Avedisian, Sen. Sheehan to kickoff ‘Candidate School’

Posted 5/26/16

Operation Clean Government’s “Candidate School 2016” program and faculty have now been finalized. The event is a day-long, non-partisan educational seminar on how to run for political office. …

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Avedisian, Sen. Sheehan to kickoff ‘Candidate School’

Posted

Operation Clean Government’s “Candidate School 2016” program and faculty have now been finalized. The event is a day-long, non-partisan educational seminar on how to run for political office. It will take place in the Rhode Island College Student Union Ballroom on Saturday, June 4.

Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian (R) and Senator Jim Sheehan (D) will kick off the day describing how running for office will change your life and that of your family. Wrapping up this very full day will be a session about fundraising: Smithfield Councilwoman Suzy Alba (D), a former Development Officer at Brown University; political consultant Brett Smiley; and Rep. Patricia Morgan (R) will share some ideas that may work for new candidates.

In between, some 30 local experts and experienced campaigners will provide helpful advice on a number of topics. Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea and Ethics Commission attorney Jason Grammit will share what one needs to know in order to run for office—to include eligibility, financial disclosure and ethical issues.

Other sessions will address campaign organization; use and misuse of websites and social media; and the pros and cons of negative campaigning.

Lively Experiment’s Dave Layman will moderate a 90-minute session covering numerous aspects of campaigning under the umbrella of Message, Marketing and the Media. He and his panels of experts will discuss developing and delivering an effective message; campaign promotional materials; effective signage; and identifying and targeting voters. Investigative reporter Jim Hummel, radio host John Loughlin and former newspaper publisher Rick Wilson will offer tips on getting media attention, and how best to deal with media questioning and scrutiny.

Labor and Industrial Relations expert and historian Scott Molloy will be the featured luncheon speaker.

According to Margaret Kane, President of Operation Clean Government, “This is an ideal chance for candidates new to the political scene to get a complete briefing on the campaigning process.”

The non-partisan program is designed to help first-time candidates, campaign workers, and volunteers run ethical, winning campaigns.. It will be hosted by the Political Science Department of Rhode Island College and is supported by clean government advocates within the community, to include LOOKOUT RI, John Hazen White, Jr.’s non-partisan foundation.

It’s a full day, starting with an optional 8:45 a.m. continental breakfast (first session is at 9:30) and ends at 5 p.m. The registration fee is $110, which includes course materials, a one-year OCG membership, breakfast, lunch, and refreshment during breaks. Paid attendees will also receive a copy of the book, “The Essential Guide to Running for Local Office: How to Plan, Organize and Win Your Next Election”, by former Deputy Secretary of State and North Providence Town Councilman Paul Caranci.

Registration and payment can be accomplished online through the PayPal link at OCG’s website, www.ocgri.org. Checks can also be mailed to Candidate School 2016, P O Box 8683, Warwick, RI 02888.

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  • Thecaptain

    It truly laughable that Slick Scotty is even allowed in a room with operation clean government. That's like having Wylie Coyote babysit the Road Runner. Family? What does Scott Avedisian know about family? The jokes just keep getting better.

    Thursday, May 26, 2016 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    Please don't write in shady terms. Say what is on your mind and what you think so we all can judge you fairly.

    Friday, May 27, 2016 Report this