File photo
WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The three candidates for Providence mayor went after each other in their first debate, with the Republican saying former Mayor Buddy Cianci, a twice-convicted felon, had a half-century history of thuggish, criminal behavior.
The debate Tuesday evening pitted the independent Cianci against Democrat Jorge Elorza and Republican Dan Harrop.
Cianci accused Elorza of being supported by people behind strip clubs and a waterfront scrap heap, prompting Elorza to reply: “You can’t just make things up, Buddy.”
Cianci was forced from office twice. He said he made mistakes, but he would not apologize for his administration. He says he’s the most experienced candidate.
Elorza and Harrop criticized Cianci for not fully funding the pension system and approving high cost of living increases that they say put the city in financial peril.
