FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 10, 2010

Media Contact: Chris Blazejewski - 401-484-8814

Myrth York Endorses Angel Taveras for Mayor of Providence

York to serve as chair of the Angel for Providence campaign.

PROVIDENCE - Former State Senator and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Myrth York today endorsed Angel Taveras for Mayor of Providence at a press conference at the Roger Williams National Memorial in front of a crowd of over fifty supporters and volunteers.

Video of the press conference is available here.

"Over the last several weeks, I’ve been both humbled and honored by so many friends and supporters who have enthusiastically encouraged me to consider running for mayor," York said to the crowd.  "And while I have decided that I will not be a candidate for office this year, I remain steadfast in my commitment to helping move this city forward."

"Providence is at a crossroads," York continued.  "And I believe we need a leader who will build on all the progress that has been made in the last eight years. That’s why I’m here today to announce my endorsement of Angel Taveras to become the next mayor of Providence. Because we can’t afford to turn the clock back on reform. We can’t return to the old ways of doing business."

"Angel represents the best of a new generation of leaders," said York.  "He’s a proud product of this city, someone who’s turned adversity into achievement, and I can’t think of a better role model for Providence’s young people. I’m proud to join him in this historic moment as we work together to strengthen our neighborhoods and make sure every child growing up here has the opportunity to get the world-class education they deserve."

"Angel cannot win this race or lead Providence alone," York concluded.  "I intend to do all in my power to make sure the vision Angel and I share for the city of Providence becomes the reality of the future.  I’m asking all of my friends and supporters to do the same, to join with me and work hard for Angel Taveras, the next mayor of Providence.

Taveras thanked York for her support and said "I thank Myrth for standing here with me and for her willingness to stand with me and help move Providence forward.  Myrth York is a Rhode Island trailblazer and an extraordinary example in civic leadership for us all... she is an inspiration to women all across Rhode Island."

"That is why I have asked Myrth to serve as chair of my campaign for Mayor of Providence," continued Taveras.  "I know that with Myrth's leadership we will build a broad-based coalition that stretches across Providence; from the West End to the East Side and the North End to the South Side.  Today Myrth joins the hundreds of Providence residents who have joined this campaign in the two weeks since our kickoff, online at AngelForProvidence.com, Facebook and Twitter.  Together, we will win this election and fulfill the promise that government reflects the best of its people."

Taveras concluded by saying that "we are going to listen to the residents of this city and tackle our problems head-on: giving small businesses the resources they need to expand and create good jobs; investing in entrepreneurs and artists so that they start and grow companies right here in our city; bringing teachers and parents together to make our schools work for the children of our city; building our economy so that people move away from crime and towards real job opportunities; restoring the trust between the police and the community; and ensuring that Providence city government is open, honest and transparent & offers citizens the 21st century technology to engage and transform their government."

In just two weeks after announcing his campaign for Mayor, Angel Taveras has built a diverse and wide-ranging coalition of supporters including State Senator Juan Pichardo, City Councilman Kevin Jackson, City Councilman Cliff Wood, City Councilman Leon Tejada, Meeting St. CEO John Kelly, Drinking Liberally founder Chris Blazejewski, attorney Casby Harrison, former US Attorney Meg Curran, RI Young Democrats president Meghan Grady, attorney Kas DeCarvalho, youth jobs leader Andrew Cortes, State Representative Edith Ajello, activist Tomas Avila, Ward 9 Democratic chairman Russell Conway, veteran political leader Victor Capellan, State Senator Rhoda Perry and three time gubernatorial candidate and former state senator Myrth York.

For more information visit http://www.angelforprovidence.com.

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