Chris Fierro

WOONSOCKET – On the night of his primary election victory, Chris Fierro told a crowd of supporters that he was humbled by the support of Woonsocket voters and that, “tonight you proved that the politics of cynicism does not have to be the politics of Woonsocket. We can work together. We can take on small goals and achieve big results. We can take our positive message of change to the State House and see it resonate.”

Fierro said that he is committed to fulfilling the legacy that Sen. Roger Picard set before him: “I believe in open and honest government and I am going to be open and accessible to the people of District 51. I will be responsive to my constituents’ concerns and I will be ethical and transparent in all of my actions. I am also going to be a fighter for our great city. I will fight to bring good-paying manufacturing jobs back to Woonsocket and I will fight to keep Landmark Medical Center open and successful.”

Fierro also expressed his gratitude to everyone who came together to work on his campaign. “Together, we were able to build a grass-roots coalition of people that want to see our state headed in a different direction. Together, we knocked on over 3,400 doors, made thousands of phone calls and wrote hundreds of letters. From my grandparents on Campeau St., to my wife and kids, to the Sierra Club and Clean Water Action, to the Woonsocket Firefighters, to the Landmark nurses, to my co-workers, friends, and family, our campaign showed that when ordinary people come together with a common purpose, they can accomplish extraordinary things. Thank you to everyone.”

Fierro is celebrating his primary victory by vacationing with his family next week and, upon his return, will resume campaigning for the general election. “If I didn’t see you on the campaign trail over the last few months, I hope that I’ll be able to knock on your door between now and November.” In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at 767-5541 or fierroforwoonsocket@gmail.com.

Press Releases

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone. We ran a clean and smart campaign. We worked ourselves to the bone. And here is the best part; we won! I am thrilled. The impact is still just sinking in.

In no particular order, I would like to thank: The Lebrun Family, The Carey Family, Chris Chianese, The Derouin Family, Reverend and Mrs. Vaughn, The Lamberts, The Tupper Family, The George Family, The Chattman Family, Nina Rotatori, John Alvarez and Family, Chris Oakland, Janet Santiago, Margie Ortiz, Jesenia Alvarado, Tasia Ojeda, The Dutile Family, Bonnie and Fred Larson, Leslie Talamini, The Archambeault family, Gregory and Gloria Comastra, Rep. Edwin Pacheco, Rep. Ray Church, Justin Cormier, Rep. Arthur Handy, Rep. Gordon Fox, The Woonsocket Firefighters, The United Nurses and Allied Professionals, Shannon Lussier, Vivian Dussault, Armand Lusi, Jack McConnell, The Woonsocket Teachers Guild, Mary Foley, and so many others! Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for believing in me.

No set of thank yous would be complete without mentioning my wife and best friend, Kristina Lambert. Thanks for holding down the fort and tucking in the kids for the last five months. My kids, Hannah, Annabelle and Vincenzo—thanks for taking it all in stride—for having an entire summer without Daddy, you guys did great. My Grandpa Ed and Grandma Muriel Lambert—thank you for believing in me. My in-laws Linda and Jim Ouimette, thanks so much. My Mom and Dad came all the way down from Maine and worked the entire Election Day—thank you. I hope to keep making you proud. And last but not least, Alex Moore, my campaign manager, who believed in me enough to give up most of his summer to work for change.

I didn’t make big campaign promises. I simply promised to do my best, to work hard, and to be open and ethical. That is my goal as the next State Representative from District 51. Thanks to my friends, family, supporters, and anyone that I may have accidentally omitted.

Thank you all for helping me!

-Chris Fierro

Annoucements

Here is the post-victory news coverage:

Wednesday, 09/10/2008,  Woonsocket Call “We built a grassroots team of different progressive organizations, we put people in the streets and we worked our butts off,” said Fierro when asked how he pulled off the victory.  Fierro, 28, of 137 Ridge St., is employed as a research specialist for the New England Carpenters Labor Management Program and had campaigned on themes of improving the living standards of working people.

Thursday, 09/11/2008, Valley Breeze Political newcomer Christopher Fierro, at just 28 years old, was the upstart winner in the District 51 state representative primary race on Tuesday.

Annoucements

Chris Fierro to Opponents — “Comply with the Law”

Four opponents for House District 51 are not in compliance with RI Ethics Commission.

WOONSOCKET – Chris Fierro, of 137 Ridge Street, announced his disappointment that four of his opponents for State Representative in District 51 have not complied with Rhode Island’s constitutionally mandated ethics disclosure laws. The law requires that all candidates for public office disclose personal financial information, such as sources of income, properties owned, as well as private loans and debt.*

“Actions speak louder than words,” Fierro stated.  “And, in the case of my opponents, it appears that their rhetoric about upholding the highest standards of ethics was mere words.   If they are not filing their ethics forms now, can we expect them to follow the law when they are legislators?”

“I believe Woonsocket voters want real change at the State House,” Fierro continued.  “Families like mine are fed up with story after story of corruption and insider dealing.  That’s why I am the only candidate in this race who has pledged to support the Attorney General’s legislation to make public corruption in Rhode Island a felony.  And that’s why filing ethics disclosures is a top priority for me.  When I am State Representative, Woonsocket will have a champion at the State House for clean and open government.”

“But, change doesn’t stop there,” Fierro concluded.  “Woonsocket families want an honest voice at the State House.  But they also want a voice that will fight to bring manufacturing jobs back to Woonsocket.  And I have the experience and a plan to attract renewable energy companies to Woonsocket to build solar panels and wind turbines.  Our city and our state are in economic crisis and I will fight for good paying jobs for the people of Woonsocket.”

Fierro, a first-time candidate for office, has won the endorsement from business, community, labor and environmental groups because of his bold ideas for change, including the following groups: the RI Association of General Contractors, Woonsocket Firefighters Local 732, the Sierra Club of RI and the United Nurses & Allied Professionals.  In addition, respected Northern Rhode Island legislators Rep. Ed Pacheco (D-47) and Rep. Ray Church, (D-48) have endorsed Fierro.

*http://www.ethics.ri.gov/Financial_Disclosure/Financial_Disclosure.htm

** All opponents but Bob Phillips were not in compliance as of 9/04/2008. The forms were due shortly after the election filing period, which was in late June.

##

On The Issues, Press Releases

We’re proud to announce that the Providence Phoenix has endorsed Chris:

In House District 51, CHRISTOPHER FIERRO of Woonsocket is the progressive favorite among a busy field of six Democrats — and with good reason. Fierro has a close focus on trying to attract good-paying jobs to northern Rhode Island. More than his competitors, he has the energy and sensibility to make a positive impact in the General Assembly.

Click here for the full list of endorsements.

Annoucements