The Scoop - Fung Exploring Gov Run - RI News and Politics at 4 pm

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Anthony Faccenda, The Scoop

 

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Welcome to The Scoop, the 4 p.m. report on everything politics in Rhode Island – the inside daily report exclusively on GoLocalProv.com.

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Fung Announces Exploratory Committee in Potential Run for Governor

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung announced today the formation of an exploratory committee for a potential run for Governor. Mayor Fung stated that it has become abundantly clear that the citizens of Rhode Island are looking for a leader based upon his travels around the state. Fung stated, “They are looking for someone who has both the private and public sector experience necessary to get Rhode Islanders back to work and get this state back on track.”

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Fung continued, “I have assembled a diverse group of individuals to explore whether or not my experience and skillset can help lead Rhode Island into better times. Having been born and raised in Rhode Island, I am heartbroken to see so many Rhode Islanders hurting. People are telling me they are worried about paying their mortgage, putting food on the table, and having enough money to fill their tank for the next job interview. This is unacceptable.”

“For far too long, we have been branded as the worst place to start or run a business, one of the top three states in unemployment, one of the worst states in the country in total tax burden, the second worst state in population growth, and one of the worst states for retirees. We need to change direction and we need to do it fast,” exclaimed Fung.

“I believe we need a strong leader who can not only get our great state back on track, but also put a heavy emphasis on providing the best education we can to our children from K-16. The next generation has to be our highest priority, because without them, our state will fail. Unfortunately, we are seeing our children leave our state in droves for lack of opportunity. We must focus on education, not only to close the skills gap that we hear so much about, but to provide our children with a better opportunity.

“At the end of the day, we need a leader who will shout from the top of his lungs that ‘Rhode Island is open for business.’ I will make it my priority to make Rhode Island competitive not only in New England and the Northeast, but the country as a whole. We have to modernize our regulatory process to let business leaders know that we want their business. We need to market our assets of air, water, and rail to retain our current businesses and attract new ones” added Fung.

“I will use the next couple of months to evaluate whether I can bring the same successes we have had in Cranston to Rhode Island.”

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Cicilline Seeks Constituents' Opinions on Syria

This afternoon, U.S. Congressman David Cicilline issued the following statement to his constituents asking their opinion on the ongoing crisis in Syria. In order to gauge public opinion, Cicilline is asking Rhode Islanders to fill out a short survey regarding the use of American military force against the Syrian regime. A link to that poll can be found below.

Here's Cicilline's statement:

"As you know, Congress is currently debating a resolution to give President Obama the authority to use military force in Syria. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I participated in 4-hour hearing last week with Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey. I listened closely to their testimony and responses to the Committee’s questions as they laid out the Obama Administration's argument for launching a military strike against Syria.

"Last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed a resolution by a vote of 10-7 that would provide the President with a maximum of 90 days to use military force in Syria and bans the use of ground forces. The House Foreign Affairs Committee will likely vote either on the Senate resolution or a House version of the resolution in the weeks ahead. If the House Foreign Affairs Committee approves the resolution, then it would go to the House floor for a vote by all 435 members of Congress.

"I have already heard from many constituents by phone and email expressing their support or opposition to using military force in Syria. As your Congressman, I would like to hear from more of my constituents before the resolution comes to the House floor for a vote. All you need to do is fill out the survey below to share your thoughts with me right now.

Click here to fill out the survey.

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Congressional Candidate Maciel Speaks Out About Latest Developments in Syria

U.S. Rep. David Cicilline’s opponent Jonathan Maciel has issued a statement on the latest developments in Syria.

"President Putin's proposal and acceptance by Syria to place chemical weapons under UN control is very promising," said Maciel to GoLocal. A diplomatic solution is exactly what Americans are looking for. We are very sympathetic to the suffering of the Syrian people but evidence is scattered placing blame on both sides for chemical weapon attacks.

“For this to be successful, I think we need a delegation from the UN, the US, Russia, China, and the EU working in cooperation to contain and destroy chemical weapons in Syria. If we are to better our standing with the world, especially in the Middle East, we must use diplomacy first and war as a very last resort. Diplomacy in cooperation with governments across the globe will increase both its legitimacy and effectiveness."

Following talks of a compromise in Syria, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced on Monday that the Senate would delay a test vote to authorize a military strike in Syria.

Diossa Unopposed in Central Falls Mayor’s Race

Central Falls mayor James A. Diossa won’t have any competition when he runs for reelection this fall. The deadline to file papers to run for mayor in Central Falls passed on Friday and incumbent Diossa is the sole remaining candidate.

Diossa issued the following statement to GoLocal regarding his inevitable victory:

"I want to thank Council President Benson, Councilwoman DelaHoz and Councilman Szlastha for their service and dedication to the City of Central Falls. I know they love this city and hope that they will remain involved. I am very excited about the new voices joining Councilman Bob Ferri in offering their candidacies for City Council including Shelby Maldonado (City Council At-Large), Tia Ristaino-Siegel (City Council At-Large), Ann Racquier (Ward 1), Hugo Figueroa (Ward 3), Stephanie Gonzalez (Ward 4), and Tammi Johnston (Ward 5). I am especially excited about the large number of women who have stepped forward to lead our city to a brighter future. As election day on Tuesday November 5th approaches, I will continue to actively engage our residents so that together we can continue to move Central Falls forward."

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Senate President Paiva Weed Attends Oliver Hazard Perry Commemoration

Earlier today, Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed spoke at the bicentennial ceremony commemorating the Battle of Lake Eerie, and it’s hero, Rhode Island’s own Oliver Hazard Perry, at Eisenhower Park in Newport.

“It is important that we remember the Battle of Lake Erie and the vital role of Commodore Perry in the War of 1812,” said Paiva Weed. “The mission of the Military Order of Foreign Wars includes honoring and perpetuating the names of the brave and loyal officers who served our nation, and keeping alive the memory of their martial deeds, the victories they helped to gain, and the freedoms they helped to protect.”
In September 1813, during the War of 1812, Perry and his 557 officers and men prevailed over the British fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie, near Put-in-Bay, Ohio.

The event—which was hosted by the Rhode Island Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars—also featured guest speakers John B. Hattendorf, professor of maritime history at the U.S. Naval War College; Newport Mayor Henry F. “Harry” Withrop; U.S. Naval College President Walter E. “Ted” Carter Jr.; and event chair John Duchesneau.

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Chafee Reflects on New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference

During a press conference yesterday afternoon, Governor Lincoln Chafee, the co-chair of the 37th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP), described the last two days of roundtable discussions and private meetings as fruitful, collaborative and relationship-strengthening.

The governors and premiers explored themes of common interest regarding clean energy such as hydropower; greater use of energy-efficient vehicles; addressing and mitigating climate change; railway transportation; and mutual assistance in the event of an emergency.

"Through these meetings, we were able to build and improve our already existing collaborations. The governors and premiers learned more about shared interests and how we can work together on vital regional issues," said Chafee, who led the press conference with Quebec's Premier Pauline Marois. "During the 37th conference, we also reminded each other how important it is to work across jurisdictional lines to ensure the best possible outcomes."

The leaders passed six resolutions, which covered clean energy, alternative fuel vehicles, transportation, climate change, mutual aid in an emergency situation and rail transportation safety.

To view the resolutions visit: http://www.scics.gc.ca/english/Conferences.asp?a=view&id=2950

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Baldelli-Hunt Leads in Mayoral Fundraising in Woonsocket

The field of Woonsocket Mayoral candidates may be crowded, but one candidate has stepped away from the pack in terms of fundraising. According to documents filed with the Rhode Island Board of Elections, Rep. Lisa Baldelli-Hunt (D-Dist. 49) holds a commanding lead over incumbent mayor Leo Fontaine in regard to their respective bank accounts as of the latest filing date, which is June 30, 2013.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Lisa Baldelli-Hunt: $20,753.10
  • Mayor Leo Fontaine: $3,127.79

 

What’s especially glaring about the reports is that Baldelli-Hunt began the finance period with a beginning cash balance of $681.14, while Fontaine began the same period with $3,127.79—meaning he did not raise any money. In fact, Fontaine’s cash balance has remained unchanged since December 2011, according to campaign filings.

The race’s three other candidates—David Fisher, Roland Michaud, and Michael Moniz—have not yet filed campaign-funding reports.

Source of data: ricampaignfinance.com

If you have a scoop for The Scoop, please email it to [email protected]

 

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