Allan Fung

Allan Wai-Ket Fung (born February 25, 1970) is an American attorney and politician who served as the mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island from 2009 to 2021.[1] He was the Republican nominee for Governor of Rhode Island in the 2014 election and 2018 election.

Allan Fung
馮偉傑
Mayor of Cranston
In office
January 5, 2009 – January 4, 2021
Preceded byMichael Napolitano
Succeeded byKenneth Hopkins
Personal details
Born
Allan Wai-Ket Fung

(1970-02-25) February 25, 1970
Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)
​
(m. 2016)​
EducationRhode Island College (BA)
Suffolk University (JD)

Elected mayor in 2008, Fung became the first mayor of Chinese ancestry in Rhode Island. Fung was previously a state prosecutor and attorney on legislative and regulatory affairs before serving on the Cranston City Council as a citywide councilman.

He lost the gubernatorial race in Rhode Island during 2014 to Democrat Gina Raimondo by five points and again lost to Governor Raimondo in 2018.

Early and personal life

Allan W. Fung (Chinese: 馮偉傑), born on February 25, 1970, at Providence Lying-In Hospital (now known as Women & Infants Hospital), Fung is the eldest of Kwong Wen and Tan Ping's three children. Crown colony Chinese immigrants from British Hong Kong, his family settled in Rhode Island in 1969, and ran a small business on Cranston Street and Gansett Avenue, Cranston, RI.[2]

Fung graduated from Classical High School in Providence, RI in 1988, in the same class as future Providence mayor Angel Taveras. He earned a B.A. from Rhode Island College in 1992. He received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1995. He received the Classical High School Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009.[3]

Fung met Barbara Ann Fenton, a physical therapist, at the 2012 Republican National Convention.[4] They married in summer 2016.[4] Fung converted to Catholicism before the wedding.[4]

Political career
Fung honors Cranston resident Olivia Culpo with a key to the City, after her coronation as Miss USA 2012.
Fung marched in the 2016 Bristol Fourth of July Parade with his wife Barbara Ann Fenton.

Prior to his municipal leadership career, from 1999 to 2001, Fung served as a prosecutor, acting as Special Assistant, for the Rhode Island Attorney General.[5] Fung served from 2001 to 2009 as the government relations counsel for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company MetLife. In 2003, he was elected to the Cranston, RI City Council. In 2004, Fung was honored as a Rhode Island Bar Foundation Fellow. He was also a Providence Business News 40 Under Forty honoree.[6] Fung was chairman of the Rhode Island Governor's Insurance Council from 2005 to 2008.[7]

A Republican, he was elected mayor in November 2008, beating Democrat Cynthia M. Fogarty by 63% to 37%. He is the first Chinese American elected as mayor in the state.[8][9] He succeeded Michael Napolitano, who defeated him for the position in the 2006 election by 79 votes.[10][11] Fung was re-elected in 2010 against Richard R. Tomlins by 76% to 24% and in 2012 against only write-in opponents by 97% to 3%.[12] Fung is a council member for the Republican National Committee's Asian Pacific American Advisory Council.[13][14][15]

Fung won re-election to a fourth term as Cranston mayor in November 2016, by a landslide ratio of 2 to 1.[16]

Under Fung's leadership, Cranston became one of the Top 50 Cities to Live in America for three years in a row according to the website 24/7 Wall Street.[17] Cranston, according to Alarms.com website, was also named one of the Top 100 Best Cities to Raise A Child in 2017.[18]

Because of term limits established in 2012, Fung could not re-run for mayor in 2020 and instead endorsed Kenneth Hopkins, who went on to win the election against Democratic candidate Maria Bucci.[19] On January 4, 2021, Fung planned to attend the inauguration of Hopkins and administer the oath, but instead tested positive for COVID-19 and immediately left Cranston's City Council chambers, the location where the ceremony was being held.[20]

2014
Fung in 2014
Main article: 2014 Rhode Island gubernatorial election

In November 2013, Fung announced his candidacy for Governor of Rhode Island in the 2014 election.[21][22][23] He received several high-profile Republican endorsements during the campaign, including former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond,[24] former Massachusetts Governor and 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney[25] and former Massachusetts Governor William Weld.[26] On September 9, 2014, Fung defeated Ken Block in the Republican primary, with a 55% majority.[27][28][29][30] Soon thereafter, the Republican Governors Association President also endorsed him.[31][32] Democrat Gina Raimondo would go on to win the three-way contest by a 4-point margin.[33]

2018
Main article: 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial election

In October 2017, Fung announced he would again seek the governorship,[34] but went on to lose to Democrat Gina Raimondo with 37.2% of the vote.

Political positions

Allan Fung describes himself as a "'Rhode Island Republican' -- moderate, but fiscally conservative".[35][36] An Eyewitness News political analyst described Fung as "a more moderate Republican".[37] Fung says that he's a pragmatist and described himself as a centrist who promotes bipartisanship.[38]

Fiscal policy

Fung identifies as fiscally conservative, but defended his decision to raise taxes as the mayor of Cranston.[35] Running for Governor, he pledged to cut the sales tax rate in Rhode Island.[39] During a primary debate, he said he supported making Rhode Island a "Right-to-work" state and noted that he switched some city employees from a public pension to private plans.[40] During the 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Fung proposed reducing the sales tax to five percent, cutting fees, and introducing a concierge service for businesses.[41] His proposed budget for Cranston in 2018 did not include a tax increase.[42] Fung criticized giving health care subsidies to certain corporations calling such a plan "corporate welfare".[43] Also in 2018, Fung did support increasing city spending by $4.4 million; in 2017 he had supported a 2.2% tax increase.[44]

For funding education, Fung supports charter schools and wants to increase funding for technical education.[45]

Social policy

Fung described himself as pro-choice on the issue of abortion, but says he is not extreme and supports "common sense restrictions, such as his opposition to late-term abortion".[46] He was endorsed by Rhode Island Right to Life, a pro-life group opposed to legal abortion, because they supported the restrictions proposed by Fung.[47] As Governor, Fung said that he would consider Roe v Wade to be the law of the land and would not change that.[48] Fung later said he no longer identified as pro-choice but said he supports a "woman's right to make medical decisions" within some limitations.[49][50] In 2018, Fung had this to say about abortion: "I have always respected a woman’s right to make a medical decision, but with common sense limitations that many of us can agree upon, including a ban on the disgusting practice of late term abortions, having the option of a plan on the healthcare exchange that does not include abortion coverage, and parental notification for minors".[51][52] Fung did not take a position on Rhode Island's Reproductive Health Care Act which would define access to abortion as a right in the state; Fung said he would "politely decline to comment".[53] In 2019, Fung endorsed a pro-choice Republican, Rebecca Schiff, who was running to be the state GOP chairwoman.[54][55]

On gay and lesbian rights, Fung has a mixed position. As the Cranston mayor, Fung said "he's for civil unions but not same sex marriage".[56]

In 2014, the National Rifle Association (NRA) gave Fung a 93% score based on his agreement with their positions.[57] He was endorsed by the NRA for Governor.[58] In 2018, he opposed Rhode Island's "red flag" gun control executive order signed by the Governor because it did not require input from mental health professionals.[59] The NRA was one of his top donors in 2014.[60]

In 2017, Fung opposed President Donald Trump's travel ban.[61] He supports DACA and asked Cranston's city council to approve a resolution supporting his stance in favor of DACA.[62] He supported Marco Rubio's proposal for comprehensive immigration reform.[63] The Gang of Eight bill would have enhanced border security and given a pathway to legal status and citizenship for undocumented immigrants.[64] Fung opposes issuing drivers' licenses to undocumented immigrants.[40] He also opposes sanctuary cities.[65]

References
  1. "Hopkins wins race to succeed Fung as Cranston mayor". WPRI.com. November 4, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  2. Cowart, Jen (November 21, 2013). "Family Fundamental to Fung's career". Cranston Herald. Retrieved May 22, 2014.
  3. "Distinguished Alumni Awards". Classical High School Alumni Association. Archived from the original on May 23, 2014. Retrieved May 22, 2014.
  4. Puna, Alisha (May 18, 2017). "Cranston's first family: Mayor Fung and wife Barbara Ann Fenton keep competitive edge to family fun". The Providence Journal. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  5. http://www.linkedin.com/in/afung1
  6. "R.I. voters overwhelmingly OK bonds, re-elect Kennedy, Langevin and Reed - Providence Business News". Providence Business News. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  7. "'Classical act' honors new mayor". Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  8. "Mayor Fung sworn in Monday night". WPRI. January 5, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  9. "Slant Eye For The Round Eye: Go Go Mayer Allan Fong". Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  10. "Fung wins Cranston's mayoral race". WPRI. Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  11. "RI GOP starts search for new leader". Providence Journal. December 20, 2006. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  12. Fraser, Meg (November 7, 2012). "Dems come on strong". Cranston Herald. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  13. "THE ASIAN REPUBLICAN NETWORK - Network of Asian Republicans". Archived from the original on June 25, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  14. "RNC Launches National Advisory Councils - GOP". Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  15. Edgar, Randall (March 5, 2014). "Fung Named to RNC Asian American Pacific Advisory Council". Providence Journal. Retrieved May 22, 2014.
  16. Smith, Gregory (November 8, 2016). "Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung wins reelection in a landslide". The Providence Journal. Retrieved November 18, 2016.
  17. "For third year, Cranston makes list of '50 Best Cities'". Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  18. "Best Cities to Raise Kids, 2017 - National Council For Home Safety and Security". www.alarms.org. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  19. "Municode Library". www.municode.com. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  20. Reynolds, Mark. "Fung tests positive for COVID-19, unable to swear in successor as Cranston mayor". The Providence Journal. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  21. Rob Borkowski (November 4, 2013). "Mayor Fung Announces Bid For Governor". Woonsocket Patch. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2013.
  22. "Allan Fung Announces Run for Governor of Rhode Island". 8 Asians. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  23. Howell, John (November 6, 2013). "Fung stresses jobs in bid for Governor". Cranston Herald. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  24. Edgar, Randall (May 28, 2014). "Former governor Lincoln Almond endorses Fung in governor's race". Providence Journal. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  25. Fowler, Jack (September 5, 2014). "Romney Supports Fung". National Review. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  26. "Weld Endorses Fung for Governor". GoLocalProv.com. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  27. Kittridge, Dan (September 10, 2014). "Fung wins GOP primary". Beacon Communications. Cranston Herald. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  28. Schieldrop, Mark. "Fung wins GOP Nomination for Governor". Cranston Patch. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  29. Edgar, Randall; Bogdan, Jennifer (September 10, 2014). "Cranston's Mayor Fung clinches hard-fought GOP race over Block". Providence Journal. Archived from the original on September 14, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  30. "2014 Statewide Primary". RI.gov. State of Rhode Island Board of Elections. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  31. "Fung, Republicans see opening in governor's race - The Boston Globe". Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  32. "In Johnston, Christie touts Fung's odds in race for governor". Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  33. HERBST-BAYLISS, SVEA. "Democrat Gina Raimondo becomes Rhode Island's first female governor". Reuters. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
  34. "Fung announces candidacy for governor". WPRI 12. October 24, 2017.
  35. "Rhode Island Could Elect Its First Asian-American Governor". NBC News. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  36. Nunes, Rachel (October 24, 2017). "Fung announces candidacy for governor". WPRI. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  37. Nunes, Rachel (October 24, 2017). "Fung announces candidacy for governor". WPRI. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  38. Donnis, Ian. "Cranston Mayor Allan Fung Announces His Run For Governor". Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  39. "NEWS: Allan Fung announces plan to cut sales tax rate". WPRO. October 15, 2014. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  40. MacKay, Scott. "Fung, Block butt heads in televised GOP debate". Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  41. Donnis, Ian. "Fung Proposes Cutting Sales Tax, Lowering Fees & Adding Concierge For Business". Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  42. "Taxes stay flat; spending up $4.4M". Cranston Herald. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  43. Gregg, Katherine. "Fung slams Raimondo over 'corporate welfare deals,' but won't say what he'd do". providencejournal.com. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  44. Parker, Paul Edward. "Cranston Mayor Fung's spending plan calls for $4.4M hike". providencejournal.com. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  45. "Fung opens up about upcoming campaign for Governor". Cranston Herald. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  46. Gregg, Katherine. "As abortion becomes issue in campaign for governor, Fung explains his stance". providencejournal.com. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  47. "Fung's Pro-Life Endorsement | The Current-Anchor". oceanstatecurrent.com. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  48. "Gina Raimondo and Allan Fung Spar Over Abortion Rights Politics". Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  49. Re, Gregg (September 12, 2018). "Bernie Sanders-inspired challenger routed in Rhode Island gubernatorial race; pro-Trump candidate gets GOP nod". Fox News. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  50. "Candidates for Rhode Island governor snipe in 1st debate". Washington Post. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  51. Gregg, Katherine. "Women's groups push back at Mattiello on abortion". providencejournal.com. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  52. "Raimondo, Fung trade barbs on abortion protections". WPRO. July 9, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  53. Dunn, Christine. "Where they stand: the candidates on the Reproductive Health Care Act". providencejournal.com. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  54. Gregg, Katherine. "R.I. GOP lawmakers endorse 3 for party chairman". providencejournal.com. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
  55. Gregg, Katherine. "Cranston mayor's wife resigns from Republican committee over new chairwoman". providencejournal.com. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
  56. "Local mayors come out in favor of gay marriage". Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  57. "Allan Fung's Ratings and Endorsements". votesmart.org.
  58. "National Rifle Association Endorses Allan Fung for Governor". Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  59. "Rhode Island Governor Signs Executive Order on Guns". www.governing.com. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  60. "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  61. Gregg, Katherine. "Cranston Republican Mayor Allan Fung assails Trump immigration order". providencejournal.com. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  62. MacKay, Scott. "Scott MacKay Commentary: Of Raimondo, Immigrants And Road Signs". Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  63. "Mayor Allan Fung Climbs Ladder of Success | Asian Fortune". www.asianfortunenews.com. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  64. Smilowitz, Elliot (February 6, 2016). "Rubio defends Gang of Eight immigration bill". TheHill. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  65. Anderson, Patrick. "Gubernatorial candidate Fung: 'We will not be a sanctuary state'". providencejournal.com. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
Party political offices
Preceded by
John Robitaille		 Republican nominee for Governor of Rhode Island
2014, 2018		 Most recent
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