Blake Filippi: I Write To Set The Record Straight
Charlestown’s RI State Representative, Blake Filippi, wrote the following statement at his Facebook page condemning false allegations against CCA elected officials and candidates that were printed in a mailer that was sent town wide in Charlestown. Thank you Blake for standing up for integrity and civility!
Dear Charlestown Neighbors,
Charlestown is one of the best-run, lowest-taxed, most-beautiful towns in the entire State of Rhode Island. This didn’t happen by accident; it took hard work, planning for the next generation, and most importantly, ethical local government.
At the Rhode Island State House, we fight daily for clean government and for transparency and honesty in government functions—values undoubtedly shared by the Charlestown community.
At the same time, we must be mindful that allegations of corruption are easily believed and harder to refute. We must remain vigilant against false allegations deployed as political weapons to harm honest candidates and mislead voters.
When we become aware of such false allegations, we need to speak out. After receiving a mailer that falsely attacks the integrity of the Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA) elected officials, I write to set the record straight.
Over the past six years, I have worked closely with CCA elected officials on many important issues, including fixing the COPAR Quarries environmental disaster, saving homes and nature preserves from the rerouting of the Amtrak rail line, and public access to the shore.
Not only are their integrity and civility unassailable, CCA officials and candidates have demonstrated, time and time again, that they have Charlestown’s best interests at heart.
Respectfully yours,
October 27, 2020 @ 6:41 am
Thank You Blake, hearing from someone who does not “have an oar in the water” as they say has particular importance. Throughout the campaign Charlestown Citizens Alliance, CCA, has stayed true to their pledge to be positive and truthful. As oppose to Charlestown Residents United, CRU, who continually post half truths, innuendoes of back room deals, and lack of transparency. Charlestown is a well run, affordable, fair and safe community, of which CCA is proud. CRU is not happy and proud of Charlestown and wants change. To what end?
October 18, 2020 @ 9:11 am
Thank you, Blake! Your comments are an invaluable “fact check” from our most credible, respected and trusted State Representative. If it hasn’t been done yet, is there is any way your comments/letter could be more widely circulated throughout the the town, via an email blast, LTE in the Westerly Sun or even a mailer?
Stay well and know that legions of your supporters here in South County appreciate your honesty and results-driven efforts on our behalf!
Ron Areglado
October 17, 2020 @ 9:44 am
Thank you Blake, your input is important to ALL who live in the wonderful town of Charlestown.
Yes the CCA has worked hard on the important issues, especially those issues which will preserve the town as it is now and as it will be in the future with the comprehensive plan. CCA has done the hard work. The opposition, CRU has made false accusations.
October 17, 2020 @ 9:14 am
Many thanks Blake for your support of the civil, ethical and dedicated CCA officials and volunteers who donate many hours of their time and a lot of their energies to as you say the clean, transparent and honest governance of Charlestown … they deserve it and I am sure they very much appreciate it. Also many thanks for all your help on the issues that you mention.
October 15, 2020 @ 4:08 pm
Thank you, Blake. For someone who knows how to run a good, clean campaign, you know what a clean campaign should be and CRU has broken every rule of civility and honesty with their latest mailer. I am one supporter you can count on.
October 14, 2020 @ 9:42 pm
Thank you, Blake, for your vote of confidence in CCA’s role in Charlestown government. Your endorsement of CCA-supported candidates adds value to their efforts.