Cliff Ponte

Letter to the Editor: Fall River Deserves Real Leadership and Real Change

By Cliff Ponte, Fall River City Councilor

This week's election sent a clear message; people are tired of politics as usual. They’re tired of the noise, the blame, and the lack of results. What people want and deserve is leadership that delivers meaningful change in their everyday lives.

And frankly, who can blame them? The federal government is currently shut down because politicians in Washington can’t stop arguing long enough to do their jobs. Yet somehow, the hardworking men and women who keep this country running are still expected to pay their taxes while government grinds to a halt. That’s not leadership, that’s broken politics.

Here at home in Fall River, we can and must do better. As someone who was just re-elected to the City Council, I’m committed to focusing on real issues that actually matter to people: lowering the cost of living, repairing our roads, improving public safety, supporting quality education, and protecting taxpayers from unnecessary hikes.

Last term, I was proud to lead the effort to stop a proposed increase in water and sewer rates. It was the right thing to do, and we need to keep making decisions that put residents first. But beyond individual votes, we need structural change.

Fall River’s government has been through too much instability for too long. It’s time to have a serious conversation about reforming our form of government, to something more consistent, accountable, and professional, similar to what cities like Worcester have adopted. A city manager form of government could provide steady leadership that transcends election cycles and keeps the focus on progress, not politics.

Our residents deserve a government that works, one that listens, acts, and follows through. While Washington shuts down, Fall River should stand up and prove that local leadership can still make a real difference.

Thank you for the support!

Cliff Ponte
Fall River City Councilor

If the Federal Government is shut down because politicians can’t stop pandering — does that mean I can pause paying my Federal Income and Payroll Taxes until they sort it out? 🤔

Asking for every hardworking taxpayer out there.

Thank you Fall River.

Please join me in welcoming Scott Paquette as the new 𝑫𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 for Cliff A. Ponte, Inc. & Co.
Scott brings a diverse background and decades of leadership experience, from serving as Assistant Director of the TRIO Educational Talent Search & Upward Bound Programs at Bristol Community College, to his long-time role as Director of Human Resources at Venus de Milo, and as a dedicated REALTOR within the The Ponte Group, Keller Williams

Scott’s career reflects hard work, compassion, and a deep commitment to people and process, qualities that make him the perfect addition to my leadership team. In his new role, he’ll be overseeing financial operations, accounting systems, and internal reporting.

“𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛’𝑡 𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦’𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛. 𝑆𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑡 𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼’𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑗𝑜𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑤.” - Cliff Ponte JR

Do not forget to vote on Tuesday to re-elect me back on the City Council.

I have always taken my seat with the one premise - hold people accountable.

I respectfully request one of you 9 votes.

List Price: 1,074,900. We have professionally staged this repaired property located in a beautiful location. 59 Greenfield Lane, Scituate, MA 02066 - Join us the The Ponte Group, Keller Williams this weekend for our Open House on Sunday 11:30am to 1pm.

Listed by: Cliff Ponte of The Ponte Group, Keller Williams

https://www.pontegroupne.com/property-search/detail/102/73445360/59-greenfield-ln-scituate-ma-02066/

I’m deeply honored to be endorsed by the FRFD IAFF Local 1314. Public safety is a cause I’m profoundly passionate about. As I’ve always said, the FRFD stands second to none. Stay safe out there.

Thank you to the Fall River Educators Association for your endorsement.

Lead with logic. End with impact

Thank you to the Fall River Firefighters for their endorsement again.

🚨 City Council Endorsements Announced 🚨

The Fall River Firefighters, IAFF Local 1314, proudly endorse the following candidates for Fall River City Council:

Shawn E. Cadime • Michael G. Canuel • Michelle M. Dionne • Paul B. Hart • Bradford L. Kilby • Christopher Michael Peckham • Cliff A. Ponte • Andrew J. Raposo • Ricky T. Tith

These candidates share our commitment to public safety, teamwork, and community well-being — values that protect both our members and the citizens of Fall River.

Andrew Raposo
Cliff Ponte JR
Ricky Tith Fall River City Council
Bradford Kilby
Shawn E. Cadime
Elect Chris Peckham

Happy Sunday Funday!