems where the race is closer. But the suburbs today were a lot like some in Warwick.

It was a beautiful day with a cold wind.

It’s a close election, every vote matters. Please make a plan to vote!

Vote.ri.gov

It’s Election Day in RI! Go vote!

I’m voting for Zach Colon and David Testa for school committee.