By JON BAKER

CENTRAL FALLS —  Hipolito E. Fontes says his life never has been as hectic as it is now. In fact, he sat at his kitchen table inside his family's third-floor apartment at 93 Sacred Heart Ave. and explained how he didn't get to bed until after 1 a.m., Tuesday.

“You see the bags under my eyes? That's how brutal it's been,” Fontes laughed. “No, seriously, I'm studying for my classes at the University of Rhode Island (where he's a part-time student), and also my real estate exam because, naturally, I want to pass it. I have to balance all that with being the best husband and father I can be, and knocking on doors campaigning.
“I really don't know how I find time for it all, but I definitely feel it's worth it,” he added of competing against incumbent Mayor Charles D. Moreau for his position at City Hall come Nov. 3. “This city needs something new — new ideas, new blood, a fresh look on things. I believe a lifelong resident of Central Falls seeking the mayoral role, as I am, should reach out to the people and do what's best for them.”
Fontes, 26, has numerous reasons to fret. He claimed he had spent four years working as a senior sales supervisor for Verizon Wireless of Attleboro, but was laid off not long after moving to the same company's site in Johnston.
His wife, Veronica, also recently received a layoff notice after spending years as a sales manager.
“I was laid off because I was the last one in, so was the first one in Johnston deemed expendable,” he said. “With myself and my wife being out of work, it's been really tough, but I have the love and support of my family and friends — and my faith. I'm a firm believer in God, being born and raised — and confirmed — Catholic. I do take my religion seriously.”
Fontes stated he believes his strengths are compassion and working hard in all aspects of life, those traits learned long before he graduated from Central Falls High in 2001. Afterward, he attended full-time the Community College of Rhode Island, but wasn't quite sure which major to choose — law or engineering.
After transferring to URI, he chose to leave school after the births of his eldest son, Kendrick, now 5, and Alexander, 2, later returned to his studies.

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When asked which primary issues he'd try to tackle if elected, he answered with security and public safety; government transparency; cleaning the city; and education.
As for the first, he said, “When someone talks about the security of the country, I'm talking about the microcosm that is Central Falls, almost like our own little homeland security. We need to take it as seriously as national security. Simply put, I want everybody to know everybody else, and make it a tight-knit community again. I'd like to get police more involved with the schools, have them introduce themselves and say, 'This is what I do.'
“I spoke with (Schools Superintendent) Dr. (Frances) Gallo last week, and we discussed community service, having youths get more involved; she thought it was a great idea,” he added. “She told me all high school students must complete 20 hours of community service during the course of the school year. We both feel (that) wasn't enough. We thought we could have community service days once or twice a month, and I'd eventually like to make it once a week. I want all services in this city to join together.”
In terms of transparency, he said he wants budget information – money being spent and why – to be easily accessible to the public.
“I'd also like to create a time line – a two-year plan, then a four-year plan, etc. moving to a 10-year plan for the city,” he offered. “I don't think it's unrealistic to know where we want to be in 10 years. I want the city to achieve what I know it's capable of achieving.
“Cleaning up the city is important, too,” he continued. “We need proper road and sidewalk maintenance. There's trash in the streets, even used drug needles in our playgrounds. I'd like to get the crosswalks painted for students and seniors. Ultimately, I don't want people to notice a difference when they drive from Cumberland into 'C.F.' I want them to feel happy and satisfied. I'd like to plant trees near the sidewalks, turn it into a beautiful city again.”
In addition, Fontes mentioned he wants to extend the school day, and school year.
“I know it's not going to be popular with some students, but it's for the best,” he stated. “Right now, this city has the shortest school day of any school system in Rhode Island, only minutes ahead of the bare minimum. I'd like to extend it to 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., both at the (secondary) and elementary school levels.”
When asked how he could make that work with the scheduling of mid-afternoon athletics and other extracurricular activities, Fontes admitted it would be difficult.
“High school students who play sports could have a (physical education) class scheduled for the final period, and wouldn't have to miss practices or games,” stated the former Warrior student-athlete. “Education is really important to me. We live in a society now where it doesn't seem that important. I feel the more youngsters know, the more they would appreciate our city and the opportunities they receive here.
“I want people who have kids in this school system to be proud of it,” he added. “I don't think this (notion) is pushing it. Maybe we could have a 'step' system, where it increases by an hour one year and two the next.”

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Moreau's opponent indicated meeting possible constituents a full-time job.
“I'm running a grassroots campaign,” he offered. “I'm out talking to people every day. We're such a diverse population. There are Portuguese, Cape Verdean and Spanish people here, and I can speak those languages. I also can understand some Creole. I think I can better identify with a lot of citizens, as I'm Cape Verdean.
“When you converse with these people, and you look at them eye-to-eye rather than talk to them through a translator, there's much more of a bond between the two people,” he continued. “When people open their doors, they say 'We're so glad we finally got a chance to meet you. We don't agree with what the city tried to do by keeping you off the ballot.' (On Oct. 8, ACLU lawyers helped Fontes win an appeal in Federal Court in Providence).
A few opponents have said Fontes had been fired from his job at Verizon Wireless, and he addressed the query with “It's not true. I was able to collect unemployment after being laid off, so that whisks away any possible firing.
“I honestly think I can win,” he grinned. “I've only spoken to a handful of people who said they would support the (current) mayor. I have developed the 'Friends of Hipolito Fontes' on Facebook, and over 100 people have signed on. The way I look at it, it's a network, so that number only will multiply.
“Sure, I'm very busy, but I love meeting people and going door-to-door to hear concerns,” he added. “In the end, I'm them and they're me. I'd like to be a voice of the people. I refuse to throw mud at the mayor. I want to run a clean and honest campaign, and I feel I'm doing that … This is all for the common good.”