Political Quotes

“today I wish to recognize and honor the life and significant accomplishments of Henry Shelton, a tireless advocate for Rhode Island's poorest citizens, who passed away on September 21, 2016. Our world is a better place because Henry was in it, and he will be sorely missed. Born and raised in Central Falls, RI, Henry served as a priest in Providence, where he began his lifelong fight for those in need. After leaving the priesthood, he led the Coalition for Consumer Justice and founded the Pawtucket-based George Wiley Center, where he served as director for over 30 years. Henry empowered low-income Rhode Islanders to push for social change and policies to alleviate poverty and provide access to basic needs. He truly put the word ``active'' into activism. From protesting in the street to arguing in the courtroom, Henry made a difference in the causes he championed, including securing bus passes for the elderly, working to provide free school breakfast and summer meals for low-income children, and promoting access to unemployment services, to name a few. Henry Shelton's legacy is perhaps most felt in his work to lower utility costs and to help low-income families with their energy bills so that their heat or electricity was not turned off. New England winters can be particularly brutal. Henry understood that paying utility bills is a real struggle for those who are trying to make ends meet. His mission was to make sure that no one was left out in the cold.…”