David Segal – RI Future

July 23, 2016July 25, 2016

Waiting for DNC Rules Committee meeting

Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /hermes/bosnacweb08/bosnacweb08bf/b1577/ipg.rifuturecom/RIFutureNew/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4387

The Democratic National Committee got underway at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia this afternoon. In one of the first — and potentially most contentious — meetings, the Rules Committee was scheduled to consider, among other items, a proposal to eliminate superdelegates.

In advance of the 1pm meeting — which staff members said was already running 45 minutes late because of a pre-briefing — there were at least 100 would-be audience lined up in the hallway of the convention center outside room 120, waiting for seats. The press was held behind a barrier at the end of the hallway, waiting

One of the folks waiting for a seat was Rhode Islander David Segal, the executive director of Demand Progress, who said he was there to support the superdelegates proposal.

“The main thing I’m here for and have been organizing around is the superdelegates issue. It wouldn’t affect who’s credentialed at this convention,” said Segal, “But going foreward, the only delegates would be pledged delegates based on the caucus and primary processes that map to popular support.”

David Segal waits outside Rules Committee meeting at DNC

Asked how important it was to have a Rhode Island delegate on the Rules Committee, Segal replied, “Very important because of who that delegate is — we have a principled organizer in Aaron Regunberg.” Regunberg’s efforts had helped to “his presence has done a lot” to facilitate support for the proposal, Segal said.

At about 1:30, members of the press were admitted, with the meeting already in progress.

September 3, 2012September 3, 2012

Demanding Progress in Charlotte at DNC

Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /hermes/bosnacweb08/bosnacweb08bf/b1577/ipg.rifuturecom/RIFutureNew/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4387

I’m en route to the Democratic Convention in Charlotte, where I’ll be doing a combination of work for Demand Progress, taking part in assorted progressive rabble-rousing, and hopefully blogging for RIFuture and the Daily Dose.

Demand Progress’s efforts to secure Internet freedom language in the Republican platform were successful: Anybody abiding by the new platform would’ve opposed SOPA and CISPA — the privacy obliterating cyber-security bill that passed the House a few months ago, but is dead (at least for now) in the Senate. Now it’s the Democrats’ turn. You can read more about our work on this front over here. (Yep, that’s a link to Fox News.)

I’ll be spending a lot of time at the Progressive Central hub, sponsored by Progressive Democrats of American, The Nation, and others. There’s an impressive series of speakers and panels which you can watch live here.

The line-up includes the likes of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Michael Dukakis, and several of our progressive champions in Congress, like John Conyers and Raul Grijalva, who’ll be speaking to critical issues that aren’t likely to get much play on the main stage: Wall Street run amok, the narrow concentration of wealth in America, corporate control of government, and more.

I’m speaking on this panel tomorrow morning:

10:15 to 11:10 Guided Discussion: We the People, Not We the Corporations—Ending Corporate Rule.

John Nichols—Moderator

Steve Cobble—Progressive Democrats of America (PDA)

David Cobb—Move to Amend

David Segal—Demand Progress

January 16, 2012January 16, 2012

Rethinking the Cicilline and Doherty Race

Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /hermes/bosnacweb08/bosnacweb08bf/b1577/ipg.rifuturecom/RIFutureNew/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4387

With the recent announcement that Loughlin has decided not to run for Congress, I’ve been putting some thought into the upcoming CD1 race between Cicilline and Doherty. It seems that the campaign has gotten slightly more difficult for Cicilline, but I don’t see it nearly as much of an uphill battle as some others do. Granted, Doherty will no longer be subject to a primary campaign, but I just couldn’t imagine Loughlin and Doherty being involved in a significantly hostile and antagonistic primary campaign, despite their previous barbs. The main advantage for Cicilline would have been the Republicans spending their money fighting each other.

Also, even though there has been some speculation about Gemma and Segal jumping in, I can’t imagine either of them being candidates this year, so I think Cicilline won’t have to go through a primary fight either. Let’s review the circumstances leading up to the 2010 election to explain why:

On February 11, Patrick Kennedy decided not to run for reelection.
That set off a seismic shift in the Rhode Island political landscape and Bill Lynch and David Cicilline both immediately jump in to the CD1 race.
After a few months, on May 12, David Segal announced his candidacy for Congress, followed by Anthony Gemma in early June.

Some may say this proves that Segal and Gemma have plenty of time to announce, but the situation this time around is different. CD1 is no longer an open seat; now it is occupied by Rep. David Cicilline. While Gemma or Segal are still wildcards, and could possibly announce, any Democrat who wants to run a strong challenge against Cicilline probably should be in the race by now. This is why I think the race will be between Cicilline and Doherty.

And I think Cicilline wins. Here’s why:

Cicilline’s message will be (and should be): vote for me so Republicans don’t have another seat in the House from which to advocate the destruction of the lives of middle-class Americans. I know that is hyperbolic, that was my intention, especially considering Obama using the legacy of Republican intransigence as the perfect weapon against Republicans. Judging by the post Rep. Cicilline submitted to the blog, Standing Together for Progressive Values, he has laid out his main key campaign themes for the election season:

Protect Social Security and Medicare from Republicans who want to destroy them
Protect the Environment from Republicans who want to destroy it
Tax People Fairly to pay for these things that Rhode Islanders actually want (that’s pretty important to remember – Cicilline is talking about things that Rhode Islanders care about)

In contrast, Doherty and the Republican and Conservative groups that will be supporting him will look back on Cicilline’s experience as Mayor of Providence (since he is a freshman Congressman in the minority party, there are no accomplishments in Congress to scrutinize). They’ll bring up the financial problems facing Providence (ignoring the rest of the country) and blame it all on Cicilline. But this has already been covered and discussed to death after he was elected, and I’m not sure how much airtime rehashing this theme will get.

Moreover, all we have to do is look to Central Falls, East Providence, West Warwick, and to some extent Pawtucket, and realize that Cicilline didn’t cause all these other problems either. The financial collapse that has destroyed budgets all over the country, and the notable decisions made at the State House to defund cities and town (including Providence), were all far beyond the control of Cicilline. Also, in spite of what one might think about the way Mayor Angel Taveras handled the “Category 5 Hurricane” Providence faced last year, he handled it. I don’t believe there will be the same crisis mode environment this year, and Taveras’s decisions will have largely mollified the degree of panic and anger that was being directed at Cicilline last year, to Cicilline’s benefit. Politically speaking, it happened too soon for it to be as compelling an issue in November as Doherty and his supporters would like.

Two additional thoughts:

Does Loughlin come out and actively support Doherty? With a campaign account of about $13,000, there’s not much financial support Loughlin could offer, but there must be more than a few names on his email list from the 2010 campaign. When you read Loughlin’s press statement, he doesn’t even mention Doherty. I find that strange and wonder if there is resentment stemming from Doherty jumping in the race and stealing Loughlin’s thunder while he was in Iraq.
RI redistricting will technically help Cicilline’s victory chances by shifting more “liberal” voters into the CD1 district while moving some “conservative” voters out, but will it come with a backlash of unintended consequence? Will there be a significant number of voters offended by something that appears to be politically motivated? I still think the net impact is a positive for Cicilline, but one has to wonder.

August 23, 2011January 6, 2012

Wednesday Night: Angel Taveras and Drinking Liberally

Carol Santos Aguasvivas, Andy Andujar, Anthony Autiello, Jr., Peter Baptista, Jake Bissaillon, Hon. Chris Blazejewski, Sandra Cano, Victor Capellan, Suzanne Da Silva, Jeff Dana, Adriana Dawson, Jason Del Pozzo, Doris De los Santos, Hon. James Diossa, Michael Fontaine, Amy Gabarra, Meghan Grady, Teny Gross, Chris Hunter, Arianne Lynch, Daniel Meyer, Alex Moore, Albin Moser, Lauren Nocera, David Segal, Tony Simon, Brett Smiley, Chris Vitale & Cliff Wood
(Host Committee in formation)

invite you to a Young Professionals Event
honoring

Angel Taveras
Mayor of Providence

Wednesday, August 24
6:00 to 8:00 PM

At the Wild Colonial
250 S Water Street
Providence, RI

Host: Raise or Contribute $125
Individual: $25

Please RSVP to rsvp@angelforprovidence.com or (401) 454-0991
Or RSVP online via the link below

Please make checks payable to:

Angel for Mayor
PO Box 2533
Providence, RI 02906

**Please join us afterwards for Drinking Liberally with Rep. Chris Blazejewski** starting at 8PM.

May 30, 2010January 12, 2012

Anthony Gemma is running for Congress

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.

May 12, 2010January 12, 2012

David Segal to Announce Run for Congress – TODAY

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?

April 26, 2010January 12, 2012

Will Anthony Gemma run for Congress?

Update: I just spoke to Anthony Gemma, and he confirmed with me that he is “considering a run for Congress”. Currently, he is doing his due diligence, speaking with his family and considering whether or not a run is the right thing to do.

Gemma has never ran for public office before and has always thought that “he could do more by being on the outside,” never really considering getting directly involved in the political process as a candidate before now. Could his 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?

There will be much more to come.

Original Post: I’ve been hearing from a couple different sources that Anthony Gemma, president of Gem Plumbing & Heating, may be considering a run for Congressional District 1 as a Democrat. If true, he will be running against Bill Lynch, David Cicilline, and possibly (likely?) David Segal in September’s primary.

It’s also likely that Gemma will be the more conservative of the Democrats running. The recent news that Cumberland Mayor, Dan McKee will be seeking reelection rather than entering the CD1 race leaves open a space for a conservative Democrat to make a competitive run. If we know anything about Rhode Islanders, it’s that they love their conservative Democrats.

Anthony Gemma is also president of a new media and advertising company called Mediapeel, as well as Co-Founder of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, established in 2004 in memory of his mother in order to “raise breast cancer awareness, increase breast health education, and generate funding for critical breast health programs that are in desperate need of being brought to fruition.”

I had a brief conversation with Anthony Gemma several weeks ago, before I heard this rumor. We talked politics, because what else is there? He was friendly, outgoing, and ultimately concerned with making it easier for businesses to open and operate in the state. This could translate easily for a main campaign theme.

I put a call out to Anthony for confirmation, and will update this post if or when he returns my call.