New Bedford City Councilor Ian Abreu’s Growing Warchest [OPINION]

Nobody in New Bedford is raising money as fast as City Councilor Ian Abreu these days. Councilor Abreu is known for his constituent service and rapid response.

Dealing with government bureaucracy can be frustrating. Business owners, investors, and the average working person often need an advocate to help them navigate the unfamiliar waters of government.

It isn't that the government is wrong in the way it operates. It isn't that the businessman or homeowner is looking for something they don't deserve. The reason a person like Abreu is helpful is that he understands the government process and he can explain it to people who don't, and he can make sure they aren't overwhelmed by the process.

Elected officials like Councilor Abreu can get people to return his phone calls. This is particularly important now that COVID-19 has closed most government offices and moved nearly all transactions into a remote world. You can't ask a question or get an answer if you can't get someone on the phone.

Abreu and his political team live in the real world. They understand the importance of money in political campaigns. He is as aggressive at raising money as he at helping his constituents. The people he has assisted over the years appreciate his efforts and they are committed to making sure he stays in office. And they are committed to making sure he has the funds to run for higher office in the future, too.

The donors to his campaign come from all over the local political spectrum. He has supporters who own restaurants. He has donations from labor unions and members of labor unions. He has tremendous financial support from the fishing industry. He has contributions from other elected officials. Some of his support comes from people who work in finance and real estate. Donations from individuals range from $20 all the way up to $1,000.

According to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance, Councilor Abreu has raised nearly $100,000 since he started running for office. That is the kind of financial horsepower a candidate for mayor or the state legislature needs to be successful.

Chris McCarthy is the host of The Chris McCarthy Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact him at chris.mccarthy@townsquaremedia.com and follow him on Twitter @Chris_topher_Mc. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.