Will Cianci Run for Mayor of Providence on a Regionalization Platform?

Will Cianci Run for Mayor of Providence on a Regionalization Platform?

Former Providence Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci hasn't declared whether he's officially running for the seat again this year, but he has articulated what he believes is in the best interest of the city and the state - and that's consolidation of municipal services in Rhode Island. 

"I'm very much in favor of it, and I've been in favor of it for a long time," said Cianci, who spoke recently on-air with with lawyers Brad and Nick Gorham, the latter who introduced legislation while a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 2008 to consolidate services of Scituate, Exeter, West Greenwich, Foster, Glocester, and part of Coventry under the name of Westconnaug.

"You'd want to consider areas of comparable geographical considerations, not just by counties and county lines," said Cianci, of examining the prospect looking into regionalizing services among the state's 39 cities and towns.  "This wouldn't have to be done overnight, but this is something we have to consider.  We're taxing ourselves to death in Rhode Island."

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Historical Context

Cianci noted that one of the original proponents of looking at consolidation in Rhode Island came well before current discussions. "Dennis Roberts, the former Providence Mayor and Rhode Island Governor in the '50s, advocated for it," said Cianci.  

"Governor Carcieri proposed it years ago.  The intent was for it to be sent to the General Assembly to study it, then come back in a year, and appoint a committee," said Cianci.  "Who knows, maybe they would have come back with, "We shouldn't do it" -- but they didn't even hear it."

Gorham noted that despite major accomplishments during his time in the General Assembly, people still know him best for his effort at consolidation. 

"I got major amendments to the Constitution with separation of powers back in 2004, but what people want to talk about today still is Westconnaug," said Gorham.  "When I introduced consolidating the districts in 2008, Cianci was on board with the idea right away.  His interest has been genuine in this all along."

Cianci said that his current viewpoint takes note of what Gorham learned from his unsuccessful Westconnaug attempt in 2008.

"There was a fear that they'd have to give up power in municipalities," said Cianci.  "What Gorham realized after is that it's not politically expedient to get rid of the town clerk, the tax assessor.  The real money to be saved is in school consolidation, public safety."

"Choose your partners carefully, consolidate only what you must, and listen to people in government, because they have a lot of good input," said Gorham of what he learned of his experience.

Looking Ahead

URI Professor of Economics Len Lardaro, who has been writing about municipal consolidation for years, said, "We should name Rhode Island "Redundancy Island," it's just the culture here." 

"Government in Rhode Island costs us more than it has to," continued Lardaro.  "My biggest surprise is that with the great recession, we didn't get forced into consolidation -- yet.  I wish it came from enlightenment and education, but it may need Massachusetts casinos up and running to finally force Rhode Island's hand."

Former Director of Administration Gary Sasse provided his view on the potential for consolidation -- and the role of Mayors could have in the process. 

"Mayors have no choice but to advocate for shared service agreements because of the over-dependence on property taxes. Rhode Island’s property tax burden is over 40% above the national average. Mayors cannot depend on property tax increases to fund the growing costs of municipal and school governments. Furthermore, Rhode Island’s high property taxes are a significant factor in Rhode Island’s poor business tax climate ranking." said Sasse.

"There are two ways to address the property tax dilemma. The first would be a massive infusion of state aid. This option is fiscally unrealistic. The second option is to control the growth in city and town spending. The most practical way to achieve this goal is municipal consolidation and sharing services," continued, Sasse. "Therefore it is in the enlightened self-interest of Rhode Island’s Mayors to lead the fight for inter-local agreements"

Parsing the Field

Veteran political pollster Victor Profughi broke down the possible ramifications if Cianci ran for Mayor of Providence this year,  and in what capacity.

"It is a given that Buddy in weighing his options will need to weigh the question of whether to enter the fray in September's Democrat primary or wait until November, running as an Independent.  Under the circumstances of the past he would face a three way contest in November, but unless Republicans can conjure up a candidate who could become a serious contender Buddy may well find himself in a situation where he faces a strong Democrat opponent who may well be able to win more than 40% of the vote...and it might be questionable whether Buddy could match that," said Profughi. 

Profughi continued, "On the other hand, if every Democrat who is making noises about running in September does so, the resulting Democrat primary vote could be split so many different ways that Buddy could win a primary with only one-third or so of the vote...and face no serious opponent in November."

Two of the current field of candidates did not address the prospect -- and impact -- of former Mayor Cianci entering the race directly.

"I think that's a great question for pundits and analysts.  Michael is a candidate and his focus is on policies that will continue to reform Providence," said Bill Fischer, spokesperson for City Council President and candidate Michael Solomon.  "I'm not going to have any comment on Mr. Cianci.  We look forward to having the field codified in final deadline."

Similarly, Democratic mayoral candidate Jorge Elorza avoided addressing Cianci as a potential competitor.

"We're not focusing on elements that are beyond our control, such as who decides to enter the race and when. We're much more focused on the things we can control, like what we're doing about the issues that are important to Providence's citizens: economic development, rebuilding the middle class, improving our schools and our neighborhoods," said Elorza.  "Our message is about bringing the city together as One Providence, and those fundamentals remain the same regardless of who is in the race."

Lorne Adrain's campaign referenced Cianci in passing, calling him a "candidate of the past.

""This campaign is about moving the City of Providence forward, about building on the progress made strengthening the city in recent years. The future of this city will not be enhanced by turning back to a leader from the past. This will take a different type of leader with real experience, not politics as usual. Lorne Adrain has the new ideas and solutions that are needed to solve Providence's toughest problems," said Adrain spokesperson Steven Gerencser.

Republican contender Dr. Daniel Harrop and Democratic candidate Brett Smiley took the most critical positions on the former Mayor, specifically for his criminal record.   

"I believe we have a unique opportunity to bring about a true economic renaissance in Providence that benefits all our residents, but we must capitalize on this moment with forward-thinking leadership," said Smiley.  "Since Day One of my campaign, I've clearly articulated my vision for a City Hall that's run with transparency and integrity. We simply cannot afford to return to the problems of the past by electing a man who served time in federal prison for political corruption. My campaign has a clear plan and path to victory regardless of whether or not Buddy Cianci enters the race."

"Whether Buddy tries as an independent or wins the Democratic primary, this brings press focus, even national focus, on the race, and the more press on the race the better I will be known (because God knows with 4% registered Republicans in the city I can use all the help I can get)," said Harrop.  "I cannot tell you the number of confused looks I get from true and tried Democrats who look horror stricken at the idea of choosing between me or Buddy on a November ballot  -- they cannot envision a choice between a newly minted Democratic convicted felon or an honest and ethical Republican as Mayor. You wouldn't think that would be a tough choice."

Harrop was the only candidate to address the past and present discussions about consolidation.

"Consolidation and regionalization will save a small amount of money -- when tried elsewhere you really do not get the substantial savings you would imagine, which is why there is no good push for this," Harrop continued.  "Besides, you would need a Monarch to order this: look at how poor Nick Gorham got driven out of politics with his Westconnaug proposal.  No city in their right minds will want to become involved in Providence's 1.6 billion pension and benefits shortfall.  We have to first clear up our own act."

Cianci said he was still mulling a mayoral run, and as of now was "absolutely considering it."

"I'll only run if I can make a difference," said Cianci.