Warwick, Rhode Island – The City Council Ward 6 seat will be decided in the upcoming municipal election. The position opens as Councilman Bill Muto runs for the District 23 seat in the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
Leah Hazelwood – public‑safety and senior services focus
Leah Hazelwood, a lifelong Warwick resident, retired teacher, and former Warwick School Committee Vice Chair, is running as a Democrat. She previously challenged Mayor Frank Picozzi in the 2024 mayoral race, emphasizing open government and support for small businesses. Hazelwood has secured endorsements from the Warwick Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7 and the Warwick Teacher’s Union.
On her Facebook page she pledged to prioritize public safety, senior services, and reliable city services for Ward 6 residents. Specific commitments include safe streets, strong first‑responders, and timely updates on roads, drainage, sidewalks, parks, and other municipal infrastructure.
Michelle King – affordability and community engagement
Michelle King, also a Democrat, moved to Warwick in 2021 and is a parent of two children attending local schools. She works for Grey Ledge Medical Management, overseeing medical billing and credentialing. King’s campaign stresses keeping Warwick affordable for families, protecting neighborhoods, schools, and community spaces, and encouraging responsible growth that safeguards green space and the city’s coastal character.
King also calls for greater transparency on a proposed change to Cost‑of‑Living Adjustments for city retirees, urging clear answers on the new formula and its impact on pensioners.
Keveen Olea – veteran brings operational efficiency
Army veteran Keveen Olea is running on a platform of better coordination among city departments, smarter spending, and accountability. He proposes a cross‑functional approach to city hall, seeking to compare vendor costs, protect public assets, and eliminate duplicated work.
Olea’s priorities include safer roads, improved drainage, care for Oakland Beach, and responsible budgeting that respects taxpayers. He says he will investigate student pedestrian safety, pension costs, and the city’s internal auditor position, promising clear answers and follow‑through.
What’s at stake
The Ward 6 race will shape how Warwick addresses everyday concerns such as public safety, infrastructure maintenance, senior services, and fiscal responsibility. Voters will decide which candidate’s vision best aligns with the community’s values of family, faith, and individual liberty.
Original reporting: Warwick Post — read the source article.
