Letters to the editor: Concerns over Ken Fiola’s roles and city budget

Before Paul Coogan was sworn in as Mayor, the Executive Vice President for Bristol County Economic Development Consultants (BCEDC) wasted no time applying for the $400k Community Development Agency block grant. The City of Fall River was able to see at “first glance” as to why he was in such a hurry to seek funding for his organization. The seeds of his intentions were planted at that time and our city failed to realize it!

During the Community Preservation Committee meeting back on February 20, 2020, Kenneth Fiola appeared in front of that committee seeking $110k to repair the Cherry & Webb building’s roof. It was in that meeting he said they were in “dire need of funding” due to being defunded by the city. Just a month later during the Community Development Agency public hearing on March 11, 2020, it was explained with a little more supporting details of his intentions seeking that $400k block grant. At that meeting it was made public that the organization’s overall financial health was not adequate enough to stay in business!

His organization submitted their own independent audit and the narrative surrounding BCEDC was “specifically quoted” during that meeting. The report stated in part “The organization has experienced an operating loss, significant cash flow constraints, and loss of a substantial portion of its revenue.” In summary of BCEDC, they stated “These factors create economic uncertainty regarding the viability of the organization to continue its operations.”

Based on their own audit we (City of Fall River) should have turned the page immediately! Yet, the management’s response to the conclusion by “their” independent auditors and provided in the Fall of 2019 was astounding in its political implications. “There is an election process now underway which will replace the current Correia administration. As a result of a new incoming Coogan administration, there is a strong possibility that this office will be reinstated as the city’s prime economic development organization along with the Fall River CDA funding.” That initial response was forwarded “before” any applications were submitted and any evaluations to be completed by Michael Dion.

As the Coogan administration began its term, Kenneth Fiola was definitely reinstated by Paul Coogan for all city residents to witness. In just the span of two years, Kenneth Fiola is now in charge of the State Pier, Redevelopment Authority (RDA), Tax Increment Finance Board (Tif), and the ARPA Committee. In addition, BCEDC was just hired again to start vetting potential marijuana vendors that want to do business in Fall River! The Coogan administration has provided Kenneth Fiola and associates the financial bailout needed with bonus jobs attached. Can anyone say Quid Pro Quo?

What has the Coogan administration delivered to Fall River’s taxpayers? Tax and fee increases, and huge pay raises all wrapped up in a budget that has more holes in it than Swiss Cheese! Seems to me we see a pattern, Paul Coogan takes care of his friends at the expense of the citizens and taxpayers of Fall River. He moved out once, and he will move out again after he sets the table for all his rich and powerful friends at our expense. That is why this election is so pivotal to the City of Fall River because we’re living in uncertain financial times. We can now include the deficit that will be on top of the pending financial issues coming soon as well!

That is why I’m supporting Cliff Ponte for mayor in this election. Come November 2nd, let’s all send a message to vote for change and new leadership. Most importantly, let’s vote for someone who cares about the people, not the politics!

Respectfully submitted,
Nelson Vasquez

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