Political Endorsements: Sierra Club, Reclaim RI and Cranston Firefighters
Monday, August 10, 2020
The political endorsements are flying. See which candidates landed which groups support.
Reclaim RI Makes Four Endorsements for General Assembly
Reclaim RI has endorsed four candidates in General Assembly races across Rhode Island: Sam Bell and Meghan Kallman for State Senate, and, for State Representatives, Leonela Felix, and David Morales. Following an online forum with the candidates, members voted to certify endorsements proposed by the Electoral and Steering Committees last Tuesday.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"Collectively, these four candidates stand as strong advocates for working people, environmental justice, and robust social services. This year in particular, we need legislators who will oppose austerity, reject tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, and who will divest from policing and prisons," said Reclaim.
Reclaim RI said in the announcement that it is demanding that revenue shortfalls be made up through taxes on the rich, divestment from prisons and policing, and not cuts to vital public services. Founded this spring by volunteer leaders of the state’s Bernie Sanders campaign, Reclaim RI is fighting to demand that legislators vote “no” on an austerity budget and to elect legislators that will stand up for working-class people in Rhode Island.
The candidates had the following to say about their endorsements:
Sam Bell: "I'm running for reelection to fight back against devastating cuts and fight for a real recovery that leaves no one behind. The activists of Reclaim RI have been at the front lines of fighting for a just budget, a budget that helps those who need it most. That is why I am so honored to receive their endorsement."
Leonela Felix: “ It is time to bring the power of the people to the State House! For too long our State House has worked for well-connected lobbyists and donors, while families get left behind. I am excited to work with ReclaimRI so that together, we can mobilize the people of Rhode Island to demand a more equitable and just Rhode Island that works for us all.”
Meghan Kallman: "I am delighted to receive ReclaimRI's support for this campaign - a campaign based on economic inclusion, social justice, and a Rhode Island that works for everyone. COVID-19 has reminded us that we are only as strong as the weakest link in the chain, and that we need economic support and resilient infrastructure for everyone to thrive as a society. And the pandemic has also shown our strength as a community. We can’t leave working people behind or ignore the urgent need for living wages, safe housing, clean energy and healthcare."
David Morales: "Our grassroots campaign is proud to earn the support of Reclaim RI. Together, we are going to organize for real systemic change in our state by advocating for laws and a state budget that reflects the needs of working people. Most importantly, we are going to empower our neighbors into the legislative process by demanding a $15 minimum wage, quality public schools, and healthcare for all."
Sierra Club for Stycos
The RI Chapter of Sierra Club has announced it has endorsed Steve Stycos for Mayor of Cranston.
"Our Political Committee traditionally does not involve itself in municipal elections, but in these unprecedented times it is imperative to support responsible, ethical, justice-focused candidates at every level. The city of Cranston, as Rhode Island's second-largest city, is hugely important in our struggles for environmental justice throughout Rhode Island," said Sierra Club.
"We believe Steve Stycos is the candidate for Mayor of Cranston most closely aligned with our mission, and Steve understands that the climate crisis isn't some far off abstract threat, but something we must deal with now. He introduced and won passage of a $5 million climate bond measure in Cranston that will appear on the ballot this November. That bond, if passed by voters, will allow the city to reduce its carbon footprint by improving energy efficiency of schools, libraries, and other city buildings and adding solar panels to the roofs of some buildings, among other measures," said the group.
Firefighters Back Archetto
The Cranston Firefighters, Local 1363 of the International Association of Fire Fighters announced their endorsement for City of Cranston Citywide Council Candidate Paul Archetto.
“I am incredibly honored to have earned the support of our local firefighters. Over my tenure as Councilman for Ward 3, I have worked extremely hard to make sure our citizens are safe. While on the council, I strived to make sure our Fire Department was fiscally prudent, had the equipment and training that kept the men and women of our fire service safe,
and advocated for a 5th rescue in Ward 3 to better serve the needs of our growing City. Their endorsement sends a strong signal to our city. I look forward to working with our new Mayor, the new Council and the Leadership of the Fire Union to bring fresh ideas that keep the City fiscally sound in the wake of the Pandemic and difficult economic times, all while we try and grow into an even safer community, ” said Paul Archetto, Council Candidate for Citywide, City of Cranston
Scott A. Robinson, President Cranston Firefighters, IAFF 1363, said “We have a twofold priority for Cranston Firefighters; to provide excellent service to the citizens of Cranston and the visitors to our city; and to protect the health and safety of our members. While a long time Ward 3 Councilman, Citywide candidate, Paul Archetto, has always been an advocate for the citizens of Cranston, but also a staunch advocate to make sure the men and women of the Cranston Fire Department are safe and well trained. We believe he makes a great candidate due to his experience on the council and his experience with City and Fire Department budgets. He has the ability to find innovative ways to stay fiscally sound without jeopardizing citizen or firefighter safety in the wake of the Pandemic. and we are honored to stand with someone who believes public safety is a priority for continued growth for our City.”
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