“We need comprehensive reform.”

Story by Michael DiBiase
Rhode Island Current
February 19, 2024

“This persistent disparity in funding between urban core and more affluent districts is compounded by the greater educational challenges and costs associated with educating disadvantaged students and multilingual learners.”

“It is time to admit that our funding formula for education is broken and needs comprehensive reform. These reforms first and foremost should target more aid to our urban core districts, which have disproportionate numbers of students with the greatest educational needs.”

“Reached Thursday, Baldelli-Hunt said she would respond to Ward's remarks in a written statement in the afternoon but did not.”

Story by Tom Mooney
Providence Journal
February 17, 2024

“The land deal Baldelli-Hunt orchestrated last year, says Ward, was both an embarrassing affront to all Woonsocket residents and “a lesson on how government should never run.”

“Baldelli-Hunt was “intentionally attempting to be secretive. And that’s not what government does.”

“‘It is time for the city to move past the last decade of secretive one-way politics and those officials who brought embarrassment to our residents,’ said Ward.”

Story by Ethan Shorey and Bella Pelletiere
The Valley Breeze
February 8, 2024

John Ward, a lifelong resident and fixture in city politics at all levels since 1995, is running for mayor.

When Lisa Baldelli-Hunt resigned, says Ward, it left the question open for everyone. People had often asked him to run, and he would tell them he liked his job as finance director in Lincoln and would consider a run once retired.

“Councilor Bruce Ogni described Ward’s work as ‘fabulous,’ and said to Ward, ‘you certainly didn’t just turn this into a job, you turned it into a love.’”

Story by Sofia Barr
The Valley Breeze
July 27, 2023

The spotlight is on Lincoln’s Finance Department as fiscal year 2023 casino revenue is revealed, administrative salary raises are proposed, and officials say farewell to their finance director.

Since December of 2006, John Ward has served as finance director in Lincoln, where he has helped the town with development, documentation, preservation and management of the town’s annual budget.

“The city of Woonsocket is now immersed in one of the most challenging periods in its history… But at the same time, it provides opportunities for new leadership to come on board.”

Story by Pat Ford
The Coalition Radio Network
February 7, 2024

The Coalition's Pat Ford sits down for a conversation with Woonsocket Mayoral candidate, City Council Chairman John Ward.

“‘As mayor of the City of Woonsocket, I will work aggressively from day one to complete the important projects currently under way,’ said Ward.”

Story by Christopher Boardman
ABC 6
February 7, 2024

Woonsocket City Council President John Ward declared his candidacy for Mayor of Woonsocket Wednesday. Ward has been an elected official since 1995, serving 10 years on the school committee, four years as chairman.

Ward went on to serve on the city council for 13 years, with four years as its president. He has also served on the Board of Canvassers and the 2011 charter review commission.

“‘His wealth and institutional knowledge makes him the perfect candidate to lead this council into a prosperous future,’ said Thompson. ‘It’s crucial with what has happened in the past month for us to come together to the table and tackle the challenges ahead.’”

Story by Bella Pelletiere
The Valley Breeze
November 16, 2023

The City Council met Thursday and elected John Ward as council president, filling the vacancy left when Chris Beauchamp replaced Lisa Baldelli-Hunt as mayor.

Councilor Brian Thompson said his vote for Ward was based strictly on history and past experience.