Trump jeered, Shanley cheered at announcement

By John Howell
Posted 2/11/16

Even before the New Hampshire polls closed, Donald Trump was making waves in Warwick Tuesday.

Of course, Trump wasn’t in town, but he is already playing a role in the race for the District 24 …

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Trump jeered, Shanley cheered at announcement

Posted

Even before the New Hampshire polls closed, Donald Trump was making waves in Warwick Tuesday.

Of course, Trump wasn’t in town, but he is already playing a role in the race for the District 24 seat in the state House of Representatives, which has been held by Republican Joseph Trillo for the last 16 years. Trillo is the honorary chairman of the Trump campaign in Rhode Island.

And that has Evan Shanley, who announced his candidacy to a cheering crowd at the Remington House, saying Trillo needs to go.

Shanley drew a parallel between Trump and Trillo, saying, “Donald Trump builds his campaign on attacking people.” Trump’s name brought a chorus of boos.

Shanley said the state’s economy can’t be built on attacking people, adding that he can’t match Trillo dollar-for-dollar in his bid for the House seat.

“We will outwork him…we will change Warwick by working together,” he said to applause.

For a political newcomer, Shanley, 29, who grew up in Warwick, and left the state after earning a law degree to work in Kansas and Washington, D.C., has already amassed an impressive campaign war chest and rallied strong union and Democratic support. His campaign manager, Jeremy Rix, said Shanley campaign had about $30,000 as of December. He said about 100 tickets from $25 to $100 had been pre-sold for Tuesday’s announcement. In addition, donations were brisk at the door, where Shanley and his wife, Meredith, a teacher at John Wickes Elementary School, greeted people.

Rix said a “volunteer’s night” is being planned, and there will be additional events later in the spring. In a release issued yesterday he reported the announcement event raised $9,000.

Shanley was introduced by his mother, Mary Madden, who gave a countdown of 10 reasons why he’s the right man for the job.

Madden said her son has a “strong moral compass…will never embarrass you…is forever Rhode Island and is the real deal.” Then she got a laugh. “And old people like him,” she said. “He will be good for Rhode Island and District 24 in Warwick.”

Speaking without notes, Shanley said he is “here to serve…this is my home.” He said his focus would be on new ideas, new energy and new leadership.

He said when he returned to the state, he was “struck” by how many friends moved elsewhere.

“We need to fix that,” he said.

As for the incumbent, who has gone unchallenged in recent elections, Shanley said Trillo has “ignored schools,” sought to impose mooring fees, and favors car tolls.

Shanley grew up in Warwick and attended Providence College, graduating magna cum laude. He went on to the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University of America, where he was an associate editor of the Journal of Law, Philosophy and Culture.

Shanley worked as an associate for the law firm of Blake & Uhlig in Kansas City, Kan. and as a law clerk at the Laborers’ International Union of North America in Washington, D.C., before returning to Rhode Island to join the firm of Gursky/Wiens Law Associates of North Kingstown in July of 2013. He is the nephew of Brian Shanley, president of Providence College.

Shanley’s supporters included a mix of family and friends and union representatives from the federal, state and municipal sectors.

Asked prior to his announcement what he considers the core issue of his campaign, Shanley identified honesty and selflessness. He called them values important to a representative.

Reached yesterday, Trillo said he is against tolls. He said while on the Cianci talk show, he said that if the state has to have tolls, he would favor a toll plaza on the Connecticut line for all vehicles with a preferred lower rate for frequent users in cars.

Comments

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  • Thecaptain

    Wonderful,

    Another hack connected with the Laborers Union.

    Thursday, February 11, 2016 Report this

  • Thecaptainsdad

    Sorry for my son's comment. He has been grounded for two weeks. What he meant to say was Evan Shanley is the man for district 24! Warwick will be a better place with this young man in office.

    Thursday, February 11, 2016 Report this

  • TheMajor

    Wonderful, another merely trolling comment with no understanding of reality. Yes Mr. Shanley has shaped a career in representing labor unions, but at no point has he said nor in conversations has he stated his campaign is a ploy to benefit unions. Instead his experience doing so is a perfect start to representing all people in the district. If you care that much about his experience then I implore you to actually put your money where your mouth is and go to an event and express your concern. Give him an opportunity to prove that your bias is nothing more than that. This is besides the fact that unions have been essential in the shaping of our country for the better, and still serve a great purpose today.

    Thursday, February 11, 2016 Report this

  • DemGal26

    I would rather have our state representative be associated with construction workers, teachers, and firefighters than with investment bankers and Donald Trump! Evan Shanley knows what matters and how to better the community.

    Thursday, February 11, 2016 Report this

  • Nickwilliams

    @thecaptain: Being a lifelong resident of Rhode Island, I can completely understand your frustration with this States politics and politicians in general. We probably have different reasons for being jaded, but jaded we are. That being said, I can tell you with absolute conviction that you are dead wrong about Evan. I have known him for a number of years now, and I can tell you that his convictions are non-negotiable. I implore you to meet the man before you make a snap judgement about him. He will suprise you. He is not your typical politician. In my mutually jaded opinion, I wish there were 40 more guys like Evan running. We might actually be able to call ourselves proud Rhode Islanders if there were. I'd never presume to sell a politician to anyone, all I ask is that if you are a resident of District 24, meet him with an open mind, and ask him the questions you need to ask him. Have a conversation with him. You'll notice something very different about him compared to most politicians...he LISTENS. But don't take my word for it, he'll be holding more events, attend one and see for yourself.

    Thursday, February 11, 2016 Report this

  • LtDan1

    Glad to see some youthful energy in this state. I think captain meant to say that we have another hunk willing to fight for the rights of hardworking people. While many millennials are leaving the state, Mr. Shanley is a great example of one that decided to stay and work to make his home a better place.

    Thursday, February 11, 2016 Report this

  • Councilman Jeremy Rix

    It's exciting to see someone with passion run for state rep. We need someone new, who listens to the voters. And you know what? It's good to have a lawyer as a state rep -- lawyers know how to read the fine print and figure out what's really going on with a bill before they vote on it.

    Trillo was last opposed sixteen years ago...That means he's walked into office through six primary and six general elections without anyone asking the tough questions. Like, why does he favor tolls on cars while voting against tolls on commercial trucks?

    Thursday, February 11, 2016 Report this

  • Mylissa0013

    #shanleyforwarwick

    We are so proud of you! Can't wait for all that's to come!

    Thursday, February 11, 2016 Report this

  • PeteMaverick

    Shanley is a highly-educated and self-made man WHO ACTUALLY GREW UP IN WARWICK and not an out of touch millionaire like trillo. Could've left like everyone else but decided to make his home a better place and will start by replacing trillo. Need more politicians like him who will use his position of power to actually make improvements to the community and not as a self-esteem boost.

    Thursday, February 11, 2016 Report this

  • AmyLyons

    We need someone like Shanley who has fought for the firefighters, teachers, etc. He is a lawyer who has represented the people and is exactly what Warwick needs. Finally- some youthful energy! For the first time in 16 years, Trillo will have to respond to criticism.

    Friday, February 12, 2016 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    The Donald has my vote for state representative.

    Friday, February 12, 2016 Report this

  • davebarry109

    Had to read the piece a couple of times because his wife is so good looking I couldn't concentrate. She can't be a native. Then he lost me when his bio had him working for union thugs. Sorry guy.

    Friday, February 12, 2016 Report this

  • Cornelia

    This "campaign" is nothing more than a union orchestrated thug fest. His a flag bearer for the unions, particularly the firefighters Check out all his contributions. Breath of fresh Union air. His election would be nothing short of disastrous.

    Friday, February 12, 2016 Report this

  • JohnStark

    Let me get this straight. A democrat lawyer, with a spouse on the public payroll, surrounded by union members is a 'change'...How? A few questions for Mr. Stanley: How will you reduce or eliminate stifling regulations that discourage businesses from locating in RI? Which taxes will you vote to reduce or eliminate? On which issues do you disagree with Gov. Raimondo and/or Speaker Matiello? On which issues to you disagree with the AFL-CIO? How will you vote on issues related to school choice? Finally, as a graduate of two Catholic colleges and "the nephew of Brian Shanley, president of Providence College", will you vote to support the sanctity of all human life? Perhaps some of his supporters could weigh in.

    Friday, February 12, 2016 Report this

  • PaulHuff

    But they use substandard materials in the Apponaug project!!!!!!!

    Friday, February 12, 2016 Report this

  • InTheW

    There is already too many lawyers in the GA. Why should we elect another one?

    Saturday, February 13, 2016 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    And the first comment was???

    ANOTHER HACK CONNECTED WITH THE LABORERS UNION(s).

    Saturday, February 13, 2016 Report this

  • Nickwilliams

    So much negativity from the Trillo/Trump supporters. I guess it is to be expected. Ignorance has historically been proven to beget more ignorance.

    Since Mr. Stark has opened his questions to all of Evans supporters, I'll take the liberty in answering one.

    "will you vote to support the sanctity of all human life?"

    Yes. All living humans should be afforded the opportunity to better themselves and their living conditions. This is precisely why he does not support the wall Trump has promised to build to keep impoverished humans in poverty.

    My turn, Mr. Stark Do you believe in term limits for elected officials?

    Saturday, February 13, 2016 Report this

  • Thegeneral

    I agree with Nick, the anger and hate coming from the Trillo supporters is borderline embarrassing. Shanley is a great candidate and I believe that some youth in local politics is a great thing. I mean 16 years in office? Come on guys it is time for change and Shanley is the guy.

    #JoesGottaGo

    Saturday, February 13, 2016 Report this

  • Cornelia

    I find it quite amusing that when anyone disagrees with a liberal we're referred to as "haters". This is really funny stuff. How about...we just don't want another Union hack eating away at our tax $$. Ain't got nothing to do with hating, darling.

    Saturday, February 13, 2016 Report this

  • Thegeneral

    I find it quite amusing that someone who uses the word "ain't" would not want better funding for a teacher's union.

    Saturday, February 13, 2016 Report this

  • Cornelia

    I find it so very amusing that when Union thugs and liberals don't succeed at conning the entire population, those individuals opposing are either ignorant, uninformed, or haters. How about we just don't agree with your greediness and bullying tactics? Just sayin'.

    Saturday, February 13, 2016 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    By the way,

    I will be the first to say that Trillo needs to go. He has been useless for years an serves only to inflate the legend in his own mind.

    Sunday, February 14, 2016 Report this

  • Nickwilliams

    Cornellia,

    I find it pretty amusing that you come out of the gate calling an event you did not attend a "thug fest" and then act like a victim when those who did attend call you out on your ignorance. Perhaps "Internet Troll" is a more fitting description?

    There is nothing wrong with disagreeing and debating issues. But there is something very wrong with personally attacking an entire group of people that you have never met based on your own prejudices.

    Monday, February 15, 2016 Report this

  • RISchadenfreude

    "Shanley drew a parallel between Trump and Trillo, saying, 'Donald Trump builds his campaign on attacking people.'" as he attacked Trillo & Trump, and the sheeple cheered as they support another attorney and union mouthpiece whose predecessors have driven RI into its current dire financial situation. RI government could certainly use SOMEONE with an understanding of how business actually works, and not wishful thinking. More of the same-old same-old for RI...

    Monday, February 15, 2016 Report this

  • CheshireCat

    His mommy is campaigning for him. I guess he's the Jeb Bush candidate!

    Monday, February 15, 2016 Report this

  • Nickwilliams

    And out come the trolls...have at it, kids.

    Monday, February 15, 2016 Report this

  • patientman

    I have no problem with private unions. That said the last thing Rhode Island is another GA member beholden to the unions. They are already very well represented up on Smith Hill.

    Monday, February 15, 2016 Report this