New Bedford City Council Snubs Warren [OPINION]

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren came to New Bedford on Wednesday for a photo op at a soon-to-be-open COVID vaccination center for seafood industry workers. The center, fully funded with federal money, is expected to be operational on April 10.

Since there is nothing of significance happening on Beacon Hill at the moment, three members of the local legislative delegation – Rep. Paul Schmid, Rep. Tony Cabral, and Rep. Chris Hendricks – were able to glue themselves to Warren's side for the event. Congressman Bill Keating was also there. The circus act was hosted by the ringmaster, Mayor Jon Mitchell.

To their credit, most members of the New Bedford City Council stayed away from the event. I hear that Ward 3 Councilor Hugh Dunn was in attendance, but to my knowledge, he did not participate in the inevitable press conference in any way. Several councilors indicated to me that they would not attend because of Warren's indifference to the local fishing industry and the city in general. Good for them.

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In introducing Warren, Mitchell credited her with "championing the needs" of fishermen and seafood workers. I think he was serious. Warren said funding the vaccination center was "about treating our fishermen and seafood workers with respect." I think she was serious, too.

A member of the industry emailed me to say he had written to Warren seeking help and received a fundraising letter in return. Councilor Brian Gomes has told us that at least four letters from the city council seeking Warren's assistance for the fishing industry have gotten no response.

I was proud to see members of the city council turn their back on Elizabeth Warren. She has turned her back on New Bedford often enough. People like Warren take this city for granted. She must be held accountable.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.