PRESS RELEASE: Fitchburg Mayor DiNatale Endorses Rufus Gifford for Congress
July 9, 2018
Public remarks and meet and greet planned for July 11
LOWELL—Rufus Gifford, Democratic candidate for Congress in Massachusetts’ 3rd District, today welcomed an endorsement from the Mayor of Fitchburg, Stephen DiNatale. DiNatale will deliver public remarks endorsing Gifford on July 11th in Fitchburg (details below).
DiNatale released the following statement:
“Rufus Gifford will by far be the best champion of Fitchburg in Washington, and I wholeheartedly endorse him to represent the 3rd District in Congress. Rufus has the national experience that no other candidate has, and is willing to use that national clout to help us address local issues like modernizing our infrastructure, creating good-paying manufacturing jobs or green jobs, and revitalizing downtown Fitchburg.
“In my years of public service, the most important thing is building relationships and collaboration. Rufus has invested in relationships with the people of Fitchburg and made himself accessible, and that makes a difference. He understands our issues and wants to make our lives better. It’s clear Rufus has prioritized Fitchburg and he’ll be there for us.
“Over the past 8 months, Rufus and his campaign have become a welcome part of our Fitchburg community, coming here dozens of times. Rufus doesn’t just come to Fitchburg for the photo-ops. He stays, he listens, he rolls up his sleeves, and gets to work. He’s at our senior centers, our public school events, and our beer festivals, and always seems to be walking down Main Street talking to business owners. He’s been to River Styx, Cozy Corner, and Slattery’s more times than I can count. It’s clear he cares about Fitchburg and that’s never going to change.
“Overall, Rufus has earned this endorsement because he is the candidate for Congress that is most dedicated to Fitchburg and the one who will deliver the most for the people of Fitchburg. I will do everything I can to help get Rufus elected to Congress.”
Gifford released the following statement:
“I am incredibly grateful to earn Mayor DiNatale’s endorsement. He has been an exceptional mayor who has contributed so much to this great city. He is a good friend and I’m excited to officially have him on the team.
“Fitchburg has such an amazing civic community, and one of the best parts of this campaign has been being a part of that. I want to advocate for Fitchburg and all its needs. I want to bring green jobs, or good-paying advanced manufacturing jobs, to this city, which has such a rich manufacturing history. I want to support the existing small businesses and attract new ones. I want to help fix Fitchburg’s roads and bridges. And most importantly, I want to elevate the voices of the people of Fitchburg, and this entire remarkable district, on the national stage.”
A video statement from DiNatale and Gifford at last week’s Civic Days Block Party in Fitchburg can be found here.
Gifford previously received endorsements from State Representative Stephan Hay (D-Fitchburg) and Chair of the Fitchburg Democratic City Committee Patricia Vacca Martin.
In the race to succeed Rep. Niki Tsongas, Gifford’s campaign is the first and only campaign to open an office in Fitchburg.
PUBLIC EVENT
DiNatale and Gifford will deliver remarks and host a meet and greet with supporters on July 11 in Fitchburg, alongside other Fitchburg leaders. The event is open to the public and the press.
WHO: Mayor DiNatale, Rufus Gifford, and others
WHAT: Public remarks and meet and greet with supporters
WHERE: 805 Main Street, Fitchburg (in front of Research Results, Inc.)
WHEN: Wednesday, July 11, 5:30 p.m.
RSVP: For media who would like to cover the event, please RSVP to dean@rufusgifford.com
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