New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
With less than a week to go in the campaign for the 4th Congressional District’s Democratic primary, Jake Auchincloss joined South Coast endorsers in New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton to discuss his plan for an inclusive and equitable economic recovery.
Auchincloss started the day in New Bedford with endorser Ranch Kimball, former board member of Massport under Governor Deval Patrick, discussing the importance of the port of New Bedford for economic development throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.
“New Bedford is not part of the district, but it is absolutely an anchor for the economy of Southeastern Massachusetts,” Auchincloss said. “The port should not only be an engine for the fishing industry, creating $11 billion of economic value and 7,000 jobs, but also an anchor point for a transition to a clean energy economy through offshore wind, and a potential hub for maritime science and research.”
Auchincloss met with Mayor Jon Mitchell at the site of a proposed new South Coast rail stop in New Bedford, discussing points from his comprehensive plan, “Roadmap to Better Transportation.”
Mitchell said: “In this race, [Jake] is talking about what really matters — and what really matters is throwing open the doors of opportunity to everybody…every corner of this district, including those in Greater New Bedford.”
In Fall River, Auchincloss was joined by Mayor Paul Coogan and State Representative Carole Fiola at the Iwo Jima Memorial at Bicentennial Park.
Auchincloss, a Marine Veteran, commanded troops in Afghanistan and Panama. He said: “In the Marines, I commanded Americans from all walks of life in pursuit of a common mission. I’ll bring this commitment to collaboration and service to Congress, partnering with state and local officials across the Massachusetts Fourth to deliver an inclusive economic recovery for all.”
Auchincloss, Coogan, and Fiola then toured Commonwealth Landing, a historic textile plant recently converted into housing, near the site of a future South Coast Rail stop. Auchincloss noted the importance of these projects in bolstering Fall River’s economy and expanding opportunity.
Auchincloss ended his tour in Taunton, joined by State Representative Pat Haddad and Doug Nelson, Business Manager of IBEW 223. The three spoke in front of a South Coast Rail stop construction site, discussing the part that reliable public transportation will play in Taunton’s development and access to opportunity.
“This is about jobs and economic development,” Auchincloss said. “Economic development by linking Taunton with the Greater Boston economy, specifically the healthcare and education sectors, and jobs for those who are going to build this $400 million project — workers who will be helping to build our future here in Massachusetts.”
The visit comes one week after Mayor Jon Mitchell of New Bedford announced his endorsement of Auchincloss’s campaign, adding to the numerous partnerships Auchincloss has built with key elected officials and community leaders in the South Coast, including: Mayor Paul Coogan of Fall River, and State Representatives Pat Haddad, Carole Fiola, and Paul Schmid. Auchincloss enters the last week of the campaign having secured the endorsement of the Boston Globe and the support of 100+ elected officials and community leaders across the Massachusetts Fourth.
About Jake:
Jake Auchincloss is running to represent Massachusetts’ Fourth District in Congress.
After graduating from college, Jake joined the Marines and commanded an infantry platoon in Afghanistan and a multi-national special operations mission to Panama.
Back home, Jake has continued service as a city councilor in Newton, where he graduated from the public schools. Jake’s positive, thoughtful leadership over two terms, especially on transportation and the environment, earned him re-election to a third term this November.
In the private sector, Jake has worked on transportation as a manager at a Fortune 100 innovation lab in Boston and on cybersecurity at a startup. He holds degrees in finance and economics from MIT Sloan and Harvard College.
