It's a common trope for candidates to revisit one of their old elementary schools as part of a campaign announcement. Still, state Representative David N. Cicilline's use of the Webster Avenue Elementary School to announce his mayoral bid on Monday, February 11, was more than a sentimental tactic. If Cicilline, a progressive and the first openly gay candidate to run for the mayor's office in Providence, is going to have a serious shot at toppling Vincent A. "Buddy" Cianci Jr., he'll need no small share of support from such vote-rich old ethnic enclaves as the city's Silver Lake section.

Talking to a packed group of supporters in a school's hallway, Cicilline, 40, a four-term legislator from the East Side, telegraphed his campaign themes. Calling for "a renaissance not of illusion but of inclusion," the Democratic lawmaker said the city's neighborhoods have been neglected, and, without identifying Cianci by name, he vowed to change "politics as usual" -- a veiled reference to the federal indictment facing the mayor.

Cianci remains a formidable opponent, of course, and the most recent Brown University poll showed that his approval rating increased by two points, to 63 percent. Not surprisingly, the mayor didn't hesitate to go on the offensive. Tartly responding to his new opponent's pledge to not accept or permit the solicitation of campaign donations from city workers, Cianci, in an interview with political columnist M. Charles Bakst of the Providence Journal, targeted Cicilline's work as a criminal-defense lawyer in representing drug dealers.

Cicilline, who joins Greg Gerritt of the Green Party as the second announced challenger in the mayor's race, hasn't made a secret of his interest in running for the office (see "Battlefield Providence," News, May 18, 2000). Cianci remains the clear frontrunner, but the complexion of the race could change dramatically depending on what happens with the resolution of the charges against him. Jury selection for Cianci's trial in US District Court is scheduled to begin in April, and, says the mercurial mayor, there won't be a plea bargain.

Despite the sheen that has come to be associated with Providence, no small amount of unfinished business remains, from unfunded municipal pensions and under-performing schools to the growing pains associated with the city's enhanced profile. Even in the mildest scenario, the 2002 mayor's race can be expected to focus a provocative debate about the celebrated city's recent past and unwritten future.

Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis[a]phx.com.

Issue Date: February 15 - 21, 2002