Buddy Cianci answers questions from the press during his campaign kick off in Providence. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO New
By Sam Wroblewski, reporting by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Independent Buddy Cianci officially launched his campaign Wednesday at the campaign headquarters on Broad Street just one day after primary election.
The former mayor took the time to thank his campaign staff and volunteers before diving straight into why he running for a third time.
“I see we’re on the wrong track, I see high unemployment, I see underperforming schools, I see streets that really need to be paved, potholes are terrible, I see taxes that are too high and worst of all people don’t feel safe in their homes,” said Cianci.
Cianci assured reporters his campaign won’t be focused on personalities, but rather fixing Providence.
“I’m proud to say as time goes on in the next six to eight weeks you will see position papers on every single one of those topics,” continued Cianci, “We have plans and we have programs that will make this city right again.”
Cianci will be competing in a race against Republican Dan Harrop and newly nominated Democrat Jorge Elorza who has repeatedly expressed his desire to beat the former mayor to save the city from what he calls the “Know a Guy” culture.
The city has also changed substantially since the last time Cianci held office. Now the lone independent will have to work to gain traction with a large Latino population in Providence.
However, the seasoned politician already seems to be working this new angle.
“I think that this city is a great city, it’s a city of great diversity, and that’s our biggest strength.”
Cianci also initiated an open invitation for Elorza to debate him on any issue of his choosing.
