Warwick NeedsOpen Government

Transparent•Accountable•Accessible

Making government easier to understand for every Warwick resident.

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“Transparency isn't measured by the number of documents City Hall publishes. It's measured by how well residents understand what their government is doing.”

The Challenge

Outdated Council Meetings

Council meetings still operate much like they did decades ago, making it difficult for residents in the chambers or at home to follow discussions and understand what is being decided.

Poor Audio & Video

Residents should be able to clearly hear and see every discussion. Modern technology can make City Council meetings far more accessible and engaging.

Documents Hidden From View

Taxpayers cannot see the ordinances, amendments, contracts, maps, or budget documents being discussed during meetings.

Difficult City Website

Finding budgets, contracts, reports, agendas, and supporting documents on the City's website is often frustrating and time consuming.

Budgets Are Too Difficult To Understand

Budget presentations provide numbers but very little historical context, making it difficult for taxpayers to understand spending trends and long-term financial impacts.

Information Without Understanding

Government should do more than publish documents. It should present information in ways that help residents understand how decisions affect their taxes and their community.

Government shouldn’t require residents to become accountants just to understand where their tax dollars are going.

My Five-Step Plan to Open City Government

1

Enhance Access to Information

Make government information easier to access. Council agendas must be more detailed and supporting documents easiler linked to agenda items. Build portals for enhance access to public records. Institute frequent town hall meetings where council members answer questions.

2

Modernize Council Meetings

Upgrade City Council meetings with better audio, multiple camera angles, real-time document displays, and presentations that allow everyone—whether attending in person or watching from home—to clearly follow the discussion.

3

Build a Modern City Website

Redesign Warwick's website from the ground up with better navigation, powerful search tools, mobile-friendly access, and organized financial information that residents can actually find and use.

4

Government You Can Understand

Transform the way budgets, staffing proposals, and financial reports are presented by using historical comparisons, charts, graphics, and plain-English explanations so taxpayers understand how their money is being spent.

5

Communicate Before You Tax

Major financial decisions should never surprise taxpayers. Residents deserve clear explanations, public discussions, and understandable information before taxes are increased or significant spending decisions are made.

Why This Matters to Me

During my years on the City Council and School Committee, I learned that good decisions begin with good information. Unfortunately, too much of City Hall still operates as though it were twenty years ago. Important financial decisions are often presented through lengthy documents and meetings that are difficult for residents to follow.

Government should make information easier to understand—not harder.

Bob Cushman

An informed public creates a stronger government.

When City Government is open to its residents, better decisions are made for Warwick.

Back to My Plan for a Better Warwick