Lynch Says Cicilline Took July 4 Joyride on City Boat

Lynch Says Cicilline Took July 4 Joyride on City Boat

Democratic Congressional candidate Bill Lynch is accusing primary opponent and Providence Mayor David Cicilline of taking a joyride in a city fire boat during the July 4 fireworks.

Lynch said the fire boat had been stationed off India Point Park in case there were any complications with a nearby fireworks barge when it picked up Cicilline and a guest and took them on a personal tour of the harbor.

“I’m disturbed and disappointed in Cicilline’s decision to use the city’s fireboat for a personal joyride this past weekend,” said Lynch. “Not only is this an abuse of taxpayer money, but it was a thoughtless decision that put the public at risk. This is another example of how David’s sense of entitlement takes precedence over the public interest.”

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Lynch demanded that Cicilline disclose how much the boat ride cost and reimburse the city for the expense.

Providence Fire Chief George Farrell dismissed the accusation yesterday, saying that he invited Cicilline and a guest for a ride to review the fireworks barge and check out the city’s new firefighting technology.

“I took him and the Speaker for 15 minutes,” Farrell said in a statement issued through the mayor’s office. “Any suggestion that such a review by the Mayor of the City is inappropriate is ridiculous.”

But Lynch said the claim that Cicilline was on an operational tour didn’t even begin to pass the “laugh test.”

“While some municipalities cut-back on their firework budgets because of difficult economic times, the mayor seems to be ignoring Providence’s $50-million deficit,” Lynch said.

Cicilline’s Congressional campaign declined to comment, referring calls to the mayor’s office.