Sunday, November 2, 2014
Friday, October 31, 2014
Follow the CCA Money
On October 18th and 19th the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee held two fundraising gatherings so that they could introduce their local candidates to the voting public.
The turnout was good and they made a little money, but outside of Democrats some interesting visitors turned up.......Republicans and Independents. Overall, more Republicans and Independents showed up than Democrats. Although they had many local concerns, the one thing that stood out was their concern over the continued takeover of our town government by the Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA) and their "out-of-state" money fundraising machine.
So I decided to do a bit of research and found the following:
What is the Charlestown Citizens Alliance? The CCA is a Political Action Committee or (PAC), which is registered with the State of Rhode Island.
What is a PAC? PAC's are formed by special-interest groups to raise money.
How much money has the CCA PAC raised? At the end of the last filing period with the Board of Elections, the CCA had a starting balance of $13,942.32. After expenses, their ending balance for this period was $10,595.45.
How much is out-of-state money? 50-60%.
Where do their candidates live? The CCA has five candidates running for Town Council and one for Town Moderator. Of those six, three live in Quonochontaug and one in Arnolda, both of which are expensive waterfront communities.
Who runs the CCA? According to their web site, the CCA is run by their "Steering Committee" which consists of eight members, three of whom live out of state and are not residents of Charlestown.
Are they all independent candidates? Yes, all the CCA candidates are running as independent or unaffiliated but are under the control of their "Steering Committee".
Before casting your vote, you may want to consider the following questions:
Please vote for the local Democratic Candidates and help them give the CCA a run for its ("out-of- state") money.
Jane Glander, Charlestown
This Letter to the Editor was previously published in The Westerly Sun
What is the Charlestown Citizens Alliance? The CCA is a Political Action Committee or (PAC), which is registered with the State of Rhode Island.
What is a PAC? PAC's are formed by special-interest groups to raise money.
How much money has the CCA PAC raised? At the end of the last filing period with the Board of Elections, the CCA had a starting balance of $13,942.32. After expenses, their ending balance for this period was $10,595.45.
How much is out-of-state money? 50-60%.
Where do their candidates live? The CCA has five candidates running for Town Council and one for Town Moderator. Of those six, three live in Quonochontaug and one in Arnolda, both of which are expensive waterfront communities.
Who runs the CCA? According to their web site, the CCA is run by their "Steering Committee" which consists of eight members, three of whom live out of state and are not residents of Charlestown.
Are they all independent candidates? Yes, all the CCA candidates are running as independent or unaffiliated but are under the control of their "Steering Committee".
Before casting your vote, you may want to consider the following questions:
- What do you think of the way this organization is run?
- Do you think that these individuals can relate to the hard working families of Charlestown?
- Do you want your town to be controlled by "out-of-state" money and to be governed by people who don't reside in our town?
Please vote for the local Democratic Candidates and help them give the CCA a run for its ("out-of- state") money.
Jane Glander, Charlestown
This Letter to the Editor was previously published in The Westerly Sun
Water Discrimination
After almost twenty years of owning a summer home in Charlestown, I recently became a resident and with that came the privilege of registering as a new voter. I have learned a bit about my newly acquired town government by talking to friends and business people in town and hope to participate in the near future.
While visiting one of the local coffee shops, I overheard a conversation about a state agency that came into Charlestown to find a fresh water source for the residents of the Cross Mills area. Needless to say, I was immediately engaged in their conversation because not only do I live in this area but my well was contaminated during the 100 year storm that we all experienced a few years back. In my neighborhood, lot sizes are small, homes are very close together and the septic systems are too near our well water. As I started to participate in the conversation, one gentleman told me to go to the Town of Charlestown's web site and watch the Town Council meeting of June 9, 2014, which you can find under "Clerk Base" to get more information. It took awhile but I found it under.....NEW BUSINESS 8b.
As I headed home to view this video on my computer, I thought to myself, how great is it to have moved to a state that is so forward thinking that they are preserving future water sources for its citizens. After all, the health of their citizenry should be the first and foremost function of any town or state government.
As I watched with anticipation and listened for a few moments, I couldn't believe my ears. I thought, "Who are these three men on the Town Council and why are the attacking this man from the State's Water Resources Board? Don't they realize that the residents of our town need fresh drinking water? Don't they realize that we may be drinking, cooking and bathing in our neighbor's sewerage?"
After watching this antagonistic town meeting, I researched the local papers and found some interesting information. The three men on the Town Council are from a group called the Charlestown Citizens Alliance. They were very negative. Imagine, your state sends a representative to your town, wants to purchase land that will be held in trust, it won't cost the Charlestown taxpayers anything, the land becomes open-space and that water is preserved forever. Who are these people that run this town?
Additionally, three of the six Alliance candidates that are being challenged for election enjoy fresh water because they have a public water supply. It is rather hypocritical that fresh water is good for them but not for my neighborhood. Don't other taxpayers deserve clean water?
As Election Day nears, we all need to review each candidate's stand on issues. After speaking with Democratic candidates, I came to appreciate their concern for the necessity of providing our citizens with clean water. On Nov.4 we, the voters of Charlestown, have a choice. Please help protect the right to enjoy clean, fresh water by voting for the democratic slate. Re-elect Town Council Vice President Paula Andersen, along with Brandon Cleary and Ron Russo. They will help preserve fresh water for our future.
Susan O'Donnell, Charlestown
This Letter to the Editor was previously published in The Westerly Sun
While visiting one of the local coffee shops, I overheard a conversation about a state agency that came into Charlestown to find a fresh water source for the residents of the Cross Mills area. Needless to say, I was immediately engaged in their conversation because not only do I live in this area but my well was contaminated during the 100 year storm that we all experienced a few years back. In my neighborhood, lot sizes are small, homes are very close together and the septic systems are too near our well water. As I started to participate in the conversation, one gentleman told me to go to the Town of Charlestown's web site and watch the Town Council meeting of June 9, 2014, which you can find under "Clerk Base" to get more information. It took awhile but I found it under.....NEW BUSINESS 8b.
As I headed home to view this video on my computer, I thought to myself, how great is it to have moved to a state that is so forward thinking that they are preserving future water sources for its citizens. After all, the health of their citizenry should be the first and foremost function of any town or state government.
As I watched with anticipation and listened for a few moments, I couldn't believe my ears. I thought, "Who are these three men on the Town Council and why are the attacking this man from the State's Water Resources Board? Don't they realize that the residents of our town need fresh drinking water? Don't they realize that we may be drinking, cooking and bathing in our neighbor's sewerage?"
After watching this antagonistic town meeting, I researched the local papers and found some interesting information. The three men on the Town Council are from a group called the Charlestown Citizens Alliance. They were very negative. Imagine, your state sends a representative to your town, wants to purchase land that will be held in trust, it won't cost the Charlestown taxpayers anything, the land becomes open-space and that water is preserved forever. Who are these people that run this town?
Additionally, three of the six Alliance candidates that are being challenged for election enjoy fresh water because they have a public water supply. It is rather hypocritical that fresh water is good for them but not for my neighborhood. Don't other taxpayers deserve clean water?
As Election Day nears, we all need to review each candidate's stand on issues. After speaking with Democratic candidates, I came to appreciate their concern for the necessity of providing our citizens with clean water. On Nov.4 we, the voters of Charlestown, have a choice. Please help protect the right to enjoy clean, fresh water by voting for the democratic slate. Re-elect Town Council Vice President Paula Andersen, along with Brandon Cleary and Ron Russo. They will help preserve fresh water for our future.
Susan O'Donnell, Charlestown
This Letter to the Editor was previously published in The Westerly Sun
Thursday, October 30, 2014
CCA Bullying Tactics Won't Work
Have you noticed that over the past couple of weeks the Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA) has gone into "ATTACK MODE" against the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee? Why do you think this is?
Could it be that the incumbent democratic candidate for Town Council, Vice President Paula Andersen, who won three of the four voting districts along with the mail-in ballot count in the last election, might have them a little on edge?
Could it be that they are so fearful that she and our other candidates, Brandon Cleary and Ronald Russo might take the council majority in this election?
You bet they are. Why else would this Political Action Committee (PAC) who claim to be so CIVIL (respect for differing opinions), INCLUSIVE (represent the population in its entirety and guard against domination by special interests) as they attest on their web site, use the bullying tactics we see and will continue to see in the upcoming week? If they are truly CIVIL, why have they resorted to negative campaigning? If they are truly INCLUSIVE and guard against special interest, like themselves, why are they running a candidate for every office in Charlestown....isn't that domination?
The CCA controls the Planning Commission, refused to re-appoint Zoning Board members so that they could gain control of that board by replacing them with the CCA faithful and appointed School Committee members from their own membership, but that's not enough......now they want it all. Their hunger and thirst for power has no bounds. They want to control our entire town government...period.
Good government comes from opposing factions coming together for the good of the whole so that all of our citizens have a voice in our future.
On Nov. 4th, give yourself a voice in our town government by voting for the Charlestown Democratic slate. Re-elect Town Council Vice President Paula Andersen and help elect Town Council Candidates Brandon Cleary and Ronald Russo along with Henry Walsh for Town Moderator.
Letter to the Editor from Frank Glista, Charlestown
Glista is a member of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee
The CCA controls the Planning Commission, refused to re-appoint Zoning Board members so that they could gain control of that board by replacing them with the CCA faithful and appointed School Committee members from their own membership, but that's not enough......now they want it all. Their hunger and thirst for power has no bounds. They want to control our entire town government...period.
Good government comes from opposing factions coming together for the good of the whole so that all of our citizens have a voice in our future.
On Nov. 4th, give yourself a voice in our town government by voting for the Charlestown Democratic slate. Re-elect Town Council Vice President Paula Andersen and help elect Town Council Candidates Brandon Cleary and Ronald Russo along with Henry Walsh for Town Moderator.
Letter to the Editor from Frank Glista, Charlestown
Glista is a member of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee
Beware of False Independents
In-de-pend-dent - not dependent: as not subject to control by others, not affiliated with a larger controlling unit, not requiring or relying on something else, not looking to others for one's opinions or for guidance in conduct, not bound by or committed to a political party (Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary).
In the upcoming Charlestown local election, there are nine candidates on the ballot who will be listed as Independent. There is only one candidate who fits the definition as stated above: Craig Louzon, who is running his campaign with his own opinions and financing.
The claim by Charlestown Citizens Alliance that their candidates are true "independent candidates" is questionable and misleading when you consider the following:
With Charlestown Citizens Alliance providing everything for their campaign, how can their candidates claim to be independent? More importantly, can they be trusted to be "independent" if elected?
Your vote is important. Vote on Nov. 4 and please support Paula Andersen, Brandon Cleary, and Ron Russo for Town Council, Henry Walsh for Town Moderator and Craig Louzon for School Committee.
Suzanne Ferrio
Charlestown
The writer is a member of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee
In the upcoming Charlestown local election, there are nine candidates on the ballot who will be listed as Independent. There is only one candidate who fits the definition as stated above: Craig Louzon, who is running his campaign with his own opinions and financing.
The claim by Charlestown Citizens Alliance that their candidates are true "independent candidates" is questionable and misleading when you consider the following:
- They are all endorsed by one political group - Charlestown Citizens Alliance
- They campaign under a unified platform - Charlestown Citizens Alliance
- They campaign as united candidates - Charlestown Citizens Alliance
- 100 percent campaign financing by one entity - Charlestown Citizens Alliance
- 60 percent out-of-state financing - Charlestown Citizens Alliance
With Charlestown Citizens Alliance providing everything for their campaign, how can their candidates claim to be independent? More importantly, can they be trusted to be "independent" if elected?
Your vote is important. Vote on Nov. 4 and please support Paula Andersen, Brandon Cleary, and Ron Russo for Town Council, Henry Walsh for Town Moderator and Craig Louzon for School Committee.
Suzanne Ferrio
Charlestown
The writer is a member of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Meet our candidates this weekend
Events on Saturday and Sunday to
have a snack and chat with our candidates.
Saturday, October 18,
from 2 to 4 pm at the Quonochontaug Grange,
5664 Post Road.
These candidates will be there:
RSVP is optional on our Facebook page.
Sunday, October 19, from 2 to 4 pm at K & S Pizza, 469 Carolina Back Road.
These candidates will be there:
RSVP is optional on our Facebook page.
We look forward to seeing you and our candidates are eager to meet you to discuss your questions, concerns and vision for Charlestown.
have a snack and chat with our candidates.
Saturday, October 18,
from 2 to 4 pm at the Quonochontaug Grange,
5664 Post Road.
These candidates will be there:
- Donna Walsh - for re-election as your State Representative for District 36
- Paula Andersen - for re-election to Town Council
- Brandon T. Cleary - for Town Council
- Ronald Russo - for Town Council
- Henry Walsh - for re-election as Town Moderator
RSVP is optional on our Facebook page.
Sunday, October 19, from 2 to 4 pm at K & S Pizza, 469 Carolina Back Road.
These candidates will be there:
- Donna Walsh - for re-election as your State Representative for District 36
- Paula Andersen - for re-election to Town Council
- Brandon T. Cleary - for Town Council
- Ronald Russo - for Town Council
- Henry Walsh - for re-election as Town Moderator
RSVP is optional on our Facebook page.
We look forward to seeing you and our candidates are eager to meet you to discuss your questions, concerns and vision for Charlestown.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Great time at The Breachway Grill
Congressman Jim Langevin talking to Town Council candidate Brandon Cleary and son Logan. Town Council candidate Ron Russo in background, left. |
The rain washed out his plans for door-to-door canvassing visits with Donna Walsh and some of our Council candidates but Langevin still attended our Snack & Chat event at The Breachway Grill.
The pizza was great and, before we knew it, we had run over our planned 4 pm end time.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
CCA no show.....again.
The following letter was published in The Westerly Sun. Author Frank Glista is a member of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee and submitted the letter for publication here.
On Sunday October 5th, the Charlestown Rathskeller restaurant hosted an event called "The First Annual Twin Peaks Preservation Stroll". This well advertised American Cancer Society fundraising event catered to those who are or have suffered with breast cancer. It was a beautiful crisp morning as the crowd of over 100 people gathered to share stories about this horrific disease and the loved ones that it has taken, but also to celebrate the ones that have survived.
Rep. Donna Walsh took the microphone and told the audience about the legislation that she co-sponsored named "The Dense Breast Notification and Information Act" that took effect on October 1st. Because it is difficult to detect a tumor in dense breast tissue during a mammogram, this act allows women to be notified immediately for further testing, if this condition exists. The crowd applauded enthusiastically.
Our Town Council Vice President, Paula Andersen, privately shared stories about her paternal grandmother, two aunts and her daughter-in-law who have all experienced this ravaging illness. One speaker asked the crowd to raise their hands if they have breast cancer or have survived it. I was absolutely shocked to see the number hands reach to the sky letting the world know that this illness has touched their lives. I felt honored to witness the strength of these beautiful women who are committed to conquering this disease.
Although this was not a political event, comments were made. As we walked along Old Coach, Road during the 5K portion of the fundraiser, we passed one of the "bigger than life" Charlestown Citizens Alliance signs supporting all of the Independent candidates that are running for Town Council. I overheard one of the comments made by a woman walking ahead of me, "I wonder why none of these people are here?" she asked her friend as she pointed to the sign. Although I remained silent, it gave me reason to pause and reflect on her question.
Surely the Independent candidates, that are supported by the CCA, or their members have loved ones that have or are suffering from this terrible disease? Is weekend canvassing and winning an election really more important than supporting and participating in this wonderful local event?
Frank Glista
Charlestown
On Sunday October 5th, the Charlestown Rathskeller restaurant hosted an event called "The First Annual Twin Peaks Preservation Stroll". This well advertised American Cancer Society fundraising event catered to those who are or have suffered with breast cancer. It was a beautiful crisp morning as the crowd of over 100 people gathered to share stories about this horrific disease and the loved ones that it has taken, but also to celebrate the ones that have survived.
Rep. Donna Walsh took the microphone and told the audience about the legislation that she co-sponsored named "The Dense Breast Notification and Information Act" that took effect on October 1st. Because it is difficult to detect a tumor in dense breast tissue during a mammogram, this act allows women to be notified immediately for further testing, if this condition exists. The crowd applauded enthusiastically.
Our Town Council Vice President, Paula Andersen, privately shared stories about her paternal grandmother, two aunts and her daughter-in-law who have all experienced this ravaging illness. One speaker asked the crowd to raise their hands if they have breast cancer or have survived it. I was absolutely shocked to see the number hands reach to the sky letting the world know that this illness has touched their lives. I felt honored to witness the strength of these beautiful women who are committed to conquering this disease.
Although this was not a political event, comments were made. As we walked along Old Coach, Road during the 5K portion of the fundraiser, we passed one of the "bigger than life" Charlestown Citizens Alliance signs supporting all of the Independent candidates that are running for Town Council. I overheard one of the comments made by a woman walking ahead of me, "I wonder why none of these people are here?" she asked her friend as she pointed to the sign. Although I remained silent, it gave me reason to pause and reflect on her question.
Surely the Independent candidates, that are supported by the CCA, or their members have loved ones that have or are suffering from this terrible disease? Is weekend canvassing and winning an election really more important than supporting and participating in this wonderful local event?
Frank Glista
Charlestown
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Meet our candidates today!
Have a snack and chat with our candidates.
Representative Jim Langevin will attend.
Today: Saturday, October 11, from 2 to 4 pm at The Breachway Grill, One Charlestown Beach Road.
Have a taste of their popular pizza.
These candidates will be there:
RSVP is optional on our Facebook page.
We look forward to seeing you and our candidates are eager to meet you to discuss your questions, concerns and vision for Charlestown.
Representative Jim Langevin will attend.
Today: Saturday, October 11, from 2 to 4 pm at The Breachway Grill, One Charlestown Beach Road.
Have a taste of their popular pizza.
These candidates will be there:
- Donna Walsh - for re-election as your State Representative for District 36
- Jim Langevin - for re-election as your U.S. Congressman
- Paula Andersen - for re-election to Town Council
- Brandon T. Cleary - for Town Council
- Ronald Russo - for Town Council
- Henry Walsh - for re-election as Town Moderator
RSVP is optional on our Facebook page.
We look forward to seeing you and our candidates are eager to meet you to discuss your questions, concerns and vision for Charlestown.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Our Candidates at local breast cancer awareness event
Paula and Donna at The Rathskeller after the Stroll |
Donna was also one of the speakers before the walk, at the Charlestown Rathskeller Tavern.
All proceeds are going to the American Cancer Society.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Committee announces events to meet our candidates
Four events are scheduled
Your Charlestown Democratic Town Committee is pleased to announce four opportunities to have some snacks and chat with our candidates for Town Council and Town Moderator.October 9, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Charlestown Gallery, 5000 South County Trail
October 11, 2 – 4 pm, The Breachway Grill, 1 Charlestown Beach Road
October 18, 2 – 4 pm, Quonochontaug Grange, 5664 Post Road
October 19, 2 – 4 pm, K & S Pizza, 469 Carolina Back Road
We invite you to attend and talk to
- Donna Walsh - for re-election as your State Representative for District 36
- Paula Andersen - for re-election to Town Council
- Brandon T. Cleary - for Town Council
- Ronald Russo - for Town Council
- Henry Walsh - for Town Moderator
Also attending our event on October 9 at the Charlestown Gallery will be Cathie Cool Rumsey, standing for re-election as State Senator for District 34 representing the northern part of Charlestown.
Our candidates look forward to seeing you there!
You may RSVP at our Facebook page.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Beach Cleanup Day
Your Democratic Town Committee members and candidates had a great time at Save The Bay's International Coastal Cleanup Day, Saturday morning. The weather was wonderful; a great day to walk the beach.
On the left, Town Council candidates Brandon Cleary and Paula Andersen.
On the right, Terri Hamilton and Committee members Frank Glista and John Hamilton.
On the right, State Representative Donna Walsh, running for re-election in District 36 which includes Charlestown and Ronald Russo running for Town Council.
There were many cigarette butts to be found in the sand...
Below, Committee members Frank Glista and Suzanne Ferrio, Save The Bay South County Coastkeeper David Prescott, Committee member John Hamilton and Terri Hamilton.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Charlestown's Town Council takes the Ice Bucket Challenge
Including our candidate for re-election, Paula Andersen.
Filmed at 5:20 pm Friday, September 12.
Filmed at 5:20 pm Friday, September 12.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Vote in the September 9 Primary
This year, the September 9 Democratic Primary is more important than ever. We have important choices to make among Democratic candidates for the major state offices, choosing from a wide range of backgrounds, personalities and visions for our state.
After carefully considering all the candidates, the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee believes the following candidates for state office are the best, not only for the state, but for Charlestown. All of these candidates took the time to visit Charlestown to talk to our Committee. This is not just about "some election in Providence", it's about making choices that will make a difference here.
The polls will be open from 9 am until 8 pm. There are four polling stations; find yours by putting your address in at the RI Elections website here.
This mailing went out to all registered Democrats in town. Independents may also vote in the Democratic primary. (This will cause the voter to become registered as a Democrat but that can be quickly reversed, if desired, by asking to "disaffiliate" after voting.)
When you vote on September 9, please choose:
Clay Pell for Governor
Clay has fresh, detailed ideas and a positive, inclusive style that gives us hope in the future. Charlestown will gain from his plans to help small businesses grow; boost the tourism, green energy and maritime industries; increase state aid to towns; support our public schools and colleges and protect our shoreline. Pell's website.
Guillaume DeRamel for Secretary of State
Guillaume is a small business owner and philanthropist who intends to make sure the Secretary of State’s office helps Charlestown businesses grow and prosper. He’ll make voter registration and voting easier and expand voter rights. DeRamel's website.
Seth Magaziner for General Treasurer
No more “business as usual.” Charlestown will benefit from Seth’s Blueprint for jobs & growth; investing of our state’s money in RI; secure retirements; financial empowerment education. Magaziner's website.
Ralph Mollis for Lieutenant Governor
In Ralph’s two terms as Secretary of State, he eased the paperwork burden on small business and increased transparency. He helped Charlestown’s Economic Improvement Commission on their regional forums. Mollis' website.
After carefully considering all the candidates, the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee believes the following candidates for state office are the best, not only for the state, but for Charlestown. All of these candidates took the time to visit Charlestown to talk to our Committee. This is not just about "some election in Providence", it's about making choices that will make a difference here.
The polls will be open from 9 am until 8 pm. There are four polling stations; find yours by putting your address in at the RI Elections website here.
This mailing went out to all registered Democrats in town. Independents may also vote in the Democratic primary. (This will cause the voter to become registered as a Democrat but that can be quickly reversed, if desired, by asking to "disaffiliate" after voting.)
When you vote on September 9, please choose:
Clay Pell for Governor
Clay has fresh, detailed ideas and a positive, inclusive style that gives us hope in the future. Charlestown will gain from his plans to help small businesses grow; boost the tourism, green energy and maritime industries; increase state aid to towns; support our public schools and colleges and protect our shoreline. Pell's website.
Guillaume DeRamel for Secretary of State
Guillaume is a small business owner and philanthropist who intends to make sure the Secretary of State’s office helps Charlestown businesses grow and prosper. He’ll make voter registration and voting easier and expand voter rights. DeRamel's website.
Seth Magaziner for General Treasurer
No more “business as usual.” Charlestown will benefit from Seth’s Blueprint for jobs & growth; investing of our state’s money in RI; secure retirements; financial empowerment education. Magaziner's website.
Ralph Mollis for Lieutenant Governor
In Ralph’s two terms as Secretary of State, he eased the paperwork burden on small business and increased transparency. He helped Charlestown’s Economic Improvement Commission on their regional forums. Mollis' website.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Pell campaign, CDTC-endorsed candidate for Governor, releases first TV ad
On Tuesday, I had the privilege of taking the stage at the
first debate of this campaign and laying out my plan to make Rhode Island
ready for tomorrow. If you tuned in, you clearly saw that I am the only
candidate with a real plan -- one that I can put into action beginning on my
first day as governor.
As my campaign jumps into high gear, I wanted you -- as one of
my strongest supporters -- to be the first to see my first TV ad. This ad
helps Rhode Islanders to get to know me better -- by hearing about my values,
my experience, and my plan.
I'm running for governor because I believe that working
families need help now. That is why I am calling for an immediate raise in
the minimum wage. It's why I oppose changing the estate tax and giving a tax break
to the wealthiest among us at the expense of programs that serve low-income
Rhode Islanders.
I'll put our state back on course by fixing our
infrastructure; by advocating for a women's equality agenda; by ensuring all
Rhode Islanders have access to a world-class education through my Hope
Scholars and Hope Internship programs; and by ending the culture of cynicism,
cronyism, and pay-to-play politics that has bedeviled our state for too long.
This ad is the first step in getting our message out to Rhode
Islanders. And I know I can count on you to help me now, through the September
9 primary election, and beyond.
Click
here to watch my first TV ad -- and then make a contribution to help get our
message out across Rhode Island!
Thank you so much for your support. Together, we will make
Rhode Island ready for tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Clay
P.S. Want to help get the message out? Your contribution can help make sure folks across the
Ocean State see my first TV ad.
|
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Whom do you stand by? Students or big banks?
Tell Congress to give students a fair shot -- it's
the right thing to do.
I know where I stand. I'm joining 24 of my colleagues --
including Senators Elizabeth Warren, Barbara Boxer, Sherrod Brown, and Kirsten
Gillibrand -- to co-sponsor the Bank
on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act.
We're fixing a glaring problem with student loan interest rates
that's currently hurting young Americans. And we'll pay for this bill by
implementing the Buffett Rule, my legislation that requires
multi-million-dollar earners to pay a minimum federal tax rate of 30 percent.
Everyone in America striving for a college degree deserves a
fair shot at an education without crushing debt. Yet, the cost of college
has skyrocketed and middle-class incomes have remained stagnant.
We need you to stand with us before this week's vote on Senator
Elizabeth Warren's student loan bill. It's the right thing to do for
students, and it's the right thing to do to help build our country's future.
Passing this bill would mean finally implementing the Buffett
Rule, which I introduced to the Senate in 2012. It's a huge step forward for
fairness -- this bill would offer our students relief from costly loans, and
pay for the new plan by ensuring that millionaires and billionaires contribute
their fair share in taxes.
Making college affordable should be a no-brainer: there's no
reason hardworking students and their middle-class families should be paying
a higher tax rate than someone making millions of dollars a year. We should
invest in our students, not profit off of them.
When young adults shoulder loan debt, it shadows them for
decades and brings their big life decisions -- buying a home, starting a
family, launching a business -- to a grinding halt. This country can't afford
to set back an entire generation. Rewarding
hard work with loan relief is the right thing to do for students, and the
right thing to do to help build our country's future.
Last year, large bipartisan majorities agreed that federal loan
rates were far too high and voted to lower them for new borrowers -- but they
did nothing for existing borrowers, who are still paying sky-high rates on
more than $1.2 trillion in debt.
These students need our help, fast. This excessive debt burden
stands in the way of our students and the future they work so hard to
achieve.
We have a chance to bring fairness back to this system when the
Senate votes on the bill this
week, by allowing borrowers to refinance to new, lower interest
rates.
Thanks for all you do,
Sheldon Whitehouse
U.S. Senator |
Monday, May 19, 2014
Take action on climate change
In March, I stayed up all night with thirty other senators to
urge Congress to take immediate action on climate change.
Last week, the National Climate Assessment confirmed that
climate change is real, it's already altering our daily lives, and we have
the power to slow it down. And
now, we're bringing the wake-up call right to Congress' front door.
As co-chairs of the Climate Action Task Force, Senator Barbara
Boxer and I invite you to join us on May 21, 2014 when we kick off the Capitol Hill Climate Action Rally
to wake up Congress to climate change. Other climate champions in the House
and Senate will join us to show public support for action on climate change.
|
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Help working families!
Hardworking American families deserve a raise.
That's why the three of us are going to keep fighting, every
day, to raise the minimum wage. And it's why we're joining together to urge
passage of our 21st
Century Worker Tax Cut Act.
Our new legislation would modernize the tax code to help
working families keep more of what they earn -- and pay for it by closing tax
loopholes that allow the wealthiest Americans and big corporations to avoid
paying their fair share.
Together, we can give American workers and their families a
better chance to get ahead in today's economy. But we need your help to show
that our new plan has broad grassroots support.
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Saturday, May 10, 2014
It's time for action on climate change!
Stand with President Obama and me to lead the fight
against climate change.
Four years of work. Over 4,000 public comments. Thirteen federal
agencies and more than 250 researchers and scientists.
And we now have the
third National Climate Assessment (NCA) -- the most comprehensive study of
its kind confirming that climate
change is real, it's already altering our daily lives, and we have the power
to slow it down.
On Tuesday, President Obama unveiled the NCA, highlighting these
key findings. It provides a grim outlook of what our future will look like if
we fail to drastically cut carbon pollution.
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Friday, May 9, 2014
Rep. Langevin announces openings at Job Corps
Program Open to Twenty-Four Additional Students
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today announced that
the Exeter Job Corps program is now eligible to increase their on-board
strength (OBS) by an additional 24 students. Exeter was selected for this
increase by the Employment and Training Administration Office of Job Corps.
“Sustainable job creation
requires an increased focus on training our workforce and closing the skills
gap in the sectors of the economy with the most growth potential,” said
Langevin, who co-chairs the Congressional Career and Technical Education
Caucus.
“The Exeter Job Corps continues to successfully identify those sectors
and empowers its young members to learn those job skills that will make them
competitive candidates in the workforce. From health IT to manufacturing,
construction to culinary arts, Exeter Job Corps programs produce
highly-capable, hardworking young people who go on to become leaders in their
chosen fields.”
Sunday, May 4, 2014
House Democrats Introduce the Green Bank Act of 2014
Washington, D.C.
– Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen introduced the Green Bank Act of
2014 with cosponsors Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Congresswoman
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Congressman
Jim Langevin (D-RI), Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Congressman Jim Himes
(D-CT), and Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (D-CT).
Green Bank
legislation was embraced on a bipartisan basis in both the House and Senate in
2009, and eventually included as the Clean Energy Deployment Administration in
the House-passed American Clean Energy and Security Act later that year. Since
that time, the Green Bank movement has moved to the states.
Four states –
Connecticut, New York, Vermont, and Hawaii – have now established their own
state green banks, and 10 more are at various stages of exploring this
forward-looking, cost-effective public policy tool. In addition to
authorizing direct financing support for priority clean energy and energy
efficiency projects across the United States, this legislation also recognizes
and reflects the growing Green Bank movement occurring in our states by
authorizing the Green Bank to partner with and provide seed funding to state
clean energy financing institutions.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Charlestown Democrats endorse Seth Magaziner for General Treasurer
On April 21, the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee unanimously voted to
endorse Seth Magaziner for Rhode Island General Treasurer.
“Rhode Island needs leaders who will bring fresh ideas to state government and help our economy to grow,” said Chairwoman Cathy Collette. “The committee unanimously voted to endorse Seth because of his commitment to creating jobs and building infrastructure that will allow Rhode Island to move forward.”
“I am honored to have the backing of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee and I am excited to work with them to help get Rhode Island back on track,” said Magaziner. “As a professional investor, I will bring a steady hand to our state’s finances and focus on investments that will create jobs and encourage small business growth in Rhode Island.”
The Charlestown Dems join the Barrington Democratic Town Committee in endorsing Seth’s candidacy. Seth Magaziner is an investment professional from Bristol. He worked as a Vice President at Trillium Asset Management, which manages more than $1 billion in assets.
“Rhode Island needs leaders who will bring fresh ideas to state government and help our economy to grow,” said Chairwoman Cathy Collette. “The committee unanimously voted to endorse Seth because of his commitment to creating jobs and building infrastructure that will allow Rhode Island to move forward.”
“I am honored to have the backing of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee and I am excited to work with them to help get Rhode Island back on track,” said Magaziner. “As a professional investor, I will bring a steady hand to our state’s finances and focus on investments that will create jobs and encourage small business growth in Rhode Island.”
The Charlestown Dems join the Barrington Democratic Town Committee in endorsing Seth’s candidacy. Seth Magaziner is an investment professional from Bristol. He worked as a Vice President at Trillium Asset Management, which manages more than $1 billion in assets.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Charlestown Democratic Town Committee Endorses Clay Pell for Governor
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Charlestown Democratic Town
Committee announced its unanimous endorsement of gubernatorial candidate Clay
Pell. The committee, chaired by Cathy O’Reilly Collette, voted to support Clay
at their monthly meeting at the Charlestown Police Station on April 21.
“He will build on what makes our state unique in order to revitalize our economy, invest in our roads and bridges and other vital infrastructure needs, and see that all of our children have access to a world-class education.”
Charlestown is the second Democratic
town committee to endorse Clay, along with Johnston, which announced its
endorsement earlier this year.
“I deeply appreciate the support of the
Charlestown Democratic Town Committee and Chairwoman Collette,” said Pell. “I
look forward to working with them – along with other South County communities
and Democrats throughout the state – to build a winning campaign in the months
ahead.”
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
"People like to be asked"
Charlestown Democrats endorse Langevin re-election
The Charlestown Democratic Town Committee (CDTC) is pleased
to announce that it unanimously voted to endorse Second District Representative
Jim Langevin for re-election. “We are also proud to note,” said CDTC Chair
Cathy O’Reilly Collette, “that we are the first municipal committee to endorse
Rep. Langevin in 2014.”
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Charlestown Democrats the first to endorse Mollis for Lieutenant Governor
Mollis for Lt. Governor Announces Major Wave of
Endorsements
From the Mollis for Lt. Governor Campaign
PROVIDENCE, RI – Candidate for Lt. Governor A. Ralph Mollis announces today that he has received the endorsements of four Democratic Town Committees. These committees are (in the order they were received): Charlestown, Smithfield, Barrington, and North Kingstown.
Notably, Mollis has received the endorsements of every committee that has endorsed thus far. Also, both the Charlestown and Smithfield Committees voted unanimously for Mollis.
From the Mollis for Lt. Governor Campaign
PROVIDENCE, RI – Candidate for Lt. Governor A. Ralph Mollis announces today that he has received the endorsements of four Democratic Town Committees. These committees are (in the order they were received): Charlestown, Smithfield, Barrington, and North Kingstown.
Notably, Mollis has received the endorsements of every committee that has endorsed thus far. Also, both the Charlestown and Smithfield Committees voted unanimously for Mollis.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
In memoriam, Nuala Pell
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Thursday, April 10, 2014
LANGEVIN STATEMENT ON THE RYAN REPUBLICAN BUDGET
Plan Adversely Affects Seniors, Students and the
Middle Class
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued the following
statement in response to the Ryan Republican Budget, which passed the House by
a vote of 219 to 205:
“At a time when Rhode Island
is slowly pulling out of the recession, this budget pushes that progress back,
protecting tax breaks and tax loopholes for corporations and millionaires at
the expense of middle class families. The Republican budget slashes food
assistance to Rhode Island families, makes college less affordable and
eliminates the Medicare guarantee for our seniors. I am opposed to everything
this budget stands for, including the gutting of investments in education,
biomedical research and infrastructure.