“…all three are intelligent, thoughtful Providence residents with a demonstrated commitment to public service.”

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As the March 3 election gets closer, Rhode Island Senator Samuel Bell (Democrat, District 5, Providence) has endorsed Anthony Santurri for Providence City Council Ward One. Santurri, a 60-year old nightclub owner, is running against John Goncalves, a 28-year old teacher and Nick Cicchitelli, a 34 year old real estate manager. Ward 1 includes sections of downtown, the East Side, and the Jewelry District. Polling place hours are from 7am to 8pm. Check here for your polling place.

“Today, I am proud to endorse Anthony Santurri for Ward One,” said Bell in a statement. “Anthony is a community leader who has worked tirelessly to improve our city government. As the founder of the Providence Responsible Nightlife Organization, Anthony’s tireless work on nightclub reform has changed our city for the better. I’ve seen the difference he’s already made, and I’m excited to see what he accomplishes on the Council.”

Santurri was also endorsed by UNITE HERE Local 26, which represents hundreds of hardworking hospitality workers throughout Providence.

“Anthony offers thoughtful and insightful ideas to bring people together and effect change that matters to the entire city of Providence,” said Nancy Ladeluca, Rhode Island Director of UNITE HERE Local 26. “As a business owner in our city, he has first hand knowledge of labor and how it can work in a mutually beneficial manner. This perspective will bring both a refreshing and dynamic change to the Ward 1 council seat.”

Santurri has been previously endorsed by the Rhode Island National Organization for Women, State Representatives Grace Diaz (Democrat, District 11, Providence) and Scott Slater (Democrat, District 10, Providence) and the Providence Police Union.

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But Santurri is not the only candidate securing endorsements. Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE) has endorsed John Goncalves for the seat, as has Climate Action Rhode Island. CARI writes that though, “All three signaled support for the Providence Climate Justice Plan, ECRI Climate Crisis Campaign, and Green New Deal. On a personal note, all three are intelligent, thoughtful Providence residents with a demonstrated commitment to public service.

“However, of the three candidates,” continues CARI in their endorsement, “John Goncalves demonstrated by far the deepest commitment to CARI’s mission. His vision of how to effect Providence’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy exhibits a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities for action at the city level. He speaks knowingly and relevantly about general and local environmental justice and racism issues, informed by his work organizing neighborhood associations city-wide to oppose polluting facilities in the Port of Providence. He didn’t just voice support for, but actually signed onto, the ECRI Climate Crisis Campaign Statement, the Green New Deal Pledge, and the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge.”