Mayor Frank Picozzi made a point earlier this year that as an independent he wouldn’t be endorsing any candidates this year. But then Picozzi made an exception to his own rule. Picozzi has endorsed House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi for reelection.

A photo of Picozzi shaking Shekarchi’s hand was featured in Shekarchi’s political advertisement appearing in last Thursday’s Beacon. Accompanying the photo Picozzi’s quote, “Warwick is fortunate to have Joe working for us as Speaker of the House. Joe is able to bring people together, and rise above bitter partisanship to deliver for the citizens of Warwick. He eliminated the car tax, increased state funding for our school children and provided tax relief for Warwick’s small businesses.”

Picozzi said Tuesday that Shekarchi asked for his endorsement and he willingly gave it.

Why?

“Because he was the only one to meet with me,” Picozzi said.

The mayor said Shekarchi called him within 24 hours after winning election and “told me everything going on in the General Assembly.” One of the first things he learned is that the city would receive a $500,000 Department of Environmental grant for work to be done at Mickey Stevens Sports Complex. In the weeks following the election and after assuming the office of mayor, Picozzi said Shekarchi has always kept him informed of issues affecting the city.

“He was always there for me,” he said.

As Speaker, Picozzi said Shekarchi has the ability to play politics and could have made things rough for him as an independent.

“He put politics aside and I respect him for that,” the mayor said.

What of a Democratic candidate for mayor as was it speculated earlier this year? The Democrats never recruited a candidate to oppose Picozzi nor, for that matter, did Republicans come up with one.

Might that also explain why Picozzi endorsed Shekarchi?