FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) — Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan has officially launched his re-election campaign.
At a kickoff event at Scottie’s Pub on Wednesday night, Coogan touted his administration’s accomplishments and the relationships he’s forged with government officials during his tenure.
“Fall River right now is in a very good place financially, solid as a rock, we are going to take this ARPA money and build a place people want to call home,” he said, referring to the city’s federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Coogan was first elected in November 2019 after defeating Jasiel Correia, who was facing federal extortion and wire fraud charges at the time.
In his rally speech Wednesday night, the former B.M.C. Durfee High School vice principal took aim at City Council members, who he says have been fighting him tooth and nail. Fall River City Council President Cliff Ponte announced last week he will challenge the incumbent.
“What’s going on with other city officials right now is not appropriate,” Coogan said. “Our local city council thinks the way to help the residents of Fall River is to block me. That’s not the way this is supposed to work.”
Two other Fall River residents, Jordan Silvia and James Albernaz, have also pulled papers for a potential run against Coogan.
12 News reached out to Ponte for his response to Coogan’s statements but has yet to hear back.
