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.

Ocean State Media’s statewide listening tour stopped in Warwick where students, teens and residents talk about journalism, civic life and issues shaping their community
The beloved Jewelry District bar is celebrating three decades with a weekend festival featuring more than two dozen local bands
As the Red Sox struggle and the Patriots stir drama, World Cup matches and fan events offer Rhode Island and Massachusetts a welcome summer distraction
From Nick-a-Nee’s 30th anniversary bash to ‘The NeverEnding Story’ under the stars, here are local events to keep on your radar
With Ghana’s World Cup team set to arrive Friday, local organizers are planning celebrations that blend soccer, culture, food, music and community pride
Supporters say Rhode Island needs its own voter protections as federal safeguards weaken. Top lawmakers say the bill needs more work and will have to wait until 2027