May 2010 – RI Future

As first reported here on RI Future, Anthony Gemma, president of Gem Plumbing & Heating, was considering a run for Congress. For the past (at least) few weeks, he was making his fundraising calls, contacting some RI Future readers.

And this confirms it. Anthony Gemma is running for Congress. His campaign website isn’t live yet, but will be soon.

Gemma describes himself as a “conservative Democrat,” and the impact on the race for Segal, Cicilline, and Lynch is still to be determined, although it’s likely that Gemma damages Bill Lynch’s camapign to a greater degree than Segal or Cicilline. Could Gemma’s political inexperience be the ultimate rallying cry of an “outsider” candidacy in a political environment in which incumbency and political experience may very well be poisonous?

Some background on Gemma (via Facebook):

Anthony P. Gemma, born in Providence Rhode Island in 1970 to Larry and the late Gloria Gemma, is the youngest of nine children and remains a lifelong Rhode Island resident.

Anthony made his decision to seek election in the US House of Representatives 1st Congressional District because of his passion for the State he calls home. Anthony’s experience and work ethic span decades and include accomplishments such as successful business owner, attorney, exemplary leader, philanthropist and family man. He has worked tirelessly to create new, sustainable jobs, manage healthcare costs in Rhode Island, worked to develop performance excellence standards for Rhode Island businesses, and co-founded the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation in memory of his mom, who died from breast cancer in 2002.

Anthony’s solid work ethic both professional and philanthropic was instilled at the age of ten, when his father and mentor – introduced him to the family’s plumbing business. Discipline and integrity were expected from all the Gemma children, and Anthony applied those qualities to his academic career. He was graduated cum laude from Suffolk University in 1992 with a B.S. in Legal Argument/Communications. He earned his J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law in 1998, and currently Anthony is admitted to practice law in Rhode Island and in Federal Court.

In 1998, Anthony assumed the roles of Executive Vice President and CEO and in 2000 was appointed to the position of company president, in which he remained until 2008.

At that time, Anthony founded Mediapeel™, an integrated marketing firm specializing in new media solutions and offering a product line which includes web video magazine and website development, media buying and placement, the Mediapeel™ On-Time Traffic Reporting Center, and other traditional and cutting-edge forms of advertising.

Anthony is committed to a team approach to business building and problem solving. He and his team of committed professionals founded the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation created in the memory of his mother, who succumbed to the disease in 2002. The Foundation is committed to raising breast cancer awareness, increasing breast health education, and generating funding for critical breast health programs.

Innovation coupled with the blending of cutting-edge and traditional strategies and methods are the hallmark of Anthony’s public and private endeavors. He was instrumental in the development of the Gem Institute for Performance Excellence, a learning organization with the mission to provide guidance to organizations throughout the United States seeking to increase performance levels.

Anthony is also an accomplished public speaker and motivator. He consults with organizations throughout the United States on various topics. He served as the President of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, served on the Executive Board of the Northern RI Chamber and served as a board member of Quality Partners of Rhode Island. He is a past member of the Providence/Cranston Workforce Development, and an active volunteer with the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation.

Anthony has achieved many awards throughout his career including: 2005, 2007 and 2008 Forty Under 40 Award – Providence Business News, 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year – Point Magazine, The 2006 EFNE Award for Business Innovation, the 2007 WELCOA Wellness Award – Gold Level, and many more. Anthony has also won several awards for his outstanding commitment to community service including Philanthropist of the Year – St. Mary’s Home For Children, Sponsor of the Year – Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Local Hero Award – Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Boy Scouts of America – 2009 – Whitney M. Young Service Award. In addition to his commendations, Anthony has worked tirelessly with the Autism Project of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Veterans Administration and the Rhode Island Special Olympics.

Anthony is married to Julie DiManni-Gemma and is the proud father of Anthony Gemma. The family resides in Lincoln, RI.

Update: Segal’s announcement will take place at today at 12:15 at Bank of America (218 Taunton Ave, East Providence). Segal will join supporters to discuss his record of standing up to powerful interests and winning victories on behalf of working families. After his remarks, Segal will begin his grassroots campaign — joining supporters in going door to door in the community, talking with voters.

Original Post: David Segal will make his announcement that he will be a candidate for Congress in the Democratic Primary for the seat being vacated by Patrick Kennedy (CD1). As I wrote before, the entire progressive community has a serious choice to make – right here and right now. Do we want to put our collective efforts behind a true, consistent, and RELIABLE progressive champion who will stand up for regular working folks, for good paying jobs and economic development for all, and for the environment? Do we want someone who will fight for equality, for affordable housing, for ending imperialism, and for true health care reform? Do we want someone who will fight for open and accountable government, for ethics and campaign finance reform? Do we want someone who will stand up for us, rather than sell out to corporate America like most Democrats are so eager to do?

“We need to do more for working families in Rhode Island,” Segal explained. “For the last eight years, I’ve been fighting for regular people against powerful interests. Working with grassroots coalitions, we’ve won some important victories for local families. Now more than ever, Rhode Island working families need someone in Congress who will stand up to powerful interests and win victories for working families.”

On Wednesday, Segal will make his formal announcement of candidacy (details to follow). The kick-off event will emphasize his record of taking on big banks on behalf of regular people and the need to hold Wall Street accountable. After the event, Segal and local residents will canvass the neighborhood to talk to residents about this specific issue.

If you’re like me, you want David Segal to be the next U.S. Representative for RI’s First Congressional District because you know he’s the best person for the job. Personally, what I like most about David Segal is that he wants to hear what people think, actively seeking out the opinions of his constituents. This allows him to have a down-to-earth understanding of the issues based on an honest analysis and sincere reflection of how they directly impact people’s lives.

As a Councilman and a State Representative for Providence and East Providence, Segal has passed laws cracking down on predatory lending by big banks, steering good jobs to Rhode Island families, increasing affordable housing, and facilitating the development of renewable electricity and “green jobs” across the state. He’s also championed ethics reform and campaign finance reform legislation. And last year, Segal organized fellow legislators to block the state budget until $25 million in funding for schools and local aid for services was restored.

Here are several recent examples of how David Segal will stand up and fight for all Rhode Islanders in Washington.

Net Metering bill – allows a customer to get paid for any additional every generated from localized renewable energy production (this includes cities and towns – hint, hint).
Voting Records bill – would require that the voting records of all Representative and Senators in the General Assembly be placed online.
State Mandate bill – prohibits any new state mandates from being issued without adequate funding by and from the state.
Mayoral Academy bill – would require that mayoral academies to use a random selection process to choose student invitees to attend the mayoral academy, opening up the opportunity to all children.
Foreclosure Mediation bill – would require that big banks and lenders offer mediation and counseling services at least 45 days before initiating a foreclosure.
Domestic Partner bill – allows for couples living together in committed relationships, but not officially married, to make funeral arrangement decisions for the deceased.
Immigration anti-profiling bill – would prohibit state and local police from inquiring about the immigration status, unless arrested for a felony or there is reasonable suspicion.

David Segal has also been a consistent supporter of the rights of workers. He has been standing up for the Westin Hotel employees during their boycott, spearheading a petition drive calling on the Hotel’s management to be fair to its workers and resolve the labor dispute. Fundamental to Segal’s argument is that when taxpayer money is spent, Rhode Island workers and families should benefit.

We’re close to reaching 2,000 signatures. You can (and should) sign the petition and add your name to the growing list of supporters of the Westin Hotel workers.

“I have recommended the Westin hotel in the past due to its status as a unionized hotel. This labor dispute makes me reconsider that decision.” — Heather V., Providence, RI”The Westin hotel would not stand for a group booking suddenly paying 20% less… Why would you think that you can do this to your union workers?” — Kevin C., Cranston, RI

“Please respect the workers. They are what makes your hotel work.” — Maureen M., Wakefield, RI

“Now is certainly not the time to punish workers for the economic situation is this country. You have the power and moral imperative to do the right thing in this situation.” — A reverend from Providence, RI

On Thursday, David Segal will deliver the petition to hotel management and call for the reversal of the recent 20% pay cut and a massive increase in healthcare co-pays (read more about the labor dispute here).

So now, let’s help David Segal win this. There are three things you can do RIGHT NOW!

Do all three NOW.

Let’s all come together and work our butts off to send David Segal to Capitol Hill! How awesome would that be?

Month: May 2010

Anthony Gemma is running for Congress

David Segal to Announce Run for Congress – TODAY