Rhode Island Political Action Committee

2004 Senate District 6 Candidates Debate Report

Compiled by:

Tomás Alberto Ávila

August 19, 2004
Sponsored by: Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund, Making Connections and
The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island
From: Domingo Morel

To: Betty.Bernal@cancer.org ; Melba Depena ; Katherine Hellwig ; Sabina Matos ;

carmen.mirabal@verizon.net ; goroi@cox.net ; adelossantos@cox.net ; sylber59@hotmail.com

Cc: tomas Alberto Avila

Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 12:23 PM

Subject: Sen. Dist. 6 Debate

Thanks to everybody's hard work, we've accomplished a lot in a very short period time of
preparation.

We have confirmed the following:

Name
Senate District 6 Challenge: Candidates Debate

Location
The Met School Black Box Theatre located on 325 Public St. in Providence on August
19th at 5:30pm.

Moderator
Tony Affigne, Ph.D Professor of Political Science at Providence College

Sponsorship
Making Connections, Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island and the RI Latino Civic Fund

Flyers
Betty is working with Pablo on the finishing touches and then give it to Melba for mass
printing.

Reminder: We have a meeting on Thursday at 5:00 pm at Betty's office to discuss the

final details. Tony Affigne will join us so we can decide on his role and how we want to
arrange the debate. I think members from Making Connections and the Minister's
Alliance should be present, if possible. If so, can we get volunteers to contact them. Let
me know what you guys think?

Domingo
 From: Domingo Morel

To: Betty.Bernal@cancer.org ; Melba Depena ; Katherine Hellwig ; Sabina Matos ;

carmen.mirabal@verizon.net ; goroi@cox.net ; adelossantos@cox.net ; sylber59@hotmail.com

Cc: tomas Alberto Avila

Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 4:04 PM

Subject: Update: Debate Planning meeting
Here is an update regarding the debate planning meeting that took place last night.

Present: Betty, Sylvia, Melba, Tomas, Doris, Domingo

We decided on a name for the debate: Senate District 6 Challenge: Candidates Debate

The event will take place on Thursday, August 19th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. The
location is yet to be determined. Doris will be speaking to someone, (I didn't get her
name), from the Providence School Dept. today, to see if we can get the Juanita Sanchez
Complex as the location.

Although the endorsement committee had decided to have the final meeting to decide on
the endorsed candidates on Aug. 10th and then make the announcements on the 11th, we
thought that having the debate after the endorsement announcement would be counter-
productive. So we decided, although Carmen (our endorsement chair) was not present,
that we should change the date of the endorsement announcement to August 20th, the
day after the debate. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact me.

I spoke to Tony Affigne and he agreed to be the debate moderator. I think Tony will be
an excellent moderator because he has worked closely with both the Latino and African-
American communities. In addition, he is a resident of the district, so I'm glad he's
willing to be the event's moderator. I agreed to schedule a meeting between him and
those of us that can meet next week, so we can discuss his role, questions, etc.

I also spoke with Sabina and she will be speaking with the contact people at Making
Connections. She will be informing them of the details we've outlined so far, including
the co-signature of the letter that will be going out to the candidates and the flyers that
hopefully will be done by Pablo Rodriguez-Masjoan.

Tomas and I will work on the letter.

Sylvia will speak to Pablo regarding the flyer.
Melba will make the 1500 copies once the flyer is done.
Tomas will send the press release.
Lastly, Tomas, have you spoken to the President of the Minister's Alliance? We need to
find out whether their ok with this or not.

Can we meet next Thursday at 5:00pm?

July 21, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Tomas Alberto Avila

(401) 274-5204
E-Mail: latinocivicfund@yahoo.com

MEDIA ADVISORY
" Senate District 6 Challenge: Candidates Debate "

WHO: Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund, Making Connections and

The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island

WHAT: The public is invited to attend the Candidate Debate for

Providence’s new Senate District 6.

WHEN: Thursday August 19, 2004

5:30 – 7:00 PM

WHERE: The Met School Black Box Theatre

325 Public Street
Providence, RI 02903

ADMISSION: FREE
July 19, 2004

Ms. Mickeda S.Barnes

53 Farragut Avenue
Providence, RI 02905

Dear Ms. Barnes,

On behalf of our partners Making Connections and The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island, we
invite you to participate in a Senate District 6 Challenge: Candidates Debate on Thursday August
19, 2004 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Met School Black Box Theatre located on 325 Public St. in
Providence. Your response is requested by Tuesday, August 10 at (401) 274-5204.

As you know from our past endeavors to engage the public in a conversation about the
importance of civic participation, we have a deep interest in raising the visibility of minority
campaigns. We consider this a service to our constituency in the new Senate district 6 in
Providence.

That is why we are inviting you and your opponents Mikeda S. Barnes, Pedro J. Espinal
Raymond Faye and Chris D. Lopes to take part in this debate. The one and a half hour debate will
begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be moderated by Professor Tony Affigne, PhD
Chair, Department of Political Science Providence College.

Immediately preceding the debate, our debate committee will take part in organizing a meeting
during which they will identify and prioritize the issues they want the Senate candidates to
address. The moderator will make the questions and he will time each participant’s time. As we
move closer to the debate date, more detailed information about the format and other logistical
details will become available.

We look forward to your reply. As with all our election activities, candidates who choose not to
participate are advised that their opponent will be allowed to answer questions regarding absent
opponents during the scheduled debate. Enclosed you’ll find copies of the marketing materials we
have prepared and will be distributing to the media and the district constituency. If you have any
further questions regarding this matter, please contact me at (401) 274-5204. Best of luck in your
campaign.

Sincerely,

Tomas Alberto Avila

President,
Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund

cc: Making Connections

The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island
July 19, 2004

Mr. Pedro J. Espinal

162 Verndale Avenue
Providence, RI 02905

Dear Mr. Espinal,

On behalf of our partners Making Connections and The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island, we
invite you to participate in a Senate District 6 Challenge: Candidates Debate on Thursday August
19, 2004 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Met School Black Box Theatre located on 325 Public St. in
Providence. Your response is requested by Tuesday, August 10 at (401) 274-5204.

As you know from our past endeavors to engage the public in a conversation about the
importance of civic participation, we have a deep interest in raising the visibility of minority
campaigns. We consider this a service to our constituency in the new Senate district 6 in
Providence.

That is why we are inviting you and your opponents Mikeda S. Barnes,
Raymond Faye and Chris D. Lopes to take part in this debate. The one and a half hour debate will
begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be moderated by Professor Tony Affigne, PhD
Chair, Department of Political Science Providence College.

Immediately preceding the debate, our debate committee will take part in organizing a meeting
during which they will identify and prioritize the issues they want the Senate candidates to
address. The moderator will make the questions and he will time each participant’s time. As we
move closer to the debate date, more detailed information about the format and other logistical
details will become available.

We look forward to your reply. As with all our election activities, candidates who choose not to
participate are advised that their opponent will be allowed to answer questions regarding absent
opponents during the scheduled debate. Enclosed you’ll find copies of the marketing materials we
have prepared and will be distributing to the media and the district constituency. If you have any
further questions regarding this matter, please contact me at (401) 274-5204. Best of luck in your
campaign.

Sincerely,

Tomas Alberto Avila

President,
Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund

cc: Making Connections

The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island

Sponsored by: Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund, Making Connections and
The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island
July 19, 2004

Mr. Raymond Fay

1047 Eddy Street
Providence, RI 02905

Dear Mr. Fay,

On behalf of our partners Making Connections and The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island, we
invite you to participate in a Senate District 6 Challenge: Candidates Debate on Thursday August
19, 2004 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Met School Black Box Theatre located on 325 Public St. in
Providence. Your response is requested by Tuesday, August 10 at (401) 274-5204.

As you know from our past endeavors to engage the public in a conversation about the
importance of civic participation, we have a deep interest in raising the visibility of minority
campaigns. We consider this a service to our constituency in the new Senate district 6 in
Providence.

That is why we are inviting you and your opponents Mikeda S. Barnes, Pedro J. Espinal
and Chris D. Lopes to take part in this debate. The one and a half hour debate will begin at
5:30 p.m. and will be moderated by Professor Tony Affigne, PhD
Chair, Department of Political Science Providence College.

Immediately preceding the debate, our debate committee will take part in organizing a meeting
during which they will identify and prioritize the issues they want the Senate candidates to
address. The moderator will make the questions and he will time each participant’s time. As we
move closer to the debate date, more detailed information about the format and other logistical
details will become available.

We look forward to your reply. As with all our election activities, candidates who choose not to
participate are advised that their opponent will be allowed to answer questions regarding absent
opponents during the scheduled debate. Enclosed you’ll find copies of the marketing materials we
have prepared and will be distributing to the media and the district constituency. If you have any
further questions regarding this matter, please contact me at (401) 274-5204. Best of luck in your
campaign.

Sincerely,

Tomas Alberto Avila

President,
Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund

cc: Making Connections

The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island

Sponsored by: Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund, Making Connections and
The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island
July 19, 2004

Chris D. Lopes
82 Abbott Street
Providence, RI 02905

Dear Mr. Lopes,

On behalf of our partners Making Connections and The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island, we
invite you to participate in a Senate District 6 Challenge: Candidates Debate on Thursday August
19, 2004 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Met School Black Box Theatre located on 325 Public St. in
Providence. Your response is requested by Tuesday, August 10 at (401) 274-5204.

As you know from our past endeavors to engage the public in a conversation about the
importance of civic participation, we have a deep interest in raising the visibility of minority
campaigns. We consider this a service to our constituency in the new Senate district 6 in
Providence.

That is why we are inviting you and your opponents Mikeda S. Barnes, Pedro J. Espinal
Chris D.Raymond Faye to take part in this debate. The one and a half hour debate will begin at
5:30 p.m. and will be moderated by Professor Tony Affigne, PhD
Chair, Department of Political Science Providence College.

Immediately preceding the debate, our debate committee will take part in organizing a meeting
during which they will identify and prioritize the issues they want the Senate candidates to
address. The moderator will make the questions and he will time each participant’s time. As we
move closer to the debate date, more detailed information about the format and other logistical
details will become available.

We look forward to your reply. As with all our election activities, candidates who choose not to
participate are advised that their opponent will be allowed to answer questions regarding absent
opponents during the scheduled debate. Enclosed you’ll find copies of the marketing materials we
have prepared and will be distributing to the media and the district constituency. If you have any
further questions regarding this matter, please contact me at (401) 274-5204. Best of luck in your
campaign.

Sincerely,

Tomas Alberto Avila

President,
Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund

cc: Making Connections

The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island

Sponsored by: Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund, Making Connections and
The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island
July 19, 2004

Mr. Harold M. Metts

31 Tanner Street
Providence, RI 02905

Dear Mr. Metts,

On behalf of our partners Making Connections and The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island, we
invite you to participate in a Senate District 6 Challenge: Candidates Debate on Thursday August
19, 2004 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Met School Black Box Theatre located on 325 Public St. in
Providence. Your response is requested by Tuesday, August 10 at (401) 274-5204.

As you know from our past endeavors to engage the public in a conversation about the
importance of civic participation, we have a deep interest in raising the visibility of minority
campaigns. We consider this a service to our constituency in the new Senate district 6 in
Providence.

That is why we are inviting you and your opponents Mikeda S. Barnes, Pedro J. Espinal
Raymond Faye and Chris D. Lopes to take part in this debate. The one and a half hour debate will
begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be moderated by Professor Tony Affigne, PhD
Chair, Department of Political Science Providence College.

Immediately preceding the debate, our debate committee will take part in organizing a meeting
during which they will identify and prioritize the issues they want the Senate candidates to
address. The moderator will make the questions and he will time each participant’s time. As we
move closer to the debate date, more detailed information about the format and other logistical
details will become available.

We look forward to your reply. As with all our election activities, candidates who choose not to
participate are advised that their opponent will be allowed to answer questions regarding absent
opponents during the scheduled debate. Enclosed you’ll find copies of the marketing materials we
have prepared and will be distributing to the media and the district constituency. If you have any
further questions regarding this matter, please contact me at (401) 274-5204. Best of luck in your
campaign.

Sincerely,

Tomas Alberto Avila

President,
Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund

cc: Making Connections

The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island

August 11, 2004 Meeting

Senate District 6 Challenge: Candidates Debate
 From: RI Latino Civic Fund
Location: The Met School Black Box Theatre
325 Public Street, Providence, RI
When: Thursday, August 19, 5:30pm
Phone: 401-274-5204

The Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund

Making Connections and
The Minister's Alliance of Rhode Island

Cordially invites you, to our

cordialmente le invita a asistir a nuestro

Candidates Debate
Debate de Candidatos

Senate District 6 Challenge

El reto del Distrito Senatorial 6

Thursday August 19, 2004

Jueves 19 de agosto del 2004

Moderated by:
Professor Tony Affigne, PhD
Chair, Department of Political Science
Providence College

Featuring/Participando

Mikeda S. Barnes
Pedro J. Espinal
Raymond Faye
Chris D. Lopes
Harold M. Metts

At the / en el

The Met School Black Box Theatre

325 Public St. in Providence

5:30 PM

For more information call/para más información llame 374-

5204