The Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA), a non-partisan Ballot Advocacy and Political Action Committee, has publically endorsed Independent candidate Matthew J. McHugh for District 36 State House Representative. CCA has chosen to endorse Matt McHugh for a variety of positive reasons, including his leadership skills, proven ability to perform in the Statehouse, his extensive financial background, and his experience in financial management.

Mr. McHugh has stood out among his competitors by being a friend of the environment, openly supporting such South County environmental groups as the Salt Ponds Coalition and advocating that South County towns adhere to strict DEM regulations to protect ground water. Also, Mr. McHugh is by far the strongest candidate to deal with Rhode Island's financial crisis. He has the proven financial background and experience to address the pressing problems that we face in Rhode Island. Mr. McHugh has over 30 years of senior management experience in financial services firms.

Unlike many politicians who only give vague ideas about how they would address problems. Mr. McHugh offers a well thought-out plan to address our State's financial crises and a way to fund his plan. He recently had his proposed economic plan for Rhode Island published in a local paper. His plan contains a comprehensive approach that if followed could improve the financial climate in Rhode Island. The plan has eight parts and includes the following action steps: focus on economic development that has shown economic success; develop growth capital access for these industries; create a world class education system; increase research activity and investment; mitigate the regulatory and tax load on business; regionalize school districts and government services; embark on an ambitious infrastructure and road rebuilding project; and, encourage competition in the RI marketplace.

Mr. McHugh's focus is not limited to statewide issues that affect the quality of our lives. He has been very active in local issues as well. In addition to his support of local South County environmental projects, he has taken a active role in supporting good government at the local level. Mr. McHugh frequently attends local government meetings and in Charlestown he has had the integrity and leadership to speak out on the dysfunctional nature of our Town Council.

At a time when the State of Rhode Island is facing a multi-million dollar budget shortfall, historically high unemployment rates, few new business opportunities, and an educational system whose performance is near the bottom nationwide, we need positive change. Of the three candidates running in District 36, Matthew J. McHugh is the candidate who has the ability, financial knowledge, and leadership skills necessary to create positive change for Rhode Island and South County.

Daniel Slattery, President, Charlestown Citizens Alliance