Morrissey campaign becomes first official entry by filing 500 nomination signatures, and launches city’s first-ever online fundraising effort. Grass roots, hard work, innovation are the cornerstones of “We CAN do better” campaign.

August 8, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jeff Batstone, 508.997.0488

Matt Morrissey became the first candidate to officially enter the race for Mayor of New Bedford today when he submitted over 500 nomination signatures –over ten times the number required to run – to the City Clerk’s office. Following the submission of signatures, the Morrissey campaign launched an unprecedented online fundraising drive.

Morrissey first to file nomination signatures

“I am running for Mayor because I love this city and I feel strongly that at a time when we need to embrace a changing world and open City Hall to creative and inclusive ideas to meet our responsibilities to our citizens, we are failing,” said Morrissey. “It is clear that the current Administration has squandered the public’s trust and become more interested in serving the interests of a very few special friends than effectively dealing with the significant job losses, crippling high school drop out rate and rising fear in the neighborhoods of New Bedford. We can and must do better.”

Born and raised in New Bedford’s North End, Matt Morrissey represents the fifth generation of his family to choose New Bedford as their home. He and his wife Kristin have three children, Alexander, Zoe and Henri.

“Since announcing my intention to run for Mayor and re-open the doors of city government to all residents, the response to my candidacy has been as overwhelming as it has been humbling,” Morrissey explained. “Supporters, volunteers and contributors continue to walk into our campaign office or visit and sign-up over our web site every day. And having knocked on over 1,000 doors across the city already I am more convinced than ever that people want a new generation of leadership.”

“I am proud to take this next step on our journey today by submitting the nomination signatures of hundreds of citizens who support putting my name on the ballot. We continue to work with many political veterans throughout the city but also with many who are getting involved for the first time because they have never been asked. Together, we look forward to restoring the hopes and dreams so many once shared for this great city.”
 

In a message delivered across New Bedford today via email and the www.mattfornewbedford.com web site, Morrissey said:

It is time for a new generation of innovative leadership for New Bedford to replace the worn out, back-room policies that are entrenched in City Hall today. And I need your help to make it happen.

Over the past several weeks Mayor Kalisz and his operatives, such as former public attorney-turned-real estate developer George Leontire, have been attacking my character and my record in higher education and private business.

Why? Because they are desperate to hold on to power, and they know that our message of creating educational opportunity, real jobs, and safer streets is building momentum every day. They know that our campaign is the only one capable of unseating them in November.

I expect the heavily financed Kalisz-Leontire machine to continue its attacks, and we will answer them directly and forcefully. But I need your help to fight them off. Hundreds of people have already stepped forward with financial contributions.

Your financial support will help us send a strong message that you are sick and tired of the New Bedford politics-as-usual. It will energize our volunteer corps that is out in the streets every day spreading our message, neighborhood by neighborhood, door by door.

We cannot let the Kalisz-Leontire politics of self-interest and back room deals win the day. We need a new generation of leadership in City Hall. We need new ideas. We need new energy. We need leaders who will spread opportunity across the city, demand accountability, and share the credit for all the good things that happen in our city.

We need your support today.  [visit our secure online donations page]