FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jeff Batstone ~ 508.997.1805
August 1, 2005

MORRISSEY CAMPAIGN BUILDING MOMENTUM

Mayoral candidate Matt Morrissey begins the home stretch of the preliminary election campaign today with growing momentum.

"After meeting more than 1,000 people where they live and work, it is clear to me that the citizens of New Bedford recognize that we CAN do better," Morrissey said. "People are ready to be fully engaged in our effort to mobilize a community that creates real jobs, builds true educational opportunities, and makes our streets safer. After eight years of increasing property taxes, unacceptable high school dropout rates, loss of real jobs, and increasing fear of crime, people know that it is time for change."

During the month of July, Morrissey has:

Received the first major union endorsement of the campaign (United Food and Commercial Workers Local 791, representing hundreds of Shaw's Supermarket workers who live and work in New Bedford).

Launched an unprecedented online fundraising effort that has raised over $5,000 in three weeks.

Held the campaign's first of several public fundraisers, a highly successful event at Davy's Locker.

Established a Blue Ribbon Issues Steering Committee of leading business, education, neighborhood, and labor leaders, including former Mayor John Bullard, Joseph Abboud Clothing Executive VP Tony Sapienza, and former city auditor Carol Pimental, and New Bedford ACTS co-founder John Vasconcellos.

Held a volunteer rally that attracted more than 100 people of diverse ages, neighborhoods, and ethnicities to Morrissey For Mayor Acushnet Avenue headquarters.

Knocked on more than 1,000 doors of New Bedford voters and met with dozens of organizations devoted to improving the quality of life in New Bedford.