NEW: Aaron Regunberg Announces Candidacy for Fox’s District 4 Seat
Thursday, April 03, 2014
Aaron Regunberg announced Thursday that he has filed paperwork with the Board of Elections to run for State Representative in District 4--currently held by Gordon Fox--on the East Side of Providence.
Regunberg is a community organizer, advocate for progressive causes, and former GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™
“I’m running for State Representative for the Summit, Mount Hope and Blackstone neighborhoods because we need new voices and new leadership in Rhode Island,” said Regunberg, who is one of the founders of the high school student advocacy organization the Providence Student Union. “I’m running to make sure that every one of our public schools is providing the high quality, empowering education our young people deserve. I have fought for education change that comes from the bottom up, with youth, parents, educators, and community members. My work advocating alongside students has shown me what a difference it makes to have leaders who listen to and stand up for our young people, which is what I will do every day as State Representative.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRegunberg is a graduate of Brown University. While there, he founded the “Brown for Providence” group that helped to successfully pressure Brown to increase payments in lieu of taxes to the City of Providence.
“I believe that we’re all better off when we have a fairer tax structure,” Regunberg said, “and as State Representative I will continue to advocate for property tax relief for working families and small businesses by restoring state aid to cities and towns.”
Community support
Diana Jackson, an artist and longtime resident of the Summit neighborhood, said, “I am so excited Aaron is running for state representative. My husband and I have loved working with him on a host of projects in our neighborhood, and I am always inspired by his energy, honesty and commitment to making our community a better place. This is one campaign I can’t wait to volunteer for!”
James Monteiro, a community leader in Mount Hope and executive director of the Billy Taylor House, has announced his support. “I’m looking for somebody who is committed to getting our economy back on track and who I know will stand up for our community,” James said. “Aaron has proven that he’s got the right priorities. Even more important, he’s proven that he knows how to bring people together to get things done. I’m behind Aaron 100%, and I know he’s going to have a strong base of support here in Mount Hope.”
Jill Davidson, education columnist for East Side Monthly and member of Temple Emanu-El’s Board of Trustees, has signed on as Regunberg’s campaign treasurer. “I have seen firsthand the incredible work Aaron does to empower young people and to advocate for youth-led reform in our schools,” Jill said. “I am thrilled to support Aaron’s candidacy because I know I can count on him to fight for high-quality public education and to represent my values at the State House.”
Previously announced candidate Sam Bell also expressed his support for Regunberg after ending his campaign Thursday morning. “I’d like to thank everyone who supported my campaign. I’m proud to stand behind Aaron. I know he will bring new leadership and a strong progressive voice to the State House, and I’m very excited to support his candidacy.”
Difference of one
“I have heard people ask how much difference one representative can make in the General Assembly,” Regunberg said. “The truth is, getting things done in a chamber of 75 people is difficult, and one person can’t do it alone. But as an advocate and community organizer, I have learned how to research good policy, bring people together, build coalitions and work hard for real change. I will bring this same passion to the State House.”
Regunberg lives in Providence’s Mount Hope neighborhood with his longtime partner, Katie. Regunberg is on the Executive Board of the Young Democrats of Rhode Island, where he works to encourage more young people to engage in the political process. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Billy Taylor House, a youth enrichment and workforce development program on the East Side.
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