Democratic primary is September 13 and these are the two hottest statewide races
The RI Federation of Teachers and Health Professional issued these two statements:
Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea for Governor
The Executive Council of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, the largest teacher union in the state, has voted to endorse Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea for governor of Rhode Island. Nellie has experience in both the public and private sectors and has a track record of creating labor management partnerships. In her tenure as Secretary of State she has worked diligently to bring all stakeholders to the table to resolve the complex issues which confront us. As a coalition builder, she values the diversity of opinion provided by all constituents.
Nellie has a robust vision for
Rhode Island which aligns with the values and objectives of the RIFTHP. Her
priorities focus on housing, education, healthcare, and economic development.
Nellie has committed to working with our members and leadership to help ensure
a better future for all Rhode Islanders.
Nellie is committed to creating a leadership team who will
consult with teachers and teacher leaders to improve our schools. She will
provide the leadership necessary to improve our education funding formula,
invest in professional development, and expand opportunities to attend public
higher education institutions. She will strive to create the schools our
children and families deserve. She has the strength and courage to make
difficult decisions.
RIFTHP President Frank Flynn, said
“We look forward to partnering with Nellie as we face many difficult challenges
over the next several years. Her inclusive leadership style and strong work
ethic are traits that our board recognized and appreciated when making this
decision.”
On behalf of the 12,000 members of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, we are proud to endorse Nellie Gorbea for governor of Rhode Island.
James Diossa for State Treasurer also picks up SEIU endorsement
The Executive Council of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals has voted to endorse former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa for Rhode Island State Treasurer. James’ experience as Mayor during the most turbulent time in Central Falls history has ingrained in him the importance of protecting the fiscal stability of both state and municipal finances to ensure that employees, and the taxpayers they serve, will never have to experience that again.
He is committed to transparent and
responsible management of the state’s resources and finances. As Treasurer he
will seek input from constituents of all sectors of the economy to gather best
practices in management and investment. James will continue the “Back to
Basics” strategy currently employed by the state investment commission to
protect and grow the state retirement system and avoid high fee, high risk
options.
As Treasurer, James will continue
the important work of rebuilding our schools. He strongly believes that all
students in our state, whether they live in urban, suburban, or rural
communities, deserve to go to school in safe, modern, state of the art
facilities. James also believes that the office of Treasurer can play a key
role in convening business and community stakeholders to create more affordable
housing in our state. Stable housing is fundamental to our state’s success.
On behalf of the 12,000 members of
the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, we are proud
to endorse James Diossa for the office of State Treasurer.