Fiola, others, support unified Fall River Congressional map

Fall River State Rep Carole Fiola issued support in a statement today for the current 4th Congressional District mapping that would keep Fall River and New Bedford in their own separate districts and no longer split.

“After six months, 20 public hearings, and hundreds of residents testifying, the Joint Committee on Redistricting has released its proposed new maps, and Fall River is no longer divided. Senator Will Brownsberger and State Representative Mike Moran, Redistricting Committee Co-Chairs, led a transparent, thoughtful congressional redistricting process.

“There were 20 hearings, where residents and communities weighed in, and the committee heard repeatedly that Fall River is best represented as a unified city.

“After two decades of waiting, this map honors that imperative. Fall River will be the biggest city in the Massachusetts Fourth and will no longer stand in any community’s shadow or be second to another community’s needs — it will stand as its own city, not as part of a region, and will be
front and center for its US Representative to champion.

“The current congressman, Jake Auchincloss, has already built strong relationships here and advocated effectively for funding for Fall River’s water infrastructure, urban renewal, and public safety. He has been visible in our city, and he has delivered quality constituent services.

“As we have successfully advocated in bringing wind energy to the South Coast, South Coast Rail to fruition along with our developing waterfronts and the blue economy among other projects, we are best served to continue to work with our neighboring South Coast communities with the strength of two strong congressional voices.

“We are excited for all of Fall River to be in the MA-4.”

Fiola went on to list some of those who are in favor of the new 4th Congressional District.

Mayor Paul Coogan
Fall River Resident

State Representative Carole Fiola
6th Bristol
Fall River Resident

State Representative Pat Haddad
4th Congressional District Resident

Cliff Ponte, Jr
Fall River City Council President
Fall River Resident

Linda Pereira
Fall River City Council
Fall River Resident

Mark Costa
Fall River School Committee Vice Chair
Fall River Resident

Tom Khoury
Fall River School Committee
Fall River Resident

John Mitchell
Bristol County Commissioner and Former Mayor of Fall River
Fall River Resident

BJ McDonald
Register of Deeds, Fall River District
Fall River Resident

Former State Senator Joan Menard
Fall River Resident

Nick Christ
President and CEO BayCoast Bank

Michael Lund
Owner, Borden Light Marina/Pier 52
Fall River Resident

Ron Rusin
Owner, ReMax Right Choice
Fall River Resident

Ken Fiola
Executive Vice President, Bristol County Economic Development Consultants
Fall River Resident

Joan Medeiros
Fall River Resident

Frank Marcchione
Owner Board Walk Plaza Fall River

Joe Constancia
Laborers Local 610

Anthony Cordeiro
AFC Insurance and Property Developer
Fall River Resident

Gerald Donovan
President, G and J Properties Fall River
Fall River Resident

Natalie Melo
President, Bank Street Neighborhood Association
Fall River Resident

Earlier in the week, a group headed by Joe Kennedy, expressed their support for New Bedford and Fall River to fully be in the same district.