The Scoop: Cianci's New Plan, Fung Got New TV and More

Cianci to Talk Neighborhoods

Buddy Cianci is slated to unveil his neighborhood revitalization plan for the City of Providence next Tuesday -- as well as a preview of proposed improvements to Broad Street in particular.  

"We will be unveiling the neighborhood plan on Tuesday," confirmed Cianci campaign manager Cyd McKenna.  "We'll have both the overarching neighborhood plans, as well as specific proposals for Broad Street."

More details to come as to time and place of the announcement -- Cianci is expected to releasing his policy plans for the Port of Providence, as well as public safety, in the near future as well. 
 

Taylor Touts Rhode Island’s #1 Ranking in Nursing Home Quality

Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Catherine Taylor applauded Rhode Island’s #1 national ranking in the nursing home report card issued by Families for Better Care.

“I am so proud of our accomplishments in this sphere,” said Taylor, who stepped down as director of the Division of Elderly Affairs to run for office. “Everyone involved with nursing home care, from my former staff and colleagues at DEA to the nursing home administrators and staff on the front lines, works so hard to provide the highest quality care we possibly can for our elders. I very much look forward to supporting our nursing centers in maintaining this rare #1 ranking for Rhode Island as lieutenant governor and chairwoman of the Long Term Care Coordinating Council, and building on it as we turn our economy around.”

IUPAT District Council 11 Endorses Gina Raimondo For Governor

The International Painters and Allied Trades District Council 11 have voted to endorse Gina for governor. They are the 14th labor organization to back her campaign.

“Gina understands how important a good job is for Rhode Island families and she will be a governor who gets people back to work,” said Business Representative Scott Duhamel. “We are supporting Gina as a leader who will stand up for the middle class and grow our economy in a way that benefits everyone. We look forward to helping her win this November.”
 

GOP Mayors in RI at the Helm Among America's 50 Best Cities to Live

The RIGOP touted Republican Mayors -- including Cranston's Allan Fung and Warwick's Scott Avedisian - for leading the country in best cities with their nods in Warwick and Cranston.

In a press release, Mark Smiley, Chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party, stated, "After over 75 years of one party (Democrat) rule, our state is in pretty rough shape.  We have been championing the fiscal policies of Republican candidates as the solution to our state's woes - but the proof is in the proverbial pudding."

Fung Releases First General Election Campaign Video

The Fung for Governor Campaign has released the first television advertisement of the General Election campaign.  The ad, which is entitled “American Dream” highlights Mayor Allan Fung’s working class background and recalls his parents’ decision to leave their homes in search of the American dream. 

“I am using this advertisement to remind voters that I share the background of many of our hard-working residents and that I am committed to restoring our economy and creating real job opportunities that will make the American dream available for the next generation, just as it was available when my parents came to Rhode Island almost fifty years ago,” concluded Fung.

Fung, Raimondo Skip Newport 

According to the Newport Daily News, gubernatorial candidates Gina Raimondo and Allan Fung declined a debate next week in Newport sponsored by some pretty heavy hitters -- see below.  

From the Newport Daily News

"A public forum with candidates for statewide office scheduled for next Tuesday has been canceled; not enough candidates confirmed, including gubernatorial candidates Gina Raimondo and Allan Fung, who said they only are doing TV debates. We thank the candidates who did want to participate, and Newport County Chamber of Commerce andPell Center at Salve Regina University, co-sponsors of the event. We now are focused on organizing meetings with local candidate for office."
 

Hodsgon Blasts Kilmartin on Open Records

A report critical of state government’s compliance with a new open records law found that two years after the Access to Public Records Act became law, many state and municipal organizations fail to comply with the measure.

The report calls into question the “…effectiveness of Rhode Island’s current enforcement regime, which relies on the Office of the Attorney General to enforce the ARPA.”

“It confirms the frustrating experience of many Rhode Island citizens trying to access public information,” Hodgson said.