To the Editor,

In the Spring & Summer of 2020 I was a Warwick resident and graduate student looking to make a difference in the lives of my neighbors. Determined, I ran for our city council in Ward 9. During that campaign I had the chance to engage with thousands of neighbors, and to meet a man named Frank Picozzi (although to this day I’ve never called him Frank). Election night didn’t go as I had hoped. While I thought I had what it took, the voters of Ward 9 (and Mayor Picozzi) apparently sensed in me a temperament more attuned to administration functions rather than legislative ones.

I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Mayor Picozzi for the opportunity he gave me, and the responsibility which he entrusted to me. After three and one-half years of serving the City of Warwick as a member of Mayor Picozzi’s Administration, this Friday will mark my last day of city service. I’m moving to Washington, DC to begin work as Program Director for State & Local Research with MetroLab Network, a public policy nonprofit. There, I’ll be partnering with local government entities and universities to drive research informed and evidence based policy recommendations tailored to the needs of local governments.

It has been the honor of my professional life to serve my hometown as a member of Mayor Picozzi's Administration. Twice the Mayor took a chance on me - and for the opportunities to serve my neighbors which he extended to me, I am eternally grateful. I have spent most of each day with Mayor Picozzi over the past three and one-half years, and have been with him on both joyful and challenging days. I have seen him weigh the various difficult decisions which come across his desk with diligence and care, and I can state without equivocation that through it all he has been entirely dedicated to the residents of Warwick, and the betterment of our City.

 During the course of my time with the City there have been days which flew by, and days which seemed to never end; but everyday was a privilege, a pleasure, and an honor. I made a promise once that I would do everything I could to help my neighbors. In the Picozzi Administration I've been able to do just that. Now, I have the opportunity to extend that neighborhood across the United States, and bring with me Warwick's sense of civic pride and service.

All the Best,

Aaron O'Brien Mackisey

A Warwick native, Mackisey has served as a member of Mayor Picozzi's Administration since January 2021, most recently as Chief of Staff.