NEW: Central Falls Councilman Diossa Raises Over $24,000 in Bid for Mayor
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Central Falls councilman James Diossa has raised more than double the campaign funds of the four other candidates vying to become the next Mayor of the state’s tiniest city, according to campaign finance reports filed this week.
Diossa has $21,708.53 in his account after raising more than $24,000 since July 1 while former Mayor Thomas Lazieh has $5,000 and former Police Chief Joseph Moran III has $4,832.33. Tia Ristaino-Siegel reported having $285.47 in her account and Bruce Corrigan did not file a report.
The five candidates are running for open seat left vacant by Charles D. Moreau, who resigned in September and later pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWhile Lazieh and Moran have more name recognition in the city, Diossa is the favorite among several prominent Democrats, including Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, State Senators Elizabeth Crowley and Juan Pichardo and State Democratic Party chairman Ed Pacheco.
Diossa has hired Bill Fischer as his spokesperson and has brought in Peter Baptista and Nick Hemond of The Hamilton Group to assist with fundraising, but he doesn’t list their services in his recent report.
Diossa’s prominent donors include $1,000 from Dr. Pablo Rodriguez, $1,000 from the EngageRI PAC, $500 from Gonzalo Cuervo and $125 from Pichardo. He also loaned himself $2,000.
Dan McGowan can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @danmcgowan.
