Allan Fung in 2018 RI Governor's race
On Principles & Values:
Condemned with IFFY award for running "Issue-Free" campaign
OnTheIssues attempted and failed to compile the issue stances of this candidate--which means the candidate actively sought to hide issue stances from the internet, the news media, and the voters. OnTheIssues undertook due diligence--including writing to
the campaign--and got no response. We will eventually infer the candidate's issue stances from a future voting record--but voters should demand to know about the candidate's stance on their favorite issues (and then send them to us!)
We consider "issue-free campaigners" to be untrustworthy of holding elected office--the IFFY award means they are "iffy" officeholders.NBC10 reports that Fung avoided all primary debates: "The two favorite contenders for the major party's nominations
are refusing to appear in any of the offered statewide forums. 'It's not OK in a democracy,' NBC 10's political analyst said. 'Avoiding debates might rub voters the wrong way and they might just end up staying home in the general election.' " We agree.
Source: IFFY disendorsement in 2018 Rhode Island Gubernatorial race
Oct 31, 2018
On Abortion:
Supports woman's restricted right to make medical decisions
On abortion, independent Joe Trillo described himself as pro-life, Raimondo said she was pro-choice and Fung said he supported "a woman's right to make medical decisions" with some restrictions."He can't answer a question like that.
It's too difficult," Trillo said. Trillo called Fung "wimpy" for not taking positions on issues.
Source: Providence Journal on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial debate
Sep 27, 2018
On Gun Control:
State funding for armed police at all schools
On school safety, independent Joe Trillo said schools should have trained, armed teachers to deter evil-doers. Fung said he would provide state help for all schools to have armed police officers.
Raimondo said simply that the answer was "fewer guns in schools, period." She didn't say whether she would support schools that want to use state aid to install metal detectors or hire police.
Source: Providence Journal on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial debate
Sep 27, 2018
On Corporations:
Lower costs to business helps them grow
In Allan's first term, he wants to lower the sales tax each year to end up at 5%. The first 6 months will comb through every occupational licensing, permitting, and business incorporation fee we charge, and make them the lowest in New England!
He'll also make it easier for startups by waiving all fees for their first year. Introducing the BUSINESS CONCIERGE PROGRAM a one-stop location for startups & business owners, walking them through the business development process as quickly as possible.
Source: 2018 Rhode Island governor Campaign website AllanFung.com
Sep 1, 2018
On Government Reform:
Internal department to audit fraud, waste and corruption
Allan believes that our government should be held accountable for every taxpayer dollar spent. As Governor, Allan will work to eliminate fraud, waste and corruption by creating an Office of the
Inspector General which will be responsible for conducting investigations into agencies in the executive branch. This office will also provide recommendations, conduct policy analysis, and provide training to the agencies that need it.
Source: 2018 Rhode Island governor Campaign website AllanFung.com
Sep 1, 2018
On Homeland Security:
Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans
As Mayor, Allan has been at the forefront of listening to, and caring for his local veterans. Cranston became the first community in Rhode Island to provide a property tax exemption for its disabled veterans. So here's what Allan is going to do:
Make Military Pensions Tax Exempt. Expand Locations for our Veterans Affairs Offices. Expand Job Opportunities for Veterans. We'll also ensure that veterans hiring preferences in state government and at the universities are in place and being adhered to.
Source: 2018 Rhode Island governor Campaign website AllanFung.com
Sep 1, 2018
On Welfare & Poverty:
More work/volunteer requirements in welfare benefits
Allan will be proposing stronger work requirements for the˙RI works program, or as many people know it, welfare. Currently, "job searching" counts as meeting the 20-hour a week requirement. Allan will strengthen the requirements so that˙any
able-bodied adult, aged 18-59,˙will˙be required to either work,˙be˙enrolled in a job training program, or perform community service at least˙20 hours a week to receive˙welfare˙benefits. Exemptions would be proposed.
Source: 2018 Rhode Island governor Campaign website AllanFung.com
Sep 1, 2018
On Crime:
Strong stance against crime; we need accountability
[AdWatch]: "Did you know Rhode Island has the highest murder rate in New England?" Fung asks in the ad. "That is unacceptable. It's a lack of leadership. A lack of accountability. And that has to stop." Fung goes on to highlight his clash with the
Rhode Island chapter of the ACLU over the right to panhandle on Cranston streets, emphasizes his opposition to "sanctuary cities" for undocumented immigrants and promises to "enforce the law."
Source: WPRI News AdWatch on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Aug 15, 2018
On Immigration:
Federal authorities notified on illegal immigrants releases
Mayor Fung is promising to notify the federal government when immigrants in the country illegally are detained by police in his city, unlike other mayors. Fung said he signed an agreement this week as a way to ensure that criminals in the country
illegally cannot continue to commit crimes in Cranston. The federal government is requiring cities receiving public safety grants to notify federal agents when immigrants in the country illegally are being released from police detention.
Source: Washington Times on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Aug 10, 2018
On Gun Control:
Against assault rifle ban
Mayor Fung is weathering a series of attacks from rivals over his silence in the wake of a mass shooting in Florida 2 weeks ago. Former state Rep. Trillo began the onslaught saying Fung had come out of "protective custody" when he gave an interview to
WPRI-TV that included his first comments on gun violence. He told the TV station that he does not support a ban on assault rifles and that the "red flag" bill introduced in the GA to disarm potentially dangerous people is "too broad."
Source: Providence Journal on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Feb 28, 2018
On Tax Reform:
For federal tax reform; will lower state and local taxes
"Overall, I support tax reform," Fung said. "Tax reform will cut the corporate and individual tax rates, which will benefit Rhode Islanders and grow the national economy." "I am concerned about the changes to the deduction for state and local taxes
since Rhode Island suffers from one of the highest tax burdens in the nation," he continued. "My focus will be on lowering the state and local tax burden so that Rhode Islanders can benefit more from federal tax reform as well as to grow our economy."
Source: WPRI Eyewitness News on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Dec 18, 2017
On Corporations:
History of creating jobs; he won't forget small businesses
Fung has touted himself as business-friendly with a track record of success at creating new jobs and taxable commodities. He cited adding about 3,800 new jobs along with 62 new businesses opening up shop. He said that the focus
at the state level can't just be on large potential business ventures. "We have to make sure we still focus on business--and not just going after the Amazons of the world. We can't forget about the small businesses--nobody is helping them," he said.
Source: Cranston Herald on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Nov 2, 2017
On Drugs:
Opioid epidemic needs more programs & preventative education
Fung talked a little about his stances on policy, notably on the opioid epidemic, claiming that more treatment programs needed to be funded and that more preventative education must be a part of budgets going forward. "Enforcement is great, but you
also have to have a proactive approach with education, especially at a younger age," he said, adding that he hasn't taken an official stance on recreational marijuana yet, as he wants to study the topic more before committing one way or another.
Source: Cranston Herald on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Nov 2, 2017
On Education:
Choice in schools; plus funding for technical education
For schools, Fung is pro-choice and is a big proponent of charter schools and increasing awareness and funding for technical education. He said that technical schools provides kids with an opportunity to learn a valuable trade and also get credits for
college if they choose to go that route. "It's great that we're seeing this push to go to college--which I support--but sometimes you've got to make sure that you have options for students too," he said.
Source: Cranston Herald on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Nov 2, 2017
On Technology:
Will make infrastructure a top priority in his final term
Fung said infrastructure repair will be one of his major priorities during his final term. "We're going to do a lot more to address our school buildings, we're going to be able to do a lot more with our roads," said
Fung. "We just had passed a $20-million road bond, that's going to hopefully allow us to double the amount of roads that we're able to do annually."
Source: RI Public Radio on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Jan 2, 2017
On Energy & Oil:
Won zoning for large scale solar installation on farmland
Opponents [of Allan Fung for Mayor] are contesting a proposed zoning change put forth by Mayor Fung, that allows solar power, as well as animal day-care businesses, on the land. The ordinance has moved back and forth between the City Planning
Commission, the City Council and the Ordinance Committee. The City Planning Commission voted 8-1 Nov. 3 to endorse Fung's proposal to change the city ordinance to allow large-scale solar installation on farmland.
Source: EcoRi News on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Nov 8, 2015
On Environment:
Supports protecting open space, working farms, & waterways
"As governor, I'll also do my best to coordinate and communicate with all the municipalities and ensure they are receiving whatever help from the state in terms of addressing any of the issues, particularly to what we are seeing with the changing
climate," he said. Fung says he plans to support conservation work that protects open space, working farms, and the waterways. He said as Cranston mayor, he supported efforts to buy out homes in flood prone areas and restore that land back to wetlands.
Source: RI Public Radio on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Oct 24, 2014
On Abortion:
Pro-choice position but supports a no-abortion health option
Q. Would Fung push for HealthSource RI to offer a health insurance option that excludes coverage for abortion and/or contraceptives? A [from Fund spokesman]: While Allan has previously affirmed his pro-choice position, he also understands and
respects the opinions of people on both sides of the issue. He would support providing a coverage option for those who would choose a plan that does not provide abortion coverage except in [specified] circumstances.
Source: Providence Journal on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Oct 2, 2014
On Health Care:
The CBO validated fears of Obamacare being a job killer
Fung responded to the CBO's analysis [Congressional Budget Office] of the ACA and projected job losses as a result of the program, referring to Obamacare as a "job killer." The candidate stated that he work with the state legislature and health care
providers to reduce its impact on small business & working class families. "I have been fearful of the economic impact and the CBO has now validated our concern about job losses & reductions of hours as a result of the Obamacare mandates," stated Fung.
Source: Facebook posting on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
Feb 5, 2014
Page last updated: Feb 13, 2019