Gov. Candidate Warren Stops in New Bedford, Responds to Comments by Baker

NEW BEDFORD — Gubernatorial candidate and Newton Mayor Setti Warren paid a visit to City Hall Wednesday as part of his campaign's grassroots approach to Beacon Hill, while also addressing recent comments made by Governor Charlie Baker.

Warren, currently serving his second mayoral term, officially announced his candidacy over the weekend.

When asked by State House News Service about Warren's decision to run last week, Baker replied with a quote now open for interpretation.

"Those are personal decisions, and people should make whatever they think they think is in their best interest, and in the best interest of whatever constituency they're choosing to represent," Baker said.

Warren believes Baker is implying he is only interested in representing certain groups of residents and would like some clarification from the governor.

"I'm puzzled by Gov. Baker's remarks and I hope he'll explain what he meant," said Warren. "I'm running for governor because, as I'm moving around the Commonwealth, people and communities are falling behind."

Outside the steps of City Hall, Warren offered examples of the people he plans to fight for on Beacon Hill.

"I'm running for the folks that have been waiting for things like SouthCoast Rail here in New Bedford to come to fruition, I'm running for the folks that are being crushed by student debt every day in the Commonwealth, I'm running for folks that just can't afford basic healthcare to take care of themselves and their family," said Warren.

Before speaking to the media, Warren met privately with Mitchell to discuss the needs of the city.

"We talked about the numerous projects that he's working on," Warren said. "We need to make sure, for example, we're investing in the port here and infrastructure so we can build jobs, be able to increase trade within a great fishing industry here that has to grow."

The two mayors also spoke about essential investments in offshore wind, education, trade and skilled labor and healthcare.

Among his campaign platforms is attacking the issue of income inequality.

"When I talk to people no matter where they are...I'm hearing the same thing, 'We need a Beacon Hill that is listening and hearing for residents on the ground in our communities so we can deal with this issue of economic inequality," said Warren.

Some solutions Warren offered were single-payer healthcare as well as free public college.