01:00 AM EDT on Thursday, August 26, 2004

BY SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
Journal Staff Writer

WARWICK -- A nonpartisan primary on Sept. 14 will eliminate three of the seven candidates for two-at large seats on the School Committee, and the top four vote-getters will appear on the November election ballot.

Among the seven, the only incumbent is Chairwoman Joyce L. Andrade. (The other at-large seat in contest is held by Joseph A. Harrington Jr., who is not seeking a second four-year term.)

Here are brief biographical sketches of the candidates:

JOYCE L. ANDRADE

Incumbent

6 Deerfield Drive

738-8025

jandradewsc#cox.net

Occupation: Child-care development consultant.

Experience: Elected to the School Committee in 1992. Currently the board chairwoman.

Education: Pilgrim High School, Community College of Rhode Island.

Personal: Born in Rhode Island, in 1958. Married to Richard Andrade. Three children.

Statement: I am dedicated to improving student achievement in Warwick. I believe in and encourage collaboration at every level and have worked toward the continual and long-term improvement of education in Warwick. During my tenure on the School Committee I have supported financial accountability and programs that have proven to be effective in educating our students. In spite of the lack of a new teachers contract, our schools continue to move forward in academic achievements as we continue to make improvements to our facilities. When reelected to the School Committee I will continue the partnership with school-district personnel, teachers, parents, business leaders and political leaders.

MARK A. BANNO

90 Everill St.

732-2404

mbanno#aol.com

Occupation: Manager, Wheelock's Auto Group.

Experience: Making his first bid for elective office.

Education: Warwick Veterans Memorial High School.

Personal: Born in Warwick, in 1961. Married to Lorraine Banno. Three children.

Statement: My bid for School Committee came after going through a year with no teachers contract. Being PTO president at Sherman Elementary and active last year in Gorton's PTO gave me a whole new outlook about the school system and teachers. Not only do I have three children but a city full of children who deserve better. As a School Committee member with your support, we can make a difference. I put the future of the school system in your hands. Let's give our children the best education possible. This is your School Committee, let your voice be heard.

CHRISTOPHER E. FRIEL

100 Aspinet Drive

739-8500

Occupation: Lawyer, Lynch & Friel

Experience: Making his first bid for elective office.

Education: Bishop Hendricken High School. University of Rhode Island, B.A. Roger Williams University, J.D.

Personal: Born in Warwick, in 1973. Married to Kerri H. Friel. One son.

Statement: I have always had an interest in becoming involved in local politics, but decided to throw my hat in the ring after the birth of my first child in October. I now have a stronger interest in the quality of education in Warwick, in additional to my existing interest as a taxpayer. I feel that change in the School Committee would be a positive step, especially in light of the current stalemate in the teachers contract negotiations. My educational background and work experience provide me with the skills to tackle such a job, while my work ethic and integrity will help me see it through.

LUCILLE MOTA-COSTA

34 Plenty St.

578-3033

ride0686#ride.ri.net

www.artisessential.net

Occupation: Retired teacher, West Warwick public schools. Freelance artist-teacher.

Experience: Served on the 1993 Home Rule Charter Commission.

Education: Coventry High School. Rhode Island College, B.S. Rhode Island School of Design, M.A.E.

Personal: Born in New Bedford, in 1950. Married to Jose Costa. Three children.

Statement: I believe my extensive experience, as an educational leader as well as a classroom teacher, will be a much-needed asset to the School Committee. I understand the complexities that can bog down a school system and prevent innovative curriculum. I understand the importance of addressing state and national standards and preparing teachers and students to meet these standards. I will lead in the struggle to bring more state and federal dollars to ensure a quality education for our children now and in the future. I feel confident, once I am elected, we will bring back to Warwick the quality schools that we deserve.

GORDON C. MULLIGAN

43 Post Rd.

941-1561

gordon--mul#earthlink.net

Occupation: Teacher, Bryant University and Providence College. Retired lawyer.

Experience: State Senate, 1971-1975. Unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 1996.

Education: The former Aldrich High School. University of Miami, B.A. Boston University, J.D.

Personal: Born in Pawtucket, in 1937. Married to Judith H. Mulligan. Three children.

Statement: For over 20 years I have been teaching at two colleges where the majority of my students graduated from public schools. I have seen firsthand how a good public school system can prepare students to excel and go on to meaningful careers. All of us need to do what we can to insure that succeeding generations receive the same quality education. I am also concerned about the increasing reliance on a regressive property tax to fund our school system. I would like to work with others toward passage of legislation which would transfer the obligation of school funding to the state.

JOHN J. REIS

90 Zachariah Place

739-9013

ljrpats1#cox.net

Occupation: Educator, Katie Brown Educational Program. Retired Providence police lieutenant.

Experience: Making his first bid for elective office.

Education: LaSalle Academy. Roger Williams University, B.A.

Personal: Born in Providence, in 1954. Married to Lisa Reis. Three children.

Statement: After 18 years on the Providence Police Department, three years running the Youth Services Bureau there, and, since then, working with young people in a variety of venues, I have learned one very important lesson: our children are not failing us, we are failing them. Where they go in life, what they become and how they contribute to society depends a great deal on our educational system. That system, both nationally and locally, is in trouble. Whether School Committee, mayor, unions, superintendent, teachers, parents, or City Council, we have one responsibility: kids first. I will fight for that with every ounce of energy.

ALBERT L. RICCI JR.

68 Trinity St.

739-6878

UniFirst23#aol.com

Occupation: Sales manager, Union Paper.

Experience: Making his first bid for elective office.

Education: Our Lady of Providence High School. Rhode Island College, B.A.

Personal: Born in Providence, in 1954. Married to Ann Ricci. Two children.

Statement: I have worked with PTAs at the city, state, and national levels for the past 17 years and served on many school improvement teams, educational committees and advocacy groups. I have seen how successful school systems around the country use community involvement for the betterment of education. I believe I can bring new insight and ideas to the School Committee. Working with the PTAs I had been a strong advocate for children's welfare and the improvement of our educational system. Now I believe I can take that advocacy one step further and have a more direct impact in Warwick through the School Committee.