The Scoop: Block Endorses Fung; Elorza, Almonte, Magaziner Pick up Endorsements, and More

Block Endorses Fung

Former candidate Block has endorsed Fung for Governor.

Block lost to Fung in a contentious race earlier this month.

Block announced his endorsement of Fung this afternoon at the Statehouse.

Healey's Deep Dive

Following Saturday's GoLocal MINDSETTER™ feature outlining his vision for Governor, Bob Healey sent the following out to remind voters of his previous platform for Lt. Governor -- and that his vision for higher office has not changed).

Healey sent the following on the matter:

Healey' statement is below:

"Dear Members of the Media:

If you read no other document produced by my campaign, please read this one.  It is the platform document I produced for the Lt. Governor's 2006 race. In that document, only slightly dated by events of 2006, I address the hypothetical of what would I do if I ascended to the Governor's office. In reading it, I found that it succinctly (okay 45 pages) sets forth a 
philosophy that I still embrace. I stand now as I stood then.  If little else, it is a portal to my mind and my vision for Rhode Island."

Photo by Jade Gotauco All Rights Reserved

Diossa Endorses Magaziner for Treasurer

Central Falls Mayor James Diossa has endorsed Seth Magaziner for Treasurer.

“I’m proud to support Seth Magaziner for General Treasurer because he has a plan to use the office as a catalyst for economic growth and to create jobs right here in Rhode Island,” said Mayor Diossa. “Seth’s Blueprint is a comprehensive plan to invest in infrastructure that will create jobs and keep our economy growing.”

“I know what it takes to secure a bright future for a struggling city, and I know that Seth will make sure that Rhode Island’s best days lie ahead,” continued Diossa.

“I am honored to have the support of Mayor Diossa and I look forward to working together to help get Rhode Island back on track,” said Magaziner. “Rhode Island needs new leadership and fresh ideas to get back on track. I have a plan to invest in Rhode Island’s crumbling infrastructure, creating jobs and growing the economy for years to come.”

National Voter Registration Day

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis will partner with the Board of Elections and the Community College of Rhode Island at the College’s four campus locations on National Voter Registration Day to register voters and provide Voter IDs ahead of the November general election. 

“I am proud to join NASS, the RI Board of Elections and CCRI to encourage voter participation and increase awareness about state requirements and deadlines for voting,” said Secretary Mollis. 

From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the office of RI Secretary of State and the Board of Elections will be at all four CCRI locations on Tuesday, September 23 to register voters including the Warwick, Lincoln, Newport and Providence campus’.  In Warwick and Newport, FREE Voter IDs will also be available. 

Registered voters who don’t have an acceptable current and valid Photo ID can get a free Voter ID at any Voter ID drive, or at the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at 148 West River Street in Providence during normal business hours.

The following are dates and places of upcoming Voter ID drives during the months of September and October.

September 23, 2014     CCRI Voter Registration     11am-1pm           Newport Campus

September 23, 2014     CCRI Voter Registration     11am-1pm           Warwick Campus

September 23, 2014     National Voter Registration Day     6pm-8pm   State House

September 27, 2014     Prescription Drug Take Back Day  10am-2pm Walgreens on Elmwood

October 1, 2014           Scituate Senior Center         11:30am-1pm 1315 Chopmist Hill Rd, N. Scituate

October 7, 2014           Woodlands Apartment           3pm-4:30pm     20 Woodland Ave, Coventry

Elorza Picks Up Four for More Endorsements

Elorza, the Democratic nominee for Mayor, has received the endorsements of State Senator Juan Pichardo, State Representative Grace Diaz, State Representative Scott Slater, and City Councilwoman Sabina Matos.

“I am proud to stand with my friend and support his vision and plans to create One Providence, where we can all participate, contribute, and thrive,” said Pichardo. “I am confident that Judge Elorza will lead our city to new heights with integrity and honesty.”

“Jorge Elorza offers the kind of leadership Providence needs right now,” said Diaz. “He’s a uniter, not a divider. We need someone who can bring together the entire city to work as One Providence.”

“It’s an honor to earn the support of so many great community leaders throughout Providence,” said Elorza. “I look forward to uniting the Democratic Party and leading us to victory in November.”

Almonte Endorsed by Rhode Island Carpenters Union Local 94

The Rhode Island Carpenters Union Local 94 has endorsed independent candidate for General Treasurer Ernie Almonte.

"Ernie Almonte has the qualifications, certifications, and credentials necessary to run the Treasurer's office and protect the money invested by the state," said Tom Savoie, Financial Secretary/Treasurer of Local 94. "Rhode Islanders cannot afford to risk their tax dollars in the hands of an unqualified Treasurer."

"The Treasurer should not be in the business of gambling with people's pensions," said Almonte. "Fiscal responsibility is crucial in the Treasurer's office, and as Treasurer, I will work to ensure Rhode Islanders who dutifully pay into their pension plans will enjoy a safe and secure retirement."

Yes on Campaign 7 Kicks Off

The Yes on 7 Campaign Kickoff launched on September 22 at Riverside Park.

"The bond funding provided in Question 7 will be invested in improving the future of our communities in ways that matter to every Rhode Islander,” stated Janet Coit, Director of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.  “By cleaning up contaminated sites and water ways and ensuring we have safe parks and local farms, these programs have a lasting impact.  It's easy to get excited about Question 7 because it promotes the health of our environment and our economy."

"The bay is my livelihood, it is where I earn my paycheck to support my family,” said Jody King, quahog fisherman and longtime advocate for shell fishing industry.  “Protecting the bay for me and all fishermen is job security and it starts in in the watershed as far north as the Blackstone River in Woonsocket.  This bond will help communities throughout the state keep the rivers and streams clean, ensuring a vibrant and healthy Narragansett Bay.”

Question 7 is a $53 million bond to provide funding for clean water, brownfield remediation, farmland acquisition, local recreation grants, flood mitigation and Roger Williams Park and Zoo. This kickoff event will mark the beginning of the campaign: Yes on 7 – Clean Water, Open Space and Healthy Communities.