Vote ’10: Race Notes

June 28, 2010 4:00 pm

From Thursday, July 29th

Dennigan Denounces Incumbent's War Votes

Elizabeth “Betsy” Dennigan, Democratic candidate in Rhode Island's Second Congressional District, today voiced strong opposition to additional spending for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Rep. James Langevin, the ten-year incumbent, voted to increase war funding on Tuesday by voting to approve $33 billion in supplemental funding for the wars.

This vote follows a vote in late May when Mr. Langevin voted no on an amendment to give our troops, their families and all Americans information on a plan and timetable for withdrawal of troops.

Our troops deserve all our respect for their professionalism and valor, Dennigan stated. They are willing, at any time, to do all that is asked of them.

But, our massive, expensive presence in Afghanistan undermines our efforts to eliminate safe havens for al Qaeda in Pakistan and to fight these determined terrorists globally. We can best protect out national security and ensure the safety of our soldiers by bringing our troops home quickly and reallocating resources to improve our intelligence-gathering networks and strike al Qaeda wherever they operate.

The Afghan War has already cost 1190 American lives and $321 billion over nine years. We are amassing most of our military strength in a country where fewer than 100 members of al Qaeda remain, and where the government has not met us halfway in becoming self-reliant.

Given the history of fraud and abuse in money directed to Afghanistan and Iraq, we are skeptical as to what amount of new war funding would ever be used to provide such things as sufficient gear, armor and resources for our soldiers.

In addition, a large number of military documents recently made public reinforces deep suspicions among American officials that Pakistan's military spy service has for years secretly guided the Afghan insurgency, even though Pakistan receives more than $1 billion a year from Washington for its help combating Afghan insurgents.

We need to redirect our efforts and relationship with Afghanistan to one based on diplomacy and infrastructure development, including security and educational endeavors, not expanding the number of combat troops.

The Afghan War is reaching the nine-year mark. Mr. Langevin's vote was wrong and additional war funding is the wrong path for America

From Tuesday, July 27th

LT GOV. ROBERTS TO CONDUCT SITE VISIT TO GULF OIL SPILL

Chair of Emergency Management Advisory Council and Small Business Advocacy Council
to ensure that Rhode Island coast and businesses will be secure in natural disaster

PROVIDENCE– Lt. Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts tomorrow will begin a two-day recovery and renewal, fact-finding tour of the Gulf Coast, along with other members of the National Lieutenant Governors Association at their “Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal” annual meeting in Biloxi, Mississippi. The tour will include site visits to examine the oil spill response at Deer Island and the Northrop Grumman navy warship shipbuilding facility to discuss how jobs in Rhode Island can be protected and expanded after natural disasters such as the historic flooding experienced by Rhode Island in March 2010.

“As Chair of both the Small Business Advocacy Council and the Emergency Management Advisory Council, I am focused on protecting and supporting businesses and the Rhode Island economy during emergency management crises and economic recovery,” said Lt. Governor Roberts.

Roberts added, “I will visit the Gulf Coast to meet with business leaders and state officials from Louisiana and Mississippi to ensure that Rhode Island businesses will thrive in the face of challenges such as those posed by Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. Particularly in light of Rhode Island's recent flooding, I am here on the ground to make sure that we take the lessons learned from Katrina and the Gulf spill to make certain that every Rhode Island business affected by a disaster is supported and every job in our state is protected. It is of utmost importance that we are well-prepared to minimize disruption during this economic recovery and to continue to grow jobs even when our state is faced with serious natural disasters.”

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Northrup Grumman Vice President Irwin F. Edenzon, and Mississippi Power President Anthony Topazi will brief the lieutenants governor on how employers can most effectively partner with government for recovery in the aftermath of a natural disaster such as Katrina, which caused a major disruption to infrastructure and the workforce at both Mississippi Power and Northrup Grumman.

From Monday, July 26th

Kilmartin: We Must Take Action Against “Pay-to-Play”

AG Candidate Announces Plan to Fight Practice of Campaign Contributions for Government Contracts

Pawtucket, RI – As Attorney General Candidate Peter Kilmartin continues his fight against “pay-to-play,” he announced today his plan to fight against the corrupt practice when elected.

“Enough is enough. Corruption has proven that it never sleeps in Rhode Island and it can no longer be tolerated,” said Kilmartin. “As Attorney General, I will lead the charge against corruption by cracking down on practices like ‘pay-to-play' and will use all of the powers endowed to the office to aggressively prosecute those that violate the public trust.”

Rhode Island does not currently have tough restrictions on political contributions by a contracting entity with the government to officeholders who award contracts. In order to remedy this, Peter Kilmartin led the charge by fighting for passage of a bill aimed at combating “pay-to-play” (H.7386). As Attorney General, Kilmartin will continue to push legislators to pass an even stronger law cracking down on “pay-to-play.”

Kilmartin's Plan as Attorney General to Combat “Pay-to-Play” includes:

· All no-bid and competitive-bid government contracts will be subject to tough “pay-to-play” restrictions, as well as state and local officials ultimately responsible for awarding the contract or appointing administrators who award the contract.

· Board members, officers, managers and individuals who hold at least 5 percent ownership interest, as well as their spouses and dependent children age 18 or older of the contracting entity will be subject to “pay-to-play” restrictions.

· Covered individuals in the contracting entity may not make contributions from the day the proposal is submitted and the aggregate limit for the contracting entity is one year after dissemination of the contract. PACs affiliated with the contracting entity also fall within rules regarding a contracting entity.

· Violation of a contracting entity will result in contract cancellation, suspension for one year from submitting a proposal for a competitive-bid contract or entering into a no-bid contract, as well as payment of an amount equal to the value of the contribution to the state no more than thirty days after notice of the violation from the board of elections.

· A candidate receiving contributions in violation of the law from a contracting entity must forfeit the amount of the contribution to the state no more than thirty days after notice of the violation from the board of elections.

This announcement comes on the heels of an opinion issued by the United State Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Connecticut in which they upheld significant portions of Connecticut's law aimed at fighting against “pay-to-play.” Specifically, the Court upheld the state's strict prohibition against contractors from contributing to the campaigns of candidates.

Nine states – Connecticut, South Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Hawaii, New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado, and the Federal Government – currently have such restrictions.

About Peter Kilmartin
Peter Kilmartin served as Pawtucket police officer for nearly 24 years, rising to the rank captain and officer in charge of prosecution. Currently, he is an attorney, college professor, state representative and Candidate for Attorney General. For more information, please visit www.peterkilmartin.com.

From Friday, July 23rd

Kilmartin: I will be a Watchdog Over Health Insurance Companies as AG

Kilmartin Has an Unmatched Record of Fighting for Rhode Island Jobs and Rate Payers

Pawtucket, RI –Regarding an announcement by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island eliminating more than 100 jobs, Attorney General Candidate Peter Kilmartin made the following statement:

“Enough is enough. It is wrong that on the heels of receiving approval for a nearly 10 percent rate-hike increase, non-profit Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island announced that it is going to eliminate more than 100 jobs as a cost cutting measure. We cannot let health insurance companies in our state that are given special tax breaks from government jack up rates and cut Rhode Island jobs.”

“Fighting for Rhode Island jobs and cracking down on the health insurance industry is not new for me. When Bank of America and Fleet Bank merged in 2004, I led the charge against Bank of America and helped ensure that the employees of Rhode Island Fleet Bank kept their jobs when the two companies merged.”

“In taking on the health insurance industry on behalf of consumers, I successfully fought for a law requiring health insurance companies become subject to public scrutiny before drastically raising their rates, as well as a law ensuring that insurance providers pay for reconstructive surgeries following mastectomies to treat breast cancer.”

“As Attorney General, I will continue to protect Rhode Islanders from companies who put profits ahead of people. In addition, I will be a watchdog over health insurance companies and use the powers of the office to aggressively fight for consumers and against rate hikes.”

About Peter F. Kilmartin
Peter F. Kilmartin served as Pawtucket police officer for nearly 24 years, rising to the rank of prosecutor and captain. Currently, he is an attorney, college professor, state representative, and Candidate for Attorney General. For more information, please visit www.peterkilmartin.com.

Chris Little opposes Deepwater Project Due to High Costs Passed on to Ratepayers

Attorney General candidate Chris Little is opposing the Deepwater offshore wind farm in its current form because of expensive costs that are being passed on to Rhode Islanders.

“Rhode Island should be at the forefront of wind energy,” said Little. “But we should not do that at the risk of destroying businesses and homeowners. I oppose this project . . . .unless and until we are satisfied that the numbers are reasonable and affordable for the state.”

Little's remarks are included in his comments for a public comment period scheduled for today, July 22, at the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

“High utility costs hurt businesses and homeowners, who must pay this extra burden,” added Little. “As the PUC found in its initial analysis, businesses, large and small, pay for the higher utility rates instead of, for instance, increasing their workforce. So directly and indirectly, these higher costs are likely to be at the expense of jobs for our state – at a time of 12 percent RI unemployment.”

The candidate for Attorney General is also criticizing the developer for shielding core financial data from the public – only giving it privately to the PUC.

Little said, “In its current proposal, a troubling aspect of this project is that the developer is withholding essential financial information about the project – specifically its rate of return. How can Rhode Islanders have confidence in Deepwater if we lack this important information?”

Little, whose campaign started in February, is running for Attorney General as a candidate on the Moderate Party.

Patrick-Murray Administration Praises Congress for Passing Unemployment Insurance Benefits Package

Bill Will Help Massachusetts Residents Looking For Work, Includes Extensions and Part-Time Earnings Remedy for Claimants

Boston – Thursday, July 22, 2010 – The Patrick-Murray Administration's Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development today announced that Congress has passed legislation to retroactively extend unemployment insurance benefits through November for eligible individuals. In addition, this legislative package ensures that unemployment claimants taking part-time work do not receive unfair reductions in future payments. Approximately 70,000 Massachusetts UI claimants have been impacted by the benefits expiration that began in June.

Governor Patrick tirelessly advocated for the extension of unemployment benefits, and led the way in urging Congress to include the part-time claimant fix in this package. The Governor met with Senators Kerry and Brown, as well as U.S. Secretary of Labor Solis on a number of occasions to convey the urgency of this legislation to residents of the Commonwealth struggling to find work during difficult economic times.

“On behalf of the thousands of Massachusetts people still in search of work, I thank the Congress, and especially our own Delegation, for passing them this lifeline. This extension will help them bridge to better times,” said Governor Patrick.

“Governor Patrick and our Congressional Delegation have worked hard to make this extension a reality,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “It is extremely good news for the families and individuals who will be able to pay their bills and put food on the table while they continue their job search.”

The President is expected to sign this legislation as early as today. The bill offers critical support for out-of-work Americans and also features relief for part-time earners. It protects those claimants who had part time or interim earnings from a disproportionate reduction in their benefit level once the work has ended and they need to return to unemployment benefits. The legislation will encourage employers to hire claimants and claimants to accept part time or interim work as we continue to move towards increased full employment.

Labor & Workforce Development Secretary Joanne F. Goldstein said, “We are pleased to see that the Governor's advocacy efforts have been effective and that Congress has restored extended unemployment benefits and addressed the unfair situation that penalized those individuals who had part-time or interim earnings.”

More information and future updates about the extended benefit program will be posted on the DUA website, www.Mass.gov/dua or people can call, 1-888-998-8418.

Langevin to Preside Over House in Observation of ADA 20th Anniversary

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), who is quadriplegic, will preside over the US House of Representatives for the first time on Monday, July 26th. The Speaker's rostrum on the House Floor has just been made wheelchair-accessible through a series of lifts. This historic event is timed to coincide with the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“I have long said that I may be the first quadriplegic to serve in Congress, but I won't be the last,” said Langevin, a five-term representative from Rhode Island and co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus. “On Monday, we will celebrate another major step in continuing efforts to make the Capitol Complex accessible when I preside over the US House of Representatives. This is an extremely proud moment for me and helps renew my spirit as we continue to remove barriers and strengthen the ADA for millions of Americans with disabilities in the decades to come.”

Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts joins US SBA and Block Island Chamber
for Small Business “Buy Local” Tour of Island

Roberts joined by U.S. Small Business Association RI District Director Mark Hayward
and Block Island Chamber President Kathy Szabo to visit 11 small businesses on tour

PROVIDENCE— Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts will visit Block Island on Friday, July 23, 2010, departing on the Point Judith Ferry at 7:15 am and arriving at her first stop at the Old Post Office Bagel Shop at 123 Ocean Avenue at 8:30 am. Roberts next will meet US SBA RI District Director Mark Hayward and Block Island Chamber President Kathy Szabo at 9:45 am at the Block Island Chamber of Commerce, One Water Street. Together they will continue on a morning tour of 10 of the island's retail shops and eateries.

“Block Island is one of the crown jewels of Rhode Island's tourism industry, and it's important for me to hear from these small businesses about how we can better support them, promote them, and help them grow jobs in our state,” said Lt. Governor Roberts. “My 'Buy Local' tours initiative is one of the best ways for me to do this–getting out of the State House and visiting them where they live and do business,” said Roberts.

Lt. Gov. Roberts, Chair of the Small Business Advocacy Council, has made dozens of “Buy Local” tours of the state in an effort to reach out to small businesses since she launched “Buy Local RI” in 2009, a statewide initiative to grow the sales and consumer base for locally owned businesses. Roberts and members of the Small Business Advocacy Council joined with members of local Chambers of Commerce, local business owners and state and local elected officials to help create a statewide network and website (buylocalri.org) dedicated to expanding the market for local businesses and products by connecting people to Rhode Island businesses.

Who:

Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, US SBA and Block Island Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Small Business Association RI District Director Mark Hayward
Block Island Chamber President Kathy Szabo

What:

“Buy Local” Tour of Block Island

When:

Friday, July 23, 2010, beginning at 8:30 am

Where:

(8:30 am) Old Post Office Bagel Shop at 123 Ocean Avenue
(9:45 am) Block Island Chamber of Commerce at One Water Street

“Village Days” in Johnston
Will be joined by Residents and Local Business Owners

From Simmonsville to Morgan Mills- and to Merino, Hugesdale and Graniteville, Johnston's history goes back to its “villages”.

Betsy Dennigan, Candidate for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District is visiting business owners, residents and veteran groups in villages in the villages throughout the 2nd Congressional District. The purpose of the Village Days is to meet local residents and small business owners and give them the opportunity to speak with Betsy about issues important to their families and community.

Village Days is coming to the Town of Johnston on Tuesday, July 27th.
The July 27th tour will start at 8:00 Am. An invitation is extended for those interested in discussing issues with Betsy to join her for breakfast at Brewed Awakenings, 1395 Atwood Avenue at 8am.

From there Betsy will visit the villages of Simmonsville, Morgan Mills, Merino, Hugesdale and Graniteville meeting with veterans, seniors and dropping in at various business. The day will end at 5pm at Luigi's, 1357 Hartford Avenue where residents will again have the opportunity to discuss issues with Betsy.

Residents are also invited to join Betsy' at any point during the day. Please call 290.7200 or email Brenda@betsydenniganforcongress for more information, to suggest locations to visit or to receive a text of Betsy's location.

Village Days Cranston

What: Villages Day-Touring the Villages of Cranston
When: July 28, 2010 7:45am-6pm
Who: Betsy Dennigan for Congress
Contact: Brenda Reyes at 270-9200 or Brenda@betsydenniganforcongress.com

“Villages Day” in Cranston
Will be joined by Residents and Local Business Owners

From Bellefonte to Knightsville and Sockanosett, Auburn and Pettaconsett, Cranston's history and culture go back to its “villages”.
Betsy Dennigan, Candidate for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District is visiting business owners, residents and veteran groups in villages throughout the 2nd Congressional District. The purpose of the Village Days is to listen to residents and to local small business owners and speak about her Jobs Plan.

The Villages Day comes to Cranston on Wednesday, July 28th. Betsy will be visiting the Villages of Pawtuxet, Sockanosset, West Arlington, Pettaconsett, Oakland, Meshanticut Park, Howard, Edgewood, Eden Park, Washington Park, Thornton, Bellefonte, Knightsville, Auburn and Arlington.

The July 28th tour will start at T's Restaurant, 1059 Park Avenue, Cranston for breakfast and great coffee at 7:45am. Residents are invited to join Betsy.

From there, Betsy will be traveling around meeting seniors, young families, veterans and small business owners. The day will end at O'Rourke's Bar and Grille, at Narragansett Parkway and 34 Peck Lane from 5pm-6pm. Cranston residents are welcome to end a busy ” Villages Day” with Betsy.

From Wednesday, June 30th

Gemma Supports Unemployment Extensions

PROVIDENCE – Anthony Gemma, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Congress from Rhode Island's First District, today announced that he supports passage of H.R. 5618, the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act.

This legislation would allow for a six-month extension of jobless benefits (which expired on June 2) for people who have been out of work more than six months.

“If I were serving in Congress today, I would fight for passage of this legislation,” said Gemma. “According to current analysis, more than 73,000 Rhode Islanders are unemployed. This figure represents 12.3 percent of our population. There can be no more powerful and heart-wrenching a measurement of the devastation wrought by the recent financial crisis.”

Gemma added, “As we struggle to revive our economy – and we will do just that – we simply cannot abandon industrious, well-intentioned Americans who, while ready, willing, and able to return to the work force, cannot find gainful employment no matter how hard they try.

“My vote today on H.R. 5618 would be an unambiguous AYE!”

Baker Blasts 2011 Budget

BOSTON – Charlie Baker on Wednesday chided Deval Patrick for signing a fiscal 2011 state budget that will lead to tax hikes, fewer jobs and includes no meaningful reforms to save taxpayers money. The budget Patrick was handed by the Legislature included $160 million in federal money that had yet to arrive and $300 million in savings from debt restructuring that had yet to be approved.

Governor Patrick was to make last-minute cuts when signing the new budget, continuing his pattern of crafting unrealistic budgets and then being forced to make emergency cuts when fiscal reality sets in. Baker pledged that his budgets would be responsible and balanced and would prepare for the worst rather than hoping for the best.

Today's budget signing also sets up a budget for fiscal 2012 that already has a roughly $2.5 billion deficit due to a heavy reliance on one-time spending and federal dollars this year. As governor, Baker said he would not sign this budget, but rather approve a budget for 60 days and work with the Legislature to begin tackling the reforms that will save money and put Massachusetts on the right path.

“There is no doubt in my mind that this budget will lead to further tax hikes and fewer jobs,” Baker said. “Deval Patrick has cost taxpayers $1 billion a year in tax increases and we've lost jobs because of it. Nothing is changing under this budget because Beacon Hill is satisfied with the status quo.”

Baker pointed to a long list of reforms and savings that are continually ignored by Beacon Hill, including eliminating the Pacheco Law, eliminating the use of project labor agreements, giving cities and towns the flexibility they are looking for to change health care plans for local workers, reforming the Medicaid system, and cracking down on illegal immigration. These reforms are among those Baker has proposed to save taxpayers $1 billion.

The budget signing comes a year after Deval Patrick signed into law a 25 percent increase in the sales tax, driving more consumers out-of-state and causing more employers to eliminate jobs. The sales tax hike, signed into law as part of fiscal 2010 budget, was just one of the many tax hikes Patrick has supported and campaigned for while he's been in office.

From Tuesday, June 29th

David Salvatore Announces Bid for City Council

Candidate on track to visit every household in the ward with plan to promote neighborhood level decision-making and flow of information

(Providence, June 29, 2010) He was the first candidate to announce for City Council in Ward 14 and David Salvatore is on his way to visiting every household in the neighborhood to talk about his campaign and ask voters for their support.

Salvatore, a life-long resident of the Elmhurst neighborhood with strong family ties in the community, is running to preserve the quality of life in the area and make sure city government is responsive to the needs of the community. One way to do that is to make sure the local councilman is accessible to voters, not just through City Hall, but at the neighborhood level.

“My goal is to create a website, paid for by campaign funds and not taxpayer dollars, which can serve as a forum and sounding board for residents of the ward to communicate with me and with each other,” said Salvatore. “At the same time, I intend to have a phone number where people can have easy access to me outside of City Hall, so we can ensure a strong flow of information about what's going on in our neighborhood.”

“I've been active in this community all my life and I'm not running for office to carry water for anyone in City Hall or find a stepping stone to the next job. I'm running because I want to give something back to the community that has been my home and the people who have made a difference for me.”

Salvatore has deep roots in the community. His father's father was born on Sussex Street and worked as a mill hand at the American Silk Spinning Company located at the corner of Whipple and Admiral Streets. Members of his mother's family worked at the same mill. His parents attended the neighborhood schools and both graduated from Mount Pleasant High School.

A little league coach who was an All-Star shortstop and captain of the team during the 1980's, Salvatore is a member of the Friends of Elmhurst and the Police District 6 Neighborhood Crime Watch. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Rhode Island College and currently runs the Unclaimed Property and Business offices in the Office of the General Treasurer.

“Having a community where generations of families keep coming back is no accident,” said Salvatore. “It is the result of people who work hard and have a shared commitment to maintaining a quality of life for ourselves and our children.”

Salvatore concluded, “An important part of that work has to be done on the City Council, where we need a leader who will fight for strong neighborhood schools, well-maintained parks and recreational facilities, and a healthy business climate in our city which provides good jobs and offers accessible services. I will make that work the focus of my efforts for our community as Ward 14's next City Councilman.”

Baker Decries 1-Year Anniversary of Sales Tax Hike

BOSTON – Today marks the one-year anniversary of Deval Patrick's signing into law the 25 percent increase in the sales tax for Massachusetts, a move that has dug further into the pockets of Massachusetts residents and driven more jobs out of state. This comes as Patrick is about to sign the fiscal 2011 budget that lacks meaningful reforms and will lead to further tax hikes and fewer jobs.

The sales tax hike, signed into law as part of the fiscal 2010 budget, was just one of the many tax hikes Patrick has led the charge for while in office. That same budget last year also included increases in taxes on satellite television, alcohol, meals and hotels. Patrick has yet to file a budget without proposing a tax increase, and in 2009 he campaigned across the state for an increase in the gas tax.

“Deval Patrick and Beacon Hill continue to ignore reforms that are going to get Massachusetts back on track,” Baker said. “Unless we change directions, this sales tax increase will be another item on a long list that will continue to drive jobs out of Massachusetts.”

Baker will hold a press conference at 11:30 am today on the Mansfield Town Common to highlight the one-year anniversary of Patrick's signing of the sales tax hike.

Tim Cahill hasn't been far behind in his support for higher taxes, backing a higher gas tax in 2009 and endorsing Deval Patrick in 2006 for his “courageous” stance against rolling back the income tax rate to 5 percent.

The sales tax hike is just one of many contributors to the anti-competitive business climate that Baker hears about on the road across Massachusetts. Requirements to use union-only construction companies on state projects, not giving cities and towns flexibility in designing health care plans, and outlawing the use of private services through the Pacheco Law are all handouts to special interests that Patrick and Cahill support which cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

Baker, as part of his Baker's Dozen proposals to save taxpayers approximately $1 billion, proposed eliminating the Pacheco Law and project labor agreements, and supports giving cities and towns the ability to design health care plans. Baker has also pushed for Beacon Hill to authorize a sales tax holiday this summer as a way to give retailers and consumers a break.

Catherine Taylor to File for Secretary of State Candidacy

At 12:00 noon today, Catherine Taylor will file her Declaration of Candidacy for the office of Secretary of State at 148 West River Street, Providence. She will be accompanied by former Secretary of State Susan L. Farmer, the first woman to hold a general office in Rhode Island.

Catherine Taylor served the people of Rhode Island for 20 years, first on the staff of Senator John Chafee, where she worked as a legislative assistant for defense and foreign policy, and speechwriter during the effort to enact health care reform in 1993-4; on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where she worked as Chairman John Chafee's speechwriter from 1995 until his death in 1999; and as speechwriter and senior editor for Senator Lincoln Chafee during his entire Senate tenure. In 2007 she cofounded the public affairs consulting firm Lang Taylor, which recently changed its name to Taylorwordworks. Taylor lives in Providence with her husband and four children.

Angel Taveras Declares Candidacy in Providence Mayoral Race

WHAT: Four months after announcing his campaign for Mayor in front of an abandoned supermarket to highlight the need for job creation in the capital city, Angel Taveras will declare his candidacy in Providence City Hall with campaign leaders and members of his family. In a short period of time, Taveras has surprised political analysts with his ability to rack up endorsements from city and community leaders and to lead the 1st quarter fundraising race. Darrell West, of the Brookings Institution, called Taveras 'the man to beat' in the Mayor's race.

WHEN: TODAY, TUESDAY, JUNE 29 — 9:15 AM

WHERE: Providence City Hall

WHO:

    * Myrth York – Campaign chair
    * Lauren Nocera – Campaign manager
    * Anthony DeLuca – Campaign coordinator
    * Elyssa Perez (13)- goddaughter
    * Idalys Perez (10) – goddaughter
    * Jonathan Ramirez (12) – godson
    * Lexus Taveras (16) – niece
    * Deja Taveras (12) – niece
    * Darius Ovalles (15) – cousin

From Monday, June 28th

Chafee to Declare Candidacy for RI Governor

Warwick – Former Warwick Mayor and United States Senator Lincoln Chafee will officially declare his independent candidacy for governor today (Monday, June 28, 2010) at 2pm at the Rhode Island Board of Elections, 148 West River Street, Providence.

Lt. Gov. Roberts Running for Re-Election

Roberts Cites Plans to Expand Small Businesses and Grow Jobs,
Implement National Health Reform in RI and Prevail Against Health Insurance Rate Hikes,
Ensure Access to an Open and Honest Government

PROVIDENCE- Lt. Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts filed a Declaration of Candidacy with the Secretary of State's Office at 9:00 am this morning, Monday, June 28, 2010, marking her bid for re-election to the office of Lieutenant Governor with a robust plan for her next four years in office.

“I am running for re-election to continue advocating for small businesses. RI companies are the backbone of our state's economy and they deserve support from their state to make it easier for them to do business here, especially during these difficult economic times. I will be an effective partner with these businesses, protecting them now and growing jobs for the future,” stated Roberts. “We also will look to build industries of the future in the knowledge economy, and capitalize on opportunities in advanced manufacturing to compete on a national scale.”

“I will make sure national health reform is done right in Rhode Island,” she continued. “I have convened healthcare stakeholders from across the state who are already working to make sure Rhode Islanders derive maximum benefit from the federal reforms. I will continue to fight against health insurance rate hikes, holding insurers accountable for reducing costs for Rhode Island's families and businesses,” said Roberts.

“My door has been open to Rhode Islanders without an advocate when they most needed guidance from their government. I have helped countless Rhode Islanders in navigating access to COBRA subsidies, flood loan assistance, unemployment benefits, and other services. I will work diligently to keep the public engaged to ensure an open and honest government that works for the people,” Roberts said emphatically.

Roberts was inaugurated as the 68th lieutenant governor of Rhode Island on January 2, 2007, making history as the first woman elected to the position. Before taking office, Roberts spent more than a decade as a state senator serving Cranston and Warwick. She earned a statewide reputation as a tireless leader on healthcare issues, building upon her career in healthcare administration and management.

As lieutenant governor, she serves as chair of the Long Term Care Coordinating Council, the Small Business Advocacy Council, and the Emergency Management Advisory Council.

“I look forward to this campaign to share with voters more about my work for them and my plans to continue producing results for Rhode Islanders in the next four years,” Roberts concluded.

RI Rep. Ferri Running for Re-Election

Warwick – Rhode Island Democratic State Representative Frank Ferri announced today his campaign for re-election.

“I'm proud and honored to be running for re-election in Warwick's 22nd District,” said Ferri. “I've been working hard these past three years on issues we are all facing in these trying economic times. I look forward to continue championing the causes that matter most for our friends, families and neighbors of District 22.”

Ferri, who has operated and owned Town Hall Lanes for over 25 years, is well known in the community for his neighborhood involvement as secretary of the Riverview Improvement Association.

“Frank is a very caring and attentive leader,” said Riverview Neighborhood Association President Sandra Corrente. “He reaches out to the whole community and that's why he gets my vote.”

At the State House, Ferri has tirelessly advocated for job creation; accessible, high-quality health care; marriage equality; environmental preservation and public parks; affordable higher education; as well as an array of issues affecting senior citizens.

Some of Ferri's key legislative accomplishments include sponsoring a bond issue preserving Rocky Point as public open space, officially nixing the “R word” from the Department of Mental Health and passing the Water Conservation and Competiveness Act of 2009.

“Each Thanksgiving Frank and his family host a banquet for all our residents,” said Terry DiCecco, president of the Meadowbrook Terrace Tenants Association. “If he says he's going to get something done, I know he'll try his hardest – he's been a terrific help. Frank's an honorary member at Meadowbrook and he's always welcome here.”

In May, eight seniors from Warwick Veterans High School received scholarships from a fund Ferri established with the waiver payments he receives for declining state-paid health insurance, which he chooses to purchase through his business.

Ferri was appointed secretary of the new House Committee on Small Business earlier this year. The committee oversees legislation aimed at building and protecting the crucial employment opportunities small businesses provide Rhode Island.

“Frank brings so much attention and energy to our neighborhood that it truly brings everyone together,” said George Shuster, Warwick resident and counsel to The Rocky Point Foundation. “Frank is the kind of person who started serving the neighborhood long before he was elected. His role as a state representative is merely a conduit for the good work he does in the district and I'm happy to support his re-election.”

Langevin Files for Re-Election in 2nd Congressional District

(WARWICK, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin today filed with the Secretary of State's Office to run for his sixth term as the Representative from Rhode Island's Second Congressional District. Langevin released the following statement after filing:

“It has been my great privilege to represent the Second District for nearly a decade. Thanks to the thousands of Rhode Islanders who have placed their faith in me, who have trusted me to take the tough votes, and who have allowed me to do my best to serve them every day, my time serving in Congress has been richly rewarding.

“These are serious times, times that demand common sense leadership and honest debate about what we've done right in this country and the challenges that remain. I look forward to continuing my travels throughout the district in the coming months to hear the concerns of my constituents and ensure that their voices are being heard in Washington.

“As I campaign for my sixth term, I pledge to meet the challenges we face head-on. Right now my first job is to create jobs and to get our economy back on track. I will continue to be a bridge between my constituents and the federal government, helping people navigate bureaucracies, helping Rhode Island get the federal resources it deserves and helping voters understand the national issues that impact them right here at home. Now more than ever, when so many people are struggling, when we face threats from near and far, I want to be that bridge for all of you, and for all of the Second District.”

Patrick Lynch Declares Candidacy for Governor

(Providence, Rhode Island) Today Attorney General Patrick formally declared his candidacy for Governor of Rhode Island. Patrick Lynch is seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor of Rhode Island to replace the outgoing Republican Governor Don Carcieri.

“We desperately need to change the way we do business in Rhode Island,” Lynch said. “The critical issues facing Rhode Islanders today-like having a good paying job-will have such a profound impact on our future that we need fundamental change in how we approach jobs and the economy, said Lynch.

“We need to focus on long-term plans, not short-term gimmicks. We need to reform a dysfunctional state government that stands in the way of growth. We need to target middle class families, not the wealthy or big corporations and focus on things like improving education and growing good-paying high tech and green jobs,” Lynch said.

“It is obvious that our elected officials in the General Assembly and current Governor have lost touch with the very people they have pledged to represent. The days when self serving and short sighted bills are voted on in the dead of night without even being read must quickly come to an end,” Lynch said.

“I have proposed plans to deal with our economic crisis with a Small Business Bill of Rights, Retool Rhode Island and a plan to address the housing crisis. As governor I pledge to stand for long term practical solutions and stand against gimmicks and short term fixes,” said Patrick Lynch. “As Attorney General, I have fought for Rhode Island's working class families, and as Governor, I am prepared to be the leader with the strength, the courage, and the steady hand to stand up and continue to fight for them every day,” concluded Patrick Lynch.