Cranston Republicans Scrap Over Tuition for Immigrants

A mail sent by Mayor Ken Hopkins’ campaign draws sharp response from Barbara Fenton-Fung

The front of a mailer sent by the Hopkins' campaign.
The front of a mailer sent by the Hopkins’ campaign.
Share
The front of a mailer sent by the Hopkins' campaign.
The front of a mailer sent by the Hopkins’ campaign.
Cranston Republicans Scrap Over Tuition for Immigrants
Copy

College tuition for undocumented immigrants has become an issue in the Cranston mayoral Republican primary between incumbent Mayor Ken Hopkins and challenger state Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung.

A mailer sent by Hopkins’ campaign this week reads in part: “Should illegal immigrants get free college tuition? Barbara Fenton-Fung says yes.”

The mailer shows a large number of dark-skinned people crossing a waterway on foot.

Another description from the mailer: “$0 What illegal immigrants can pay for college because of Barbara Fenton Fung.”

Fenton-Fung called the mailer “maliciously false” and scheduled a news conference to respond. In a statement, she said, “The Hopkins operation is the poster child of a desperate campaign in a complete death spiral.”

Cranston voters will decide between Fenton-Fung and Hopkins, a one-time ally of Fenton-Fung’s husband, former Mayor Allan Fung, on Sept. 10.

On Aug. 26, the two candidates will take part in a 6 p.m. debate being staged at the Cranston Public Library by the Cranston Herald.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

Lily Jeznach, professor of environmental engineering at Roger Williams University and Cranston resident
Thousands of Rhode Islanders covered by UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans may have fewer choices at more cost after contract expires Monday
‘Community strength is his legacy,’ Ryan Saunders, the executive director of the Chorus of Westerly, said of Kent
Whether it’s national, local, new or an encore, here’s what to watch this July on Rhode Island PBS
In using strict conservation methods to protect its finite water resources, Jamestown has created a system where some residents lack clean drinking water and homes they can’t sell, rent, or live in