Two candidates vying for the Ward 6 seat on the Warwick City Council answered questions at a forum last Thursday focused on city finances, coastal resilience and the persistent litter problem plaguing Oakland Beach. Democrat Michelle King and Republican Keveen Olea fielded questions in a classroom at the Oakland Beach Boys & Girls Club. Independent candidate Leah Hazelwood is also running for the Ward 6 seat.
Finances Take Center Stage
The forum, held Oct. 15, was hosted by the Oakland Beach Community Association and covered city finances, coastal resilience and littering near the beach, according to the Warwick Beacon. King and Olea answered questions prepared in advance as well as queries from the audience, the outlet reported. Moderator Alex Jackl steered the discussion as neighbors gathered in the room to hear where the two candidates stood on the city's books and its sand.
Olea said he would push to hire an internal auditor if elected, a position he described as one that would monitor the city's financial situation, attend meetings and report directly to the Warwick City Council, per the same account.
Candidates discussed city finances.
City Finances
The forum also addressed city finances.
Litter at Oakland Beach was another forum topic. The Oakland Beach Community Association runs a weekly volunteer effort known as the Early Risers, which meets for an hour starting at 7:30 a.m. to pick up trash in the area.
Another Ward 6 Candidate
Independent candidate Leah Hazelwood, vice chair of the Warwick School Committee, is running for the Ward 6 seat.
Where the Money Questions Go From Here
Olea proposed an internal auditor to monitor the city's financial situation, attend meetings and report directly to the City Council.
King's broader platform, posted on her campaign website, lists strengthening flood resilience for coastal Warwick neighborhoods among her priorities. With Ward 6 voters set to weigh in, the forum highlighted debate over an auditor, grant writer and beach cleanup, while Hazelwood remains a candidate in the race.
