Solomon, Picozzi, Cooperate on Mayoral Transition

WARWICK, RI —  The Mayoral transition of power following results of the 2020 election is proceeding smoothly, Mayor-elect Frank Picozzi and outgoing Mayor Joseph Solomon report.

On Nov. 10, Picozzi forwarded a letter to Mayor Joseph J. Solomon initiating the transition process between the Solomon Administration and the incoming Picozzi Administration. In his letter, the Mayor-elect asked for the cooperation of the Solomon Administration in assisting with the transition process. Picozzi also thanked Solomon for his many years of service and dedication to the City of Warwick as a City Councilman and recently as Mayor of Warwick.

“Today, I received a letter from Warwick’s Mayor-elect Picozzi, informing me he has formed a transition team to help ensure a smooth transfer of leadership,” Solomon said when asked about the transition. “Throughout my tenure as an elected official, I have always put the needs of the City foremost in any decisions I have made, and I will continue to do so for the remainder of my term,” Solomon said.

“Mayor Solomon’s response was gracious in offering access to his staff and any other assistance necessary to ensure an orderly, efficient and seamless transition between administrations. The Solomon Administration’s cooperation will allow me to make informed decisions as I transition into the office of the Mayor,” Picozzi said. “I look forward to working together with Mayor Solomon and his staff to enable an accurate assessment of present conditions as this will allow me and my administration to make informed decisions as we conduct the business of the City on behalf of the residents of Warwick.”

The smooth transition stands in stark contrast to the delayed elements of the Presidential transition of power from outgoing President Donald J. Trump to President-Elect Joe Biden. Trump’s refusal to concede, and long-standing refusal to support a peaceful transition of power, has caused many acute worry about the future of American democracy. A president who refuses to concede once all votes are counted and  legal challenges have been resolved would be a first since 1800, according to National Geographic.

The situation has further hindered the ability of President-elect Biden to organize his administration’s response to the surging COVID-19 pandemic, NBC reports.

Locally, Solomon said he intends to make certain Warwick faces no such roadblocks.

“During these uncertain times as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is more important than ever to ensure that our communities have stability and that our residents and our business community are reassured that services will continue to operate seamlessly, effectively, and efficiently through this transitional period. To that end, I am committed to doing whatever is necessary to assist the incoming administration so that we both can ensure the ongoing vitality and success of our great City,” Solomon said.