By Sam Wroblewski, reporting by Bill Haberman WPRO News
Republican candidate Dr. Dan Harrop is calling on independent Buddy Cianci to prove to Providence voters his diagnosed cancer is not serious.
“We don’t know what stage his cancer is at and that is extremely important,” Harrop told WPRO’s Bill Haberman, “It may be curable, but it may not be curable as well and it think that the citizens of Providence have a right to know their candidate’s health.”
In a statement Harrop claimed that Cianci’s cancer may be more serious than he is letting on, citing his admittance to chemotherapy beyond his surgery. Harrop said when he has shared the stage with Cianci at mayoral forums and debates he hasn’t been the same.
“I’m concerned with his performance; he’s not the same Buddy as he was before. He bumbles his lines, he misreads them, he forgets things; there’s the promise not to take city employee donations and he forgot he said that and it’s on tape. And that’s a grave concern for me.”
“I think we have a right, in this particular circumstance, to know that. He has freely admitted he’s had cancer and I think the citizens have the right to know if he’ll survive the four years in office,” continued Harrop.
Harrop said he would also release his medical records if asked.
In a statement, Cianci said his doctor has given him a clean bill of health and has cleared him to run for office.
“My life experiences have shown me that nobody is immune from things taking a bad turn at any time. I’m taking my good health and enjoying life to the fullest by giving back to the community as much as I can. I’m surprised that Dr. Harrop isn’t cognizant of such an idea.”
