RI Political Diary: Gorbea Under Fire for Taking “Fossil Fuel Money,” 3 File in Providence for Mayor
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
RI's Political Diary, exclusively from GoLocal, gives you up-to-date insights into the 2022 election.
Fossil Fuel in Focus
Nellie Gorbea, a Democratic candidate for governor, is being criticized for her links to a prominent oil lobbyist.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOil Change US – a nonprofit dedicated to highlighting the influence of fossil fuel money – reports that Gorbea’s campaign held a fundraiser hosted by Tonio Burgos, one of the region's most prominent fossil fuel lobbyists.
Burgos has lobbied for some of the world’s largest oil companies as well as National Grid. During the 2020 Massachusetts Senate Primary, Representative Joe Kennedy returned $5,600 in donations from Burgos.
Democratic rival Matt Brown attacked Gorbea for the fundraising. Brown once served as RI's Secretary of State and Gorbea served on his staff. Today, Gorbea serves as RI's Secretary of State.
“The fossil fuel industry is threatening our planet. We already see the forest fires, floods and extreme heat they’ve caused – and our children will see much, much worse if we don’t act. We are literally in a fight for our lives with the fossil fuel industry,” said Brown. “We need to fight them with everything we’ve got and shut them down – not cozy up to them in exchange for campaign funds. No politician should accept campaign donations from the fossil fuel industry, let alone have one of their top lobbyists host a fundraiser at his lobbying firm.
All Three Mayoral Candidates Are In
Despite swirling rumors, all three of the leading candidates for mayor of Providence have announced that they have filed their papers.
Gonzalo Cuervo filed to run for Mayor of Providence at the Board of Canvassers in City Hall, calling it one of his proudest moments. "Providence needs a mayor who speaks from their own lived experience and understands that we can be a vibrant, safe, and clean world-class city with a thriving middle class. A mayor who leads with vision, determination, and empathy. One who knows how to bring people together to get things done," said Cuervo.
Nirva LaFortune tweeted, "I’m in this race to win it. Declare Candidacy. Next up: Collecting signatures, knocking on doors and talking to voters, and winning the race. Tell your friends that the spunk of Shirley Chisholm, the wit of Stacey Abrams, and others sent me. #TeamNirva"
Brett Smiley tweeted, "I am running for Mayor, because I love Providence. I love our vibrant, diverse neighborhoods. I love that we have some of the best food and arts and culture in the country. I love the thousands of small businesses that make up our economy."
The race for mayor is on.
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