UPDATE!!

Status Quo at the State House!
Representative Malik plays lapdog to partisan leadership and Big Lobbyists!

At the end of the legislative session last week, my opponent, incumbent Jan Malik (D. Warren/Barrington) misused his position as chair of the House environmental committee to single-handedly block a bill aimed at punishing big industrial polluters. I am appalled. People believe that the political process in Rhode Island is broken, and actions like Malik’s only confirm that belief. [Or, Malik’s maneuver is just the kind of thing that causes people to believe that politics in Rhode Island stinks.]

The bill in question had broad, bipartisan support and encountered no opposition in hearings. It would have brought our industrial pollution law into line with other pollution laws in Rhode Island and with pollution laws in near-by states by increasing daily fines for violations to $25,000. Currently, big polluters face only a $1,000 fine, which is a mere slap on the wrist.

The only significant opposition to the bill came from a lobbyist for Southern Union, a large utility from Texas. Acting in support of the lobbyist, House Majority Leader Gordon Fox directed Malik to kill the bill. Sadly, Malik did just that.

When confronted about his decision to stall on this important bill until the legislative clock ran out, Malik lamely replied that he hated “being put on the spot” and could “only say so much” about his action. His embarrassed silence is easy to understand. Clearly he was taking his marching orders from House leadership and the lobbyist for the Texas utility.

Just as clearly, Malik was NOT acting on behalf of the citizens of Rhode Island. The Providence Journal reports that Malik was unwilling to talk to Gail Corvello, one of 100 Tiverton homeowners whose soil has been contaminated with cyanide traced to Southern Union, the Texas utility whose voice WAS heard by Malik and the Democratic leadership. Because of the contamination, Corvello and the other homeowners have not been able to sell or refinance their homes or even plant gardens in their yards. They deserve better.

Corvello described Malik’s abuse of the legislative process “an eye opener,” adding, “If this is politics in Rhode Island, this is ridiculous.” The Tiverton resident went on to say that it “makes you think twice about living in Rhode Island”.

It’s no wonder that voters are cynical. Malik showed complete disregard for the wishes of the Rhode Island Voters on this bill. It is an absolute OUTRAGE that Malik would act as Gordon Fox’s docile servant, carrying out Fox’s wishes and catering to the demands of the big lobbyist rather than addressing the needs of Gail Corvello and other victims of industrial pollution who have a right to expect that their elected officials will represent them and be their voice in the State House.

 Malik is like many other members of the House who seem to think they are owed their position and that
they can ignore the needs of the citizens when it’s convenient.  This MUST change.  This is yet another occasion
where we MUST declare that we won’t take this anymore!  That’s why I’m running against Jan Malik to
represent Barrington and Warren in the State House. You can be certain that if I am elected, I will put the needs
and interests of the voters ahead (way ahead) of the interests of lobbyists and the House leadership.

Better late then never....right? Maybe?

Hello all! I realize that I am ridiculously late on my weekly post, but I assure you there is just cause for it. This week (and a half) we have been incredibly busy. We visited the East Providence GOP fundraiser and spoke with a number of other candidates. We picked up nomination forms and began collecting signatures, attended the Warren GOP meeting, did some door to door greetings through Main street Warren, formed 2 support rally points during the Bristol 4th Parade, and still had a chance to spend some quality time with my fiance so she doesn't think I left her for the campaign!

In East Providence their GOP group played host to a number of local and federal candidates for office. All in all a gathering of over 75 people were in attendance to support the E. Prov GOP and the invited candidates. Candidates featured along with my self were including but not limited to John Scott, Will Grapentine, and Christine Spaziano. Among the former and current elected officials who spoke were Mayor Steve Laffey, Representative Carol Mumford and Representative Sue Story. It was a great event! They had a silent auction and a door prize raffle. I must say I was severely disappointed with my loss of the History of the GOP book during the silent raffle. I had a strategy set up that proved to be completely filled with flaw, and eventually cost me the auction piece! All in all though, it was a good chance to practice a brief (unknown) stump speech, make some good friends, and catch up with some old friends.

Announcements were turned in to the boards of canvassers and this week, the nomination papers were picked up! We (state rep candidates) have the task of obtaining at least 50 qualified signatures in order to be placed on the ballot. While it SOUNDS like an easy task it can be not only difficult but also intimidating. Lucky for me the intimidating part has long past since I have gathered signatures on a few occasions for a number of candidates, it just becomes difficult to organize and try and pick out the perfect location to obtain the signatures. We hit our 50 mark the day we picked up the paperwork, but as always you want to make sure that you have enough qualified signatures so you gather well over the minimum number. You can find me and my supporters up and down Main street Warren, and in the shopping plaza in Barrington all throughout the week!

Tuesday afternoon/evening we attended the Warren GOP meeting. It is a small group of close knit friends from town and I must say I am glad to be a part of it! They are lead by their chairman Chris Stanley (who is running for a town office) and meet weekly on Tuesday nights to discuss the happenings in the town and state. All are encouraged to attend and get involved! I was able to introduce my self, give some of my background and then field a wide range of questions from the group. All in all I think we were all happy about it. I was pleased to see the questions and the level of involvement they wanted to take in eliminating my opposition from his seat, and likewise I was pleased to be among friends and have the chance to field the questions they had. I think (I hope) I answered everything to their liking and look forward to the next meeting I am able to make. Unfortunately I can not make it this Tuesday due to my work schedule this week, but I hope to be there next week! Its unfortunate, but along with the busy campaign schedule i still have to work...the bills REFUSE to pay them selves... I have begged and pleaded but...it just never happens. So unfortunately I have to miss some things, and make others, but all in all I hope to make everything I can.



The Bristol 4th of July Parade was like no other! I have been told year after year about it, and how much fun it is, but all the stories in the world can do no justice until you are there in person and experiencing it. It is our nations oldest and longest running 4th of July Parade and it brings bands and performers from all over the world to Hope Street in Bristol to celebrate our nations Birth! We had 2 ralleys set up...1 at Bob Hamels house on the 800 Block of Hope street and one at my Landlord (and friend) Jon Ferreira's house. We got to Jons at about 645 and he was still asleep! With a phone call and some harassment he was up and out to start the day off. He had about 5 of his close friends and family there early in the morning and introduced them to me. They had some questions to field, but all in all its a day of celebration rather politicing. Throughout the day the numbers grew, and the questions and conversations grew. The overwelming sentimate was that of most people I have spoken to along the trail...They are sick and tired of the incumbents doing what they want and running the House as if it were their own personal frat party! They spend and spend and have no regard for those they serve! We wandered down the parade route to Bob's only to find Bob hosting his own parade! He was the director and was followed by his band of about 20 playing kazoo's and singing patriotic songs. It was an excellent display of comratery among neighbors, and love for our country as Bob does what he has always done best....brought smiles to the children in his band and along the parade route as they laughed and clapped at his show! Take a look at the picture! We hung out at Bobs for about a half hour 45 minutes as Bob brought us to all his friends and family who reside in Warren and Barrington. As Bob is a Warren native you can imagine the numbers who came out from his hometown to enjoy the 4th with him. The day was great! We had a lot of fun with our friends and new supporters!

Last but not least... I was also able to fit some quality time in with my fiance Mary. We took the 3rd off from both of our jobs and campaigning to take a road trip to New York City to see our favorite baseball teams play each other. The Yankees and Red Sox took to the field during a rainy night of Baseball. It truely is America's past time. "Take me out to the ball game" is still sung every game during the 7th inning stretch by the crowd! And no matter how well (or bad) your team may be doing at one year, you still come out and argue to the days end that they will make a spectacular come back and win it during the fall classic! Now...I know what your saying... "he better be there to see the Sox or hes not getting my vote". I must tell you...I am not a Sox fan... in fact I have been guilty of saying that any team who plays the Sox is my favorite team! I was born and raised in CT...we had NO guidance in choosing our baseball teams! I assure you though...I celebrated the Celtics 17th title in Boston a few weeks ago, and I shed a tear with you all during the last Super Bowl over the Patriots devastating loss. So while I may not fit your bill for baseball, please except my apologies and allow me to make up for it with hockey, football and basket ball! I am with the rest of the Hub in all other sports!

It was a great week and a half, and our support continues to grow daily! I hope that if this is your first visit to the blog that you will consider coming out to an event and meeting me or even stopping me along the street to express your concerns for the region and pledge your support in November! Take care, see you in a few short days!

Its official!

At 12:45p this afternoon I filed my declaration of Candidacy forms with the Warren board of Canvassers! Brendan accompanied me for the walk over to the Town Hall where I filed my paperwork, signed a couple forms and was THE FIRST of the two candidates to file. I certainly hope my opposition is busy advocating for the residents of Warren and Barrington since he has not filed his own paperwork yet. Granted it is the first day to file, you would think that a sitting rep would make this one of the top priorities on his "things to do" list for the day. I am eager to get my paperwork in much like I am eager to serve the people of this district! I only hope that you look at this as a sign of things to come!

This past week has been a bit hectic. I haven't been working my full time job nearly as much as in previous months so last week was a big week for catch up. Unfortunately I am not independently wealthy, and I don't own my own business so I don't have the luxury of focusing solely on my campaign. Granted, my campaign is always a priority, you must understand that the bills aren't going to pay them selves! When I wasn't working, I was busy working with Richard Harrington the campaigns graphic designer on our lawn sign, tee shirt design and palm card design. The templates have been emailed and dropped off at the printers and will be ready for the 4th. We updated our Constant Contact account and have began targeted emailing. If you haven't received one yet please let us know and we'll be sure to add you so you can stay in the loop! The online contributions have started to flow in, and the money is almost instantly being put to good use! You will see on July 4th all we have done so far. Speaking of July 4th, volunteers have been calling and emailing asking what they can do on that day... the answer is simple... ANYTHING! It is a busy day, where upwards of 150k people are expected to turn out. Some volunteers have offered their front yard along the parade route, while others have offered to walk the parade route wearing a campaign shirt. Some have offered to hand out literature and others are going to man a phone bank! Anything you would like to do you can! We need as many volunteers as possible and now is the best chance to enjoy a great parade while helping me move closer to my new position as State Representative!

That is about all for now... We may increase the posts soon, as I am getting more comfortable and more familiar with this. Also, watch for the web site! Its coming soon! Talk to you soon!


Dana

Conventions and meetings and parades - OH MY!

Hello again,

You may notice that today is Wednesday... and I am late for my regular Monday blog post. I apologize... I went three strong weeks of consistent updating and blogging. I do remind you however, that I fully acknowledged during the first post that I am not good at this blog thing...so please... please forgive me!

With that being said, allow me to fill you in on the happenings this week and the events we are looking forward to. In the past week I attended the Monthly Rhode Island Republican Assembly (RIRA) meeting in Warwick and the GOP Nominations convention in Lincoln. Along with that we took in some more Donations, added more volunteers, and are currently planning for the 4th of July Parade in Bristol RI.

Monthly meetings of RIRA bring Republicans from all over the State to a round table discussion and meeting at the Bickfords in Lincoln. The meeting was insightful as always... The chairman and members of the Town GOP committees come to the table with information from their part of RI. The President, Ray McKay talked about recent endorsements and what not and went on from there. I was one of the many Candidates present that night and we all had our turn to give a quick speech and plug for our campaign. Along with me was Rob Paquin, Marc Coda, John Scott. The average age for the State Candidates there was 23 years old (Which is great because I have 2 years on the average). This says a lot about the face of Rhode Island Politics. While we greatly appreciate the hard work and efforts of those before us, we must be cognizant of the fact that WE are the up and coming face of the Political make up of this great state. The fact that a younger candidate has put his best foot forward and entered a race should not be looked at as lacking experience, or a youthful mover and shaker, however it should be looked at with great anticipation. While we are indeed 20 or more years younger than some of our opponents we come forward today because we are sick and tired of the mismanagement and fiscal irresponsibility that has been going on consistently among our opposition. The members of RIRA were thoroughly impressed by the platforms and presentation me and my fellow candidates presented that evening. We are all eager to dive head first into this election season and I encourage you all to look into my fellow candidates stances and support them. We all need financial support, but we definitely need the word of mouth support that you can provide!

The Republican Nomination Convention was held this past week as well with the purpose of Nominating a National Committee Man and Women as well as nominating Congressional Candidates for RI's 1st and 2nd district. While Congressional Candidate Mark Zaccaria went unopposed John Scott Faced Challenger Joseph Zuccolo. I was there along with volunteers from the campaign handing out literature to fellow Republicans in the State. All in all we handed out about 100 pamphlets and spoke to dozens about my campaign and our run. It was great to see everyone there, and although I wasn't a direct role in the party's selection process, it was awesome just to be there during the whole process.

Last but definitely not least, we are looking forward a couple weeks to the 4th of July Parade in Bristol. It is one of the biggest parades in the area and it draws crowds from all over the State and Country alike. We will have 2 base's set up for literature and signature papers for the declaration of candidacy to be turned into the Board of Canvassers in Warren and Barrington. If you can spare a couple hours to hang out with Me and the other Volunteers on the campaign that would be great! I encourage you to email me or Barry at electpeloso@gmail.com. We need help at the 2 base locations as well as along the trail handing out flyer's and what not. It will be a lot of fun, and after we're going to visit some local BBQ's in the district! It should be a lot of fun! Hope to see you all soon!

Believe, Support,Contribute and Vote!

Hello again!

As I try to make this my weekly posting of updates and stories from the trail I cant help but commend the fact that I was not only able to post the first time...but also appear to successfully be posting again 1 week later. This is quite the feat for someone who is a fresh face to blogging!

This past week was filled with a lot of updates and changes. I did about 4 different interviews, I have been posed with questions from friends on both the left and the right side of the fence, we are planning, taking on new volunteers and looking to the future with great anticipation as Rhode Islanders grow more and more sick and tired of their do nothing legislators racking up the deficit.

I never know where to begin with these, or if I am bouncing around too much so...I'll just try to take things one at a time and make them as comprehensive as I can. Please feel free to post questions or comments at the end of these and I will try and respond to you promptly.

Some of the updates this week is that we not only have this blog up and running perfectly, but we also can now accept online contributions to the campaign! While Barry has said it very well "It takes money to make money" I pose this to you in a much more drawn out request. I ask you to spare just a few dollars here and there when you have it. I know we are all facing tough times... Gas prices sky rocketing, the sub prime mortgage rates destroying homes Nation wide, and over all just a big financial nightmare, so it is not always on our first priorities to make a contribution to a State Rep campaign. Allow me to appeal to you however, for a couple dollars when ever you can. You might be thinking, "what does this do for me" or "Why would I give to a campaign when I can be putting that 20 extra dollars toward my electric bill". With that being said, if you can better use the money for your bill by all means... use it... however these contributions go a long way and will greatly effect you. The money contributed goes to advertisements on both the radio and television...what good are advertisements? Depending on the cost, we will show you who your representative TRULY is, and who your new Representative will be. It provides signs and billboard space. Most of all it helps to ride the black cloud of mediocrity we have seen for 12 years and make way for blue sky's and a better future in RI. When I am elected, I will serve YOU and only YOU. Unlike our current representation who only a couple months ago went on record putting his own business interests before those of the residents of our great State when he openly opposed the Bottle bill.

This past week I have done a couple interviews with the Providence Journal and some others. Specifically though you can see in the most recent article Alex Kuffner outlines that Representative Malik has his first challenger in the last 4 years. While you might think Representative Malik would outline what he has done for the area, he instead points out the fact that ANYONE can throw their hat in for a race. This may be true, however not ANYONE can unseat a 12 year sitting Representative, and that I intend to do sir. Prior to Maliks quotes, Kuffner quotes me as saying that I am not one to sit by and complain and not do anything about it. It is true, I wont. As I feel we are looking at the most dismal days Rhode Island has ever seen, I can not help but be disgusted by the steps that have gotten us to this point. Our legislature spends as if there is no limit! We are the most generous state with regard to social programs and State Employee bennifits. While I do not deny that our State employees should be compensated well, and insured well I do not however believe we need to be as generous as we are with retirement programs and what not. Representative Malik is among leadership in the Finance Committee, he can (and should) answer first hand how we got to the point we're at. However he instead vaugley defends his position by saying “Anybody can put their name in,” he said. “But are they going to work as hard as I have for [Warren] and Barrington over the last 12 years?”. What exactly have you done Representative Malik? You and your constituents on Smith Hill have driven this ship so far into the depths of no where that we borderline Bankruptcy and that is in no way acceptable. We need a Representative to be fiscally responsible all the time, not just when they have to be. Lastly I bring your attention to Maliks pot shot at my age. He refers to me as "the kid". While I greatly appreciate his noting my youthful position, I also offer you this... my vested interest. I am in fact 25 years old, and I have been here for a short while since 2002. However, I have a vested interest in this area. While Malik moved here from Fall River and has established his business and raised his kids here I still look to do just that. However Rhode Island is not conducive to raising a family in the financial crisis we are currently faced with. I have a vested interest to better the situation we are in as I will be married next year to my Fiance Mary, and we look to raise a family here in Warren, we need someone who is interested in Rhode Islands future, not our personally run business's future. So while Representative Malik may look to my age as a negative, you the voter should look to my age with much anticipation. I have much to offer the people of Barrington and Warren and the State as a whole. I will put us first, the voter.

As we plan our upcoming events and meet and greets I invite you and your friends to host a coffee reception at your house. I will personally come to your house, or place of work and gladly listen to your concerns. We can not fix 12 years of neglect over night, but together we can work toward a brighter future. One that can ensure our children the proper education they need to move on to college. We must foster a work environment conducive to keep those college graduates here in Rhode Island to add to our flourishing tourism and business community. If we don't work today, for a better tomorrow we will watch the deficit hit unforeseen heights and see this great state go belly up!


To close this weeks post out... I ask you for 4 things: 1 - Believe in me. I WILL be the change so greatly needed. 2 - Support me. Tell your friends and family about Dana Peloso and his campaign. Tell them how I will be YOUR voice in the State House. I will put your interests first and fight for a better future. 3 - Contribute. - Either financially, or by hosting a meet and greet. We cant effect change without spreading the word. Invite some close friends and family over and we'll share a coffee and talk about life in Warren and Barrington and how we can better it. 4 -Vote. Remind your family and friends... a 6 digit deficit did not happen over night, and my opposition was at the helm watching it plummet further into never before seen depths. WE MUST SECURE OUR FUTURE November 4th by Voting for me, Dana Peloso as your next State Representative.

A good start to a great campaign!

Hello all,

Thank you for taking an interest in my campaign for State Representative! I will be publishing weekly a blog of the previous weeks events, highlighting some points along the trail as we go, posting photos and videos and sharing a funny story or two along the way. I hope you check back often, comment, and post any questions that you may have for me about my stances and what not.

This week we made a strong showing at our campaign kick off event at The Nat Porter restaurant on Water Street in Warren. Thanks to Jim and Ann Thompson for helping us with such a great event! We had a capacity crowd turn out to hear me give my announcement of candidacy and see me sign the notice of organization for the State. Many of my friends came out in support as well as my parents. They came in unexpectedly as a surprise for me to show their support. All in all we raised some good seed money and plan to make some key purchases this week and start planning our next event! Signs are being printed and will be popping up all over town shortly, be sure to contact us if you would like to place one in your front yard!

Currently Brendan is busy forming the volunteer list and delegating tasks and responsibilities based on the interested list of volunteers and their areas of expertise! If you are interested in playing a key role in a winning campaign I strongly encourage you to get in touch with Brendan either by phone or email!


Barry is back in Maine for a couple days working with his family as he closes up his responsibilities and makes the permanent move to Rhode Island. Right now he is actively planning our next event. The location has some ironing out to be done still but My father Joseph Peloso is hosting a Coffee hour in honor of Fathers Day. The event is slated for Saturday June 15, 2008 with time and location to follow. We invite you and your father to come out and spending a morning with us looking forward to tomorrow in Rhode Island. We will look at the changes in the State from the time of our Fathers youth to the time of your youth and beyond. We have faced drastic changes over the last 20 years and if we don't act now Rhode Islands future will not be the bright one we know it can be.


Well friends, thats about it for now. This is honestly my first experience with a blog, and hope that it turns out well. As I said before, we will be posting at least weekly and potentially opening up the blog roll's to the others on the staff. Photos and videos will be uploaded as well as story's from the trail. Check back often, and please feel free to post comments and questions that you may have!

Thank you for Supporting my campaign to be YOUR next State Representative in Warren and Barrington!

WELCOME!

Welcome readers! This is the official blog of Dana Peloso's candidacy for State Representative in the 67th district of Rhode Island. The 67th district represents all of Warren and the 1st and 2nd precincts in Barrington. Please visit often to read what I have to say about my ongoing campaign.