Opinion letter to the editor: Fall River mayoral candidates should show up, not duck debates, attack press

This is a letter to the editor that was submitted to Fall River Reporter and was not written by us.

Running for mayor of Fall River was one of the most challenging and meaningful undertakings of my career. Though I did not win, I walked away with something far greater than a title: a deeper appreciation for the people of this city, and a clearer understanding of what true leadership requires.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, in both politics and business, it’s that leadership means showing up. As a City Councilor, I’ve shown up year after year to hold government accountable. Just this year, we stood up for taxpayers by rejecting a water rate increase that would have made it harder for working families to get by. That didn’t make headlines. I didn’t run to Facebook Live to brag about it. But that’s what accountability looks like. It’s called doing your job.

In business, I’ve shown up as well. Over the years, I’ve invested in Fall River by buying and reviving businesses that others would have let die. When I purchased Al Mac’s Diner, I didn’t do it for the spotlight; I did it to save jobs, preserve a piece of Fall River history, give my father a job, and keep a community gathering place alive. When I brought Rogers Coney Island under my wing, it was the same story. When my partner and I expanded New York Bagel, it wasn’t just about growth, it meant creating opportunities and employing hundreds of people. Today, I’m proud to say I carry the responsibility of making payroll for hundreds of families. That’s what stepping up looks like.

That’s why it troubles me to see candidates for mayor duck debates, dodge tough questions, and waste energy attacking the press. Let’s be honest: reporters are not on the ballot. The media is not your opponent. Attacking journalists might earn a few clicks online, but it doesn’t pave one road, reduce one crime, clean up one neighborhood, or put one more police officer on our streets.

Fall River’s real opponents are poverty, drugs, homelessness, high taxes, and subpar services. Those are the battles that matter. Those are the battles our residents expect us to fight.
I’ve worked in both government and business, and I know this: leadership is not about theatrics or soundbites. It’s about showing up, taking responsibility, and delivering results.

That’s why I can’t wait to attend the debate next week. Debates are not inconveniences, they are opportunities. Opportunities for voters to get answers, for candidates to be tested, and for leadership to be measured in the public square. If you can’t face a debate stage, you cannot face the challenges of City Hall.

I will never “stand down” when it comes to standing up for the people of this city. I will continue working on the City Council to hold government accountable, protect taxpayers, and fight for progress. Fall River doesn’t need a showman, and it doesn’t need a social media warrior. It needs serious, focused, committed leaders who understand that public service is not about chasing headlines, but about delivering results.

So, to every candidate running for mayor: stop hiding, stop posturing, and start showing up. Tell the people your platform. Show them how you’ll solve problems. Prove you’re ready to lead a city with endless possibilities.

And..heck, I wish you the best while doing it.

Cliff Ponte