NEW: Cianci Fires Back at Elorza Over Campaign Contributions
GoLocalProv News Team
NEW: Cianci Fires Back at Elorza Over Campaign Contributions
“While everyone is combing through these reports looking for a smoking gun, I assure you there is none. In the past few hours, my office has gotten calls from reporters alleging that I received money from a man under indictment. This claim is not true," said Cianci.
“As far as city employees go, I never took a pledge to refuse contributions from city employees, nor did I ever allude to such a pledge. I made an offhand remark at a heated forum. My intent was to say that if I were Mayor, I would not take contributions from city employees," said Cianci. "At the moment, I am a private citizen, I have not held office for 12 years, and if there are people who work for the city who want me back in office because they knew I was a solid Mayor who loves this city, then I welcome their support, financial or otherwise."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn a release sent Wednesday morning, Elorza said, "Mr. Cianci is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in paid advertising trying to convince Providence’s voters that he is a changed man who will not repeat the style of corrupt leadership that resulted in his being removed from office to serve a prison sentence for running City Hall as a criminal enterprise."
“It is insulting to assume that a city employee who contributes $50 is requesting pay to play, and quite frankly, I am tired of the Elorza camp and the media assuming that city employees are a bunch of opportunistic criminals who are incapable of making an informed decision about what kind of leadership works best for this city," said Cianci. "These are hard working civil servants who are exercising their right to participate in democracy, and I appreciate every last one of their efforts."
Hitting Back
Cianci then went on the offensive as to what he called the "blantant hypocrisy employed by the Elorza campaign."
What right does he have to accuse my campaign donors who are city workers of pay to play, when his main donor is Myrth York, who collects a city check for holding a very powerful position on the city’s zoning board? A zoning board which, by the way, is responsible for allowing special entertainment permits for nightclubs on Federal Hill, the same clubs responsible for a surge of assaults and a homicide in recent months," said Cianci. "It’s no secret that Myrth York is desperately trying to stop me from becoming Mayor of Providence. Her involvement in the now failed ‘Anybody but Cianci’ movement makes that crystal clear. With all of these facts in hand, I can’t see how anyone can accuse me of pay to play while keeping a straight face."
Cianci continued, “And what about Rep. Cicilline, the chairman of Elorza’s last fundraiser? He owns the building that houses the nightclub Vault Lounge, the scene of a recent vicious stabbing. The owner of Vault Lounge is married to Miguel Garcia, also an Elorza supporter. Then we have Fete, a supposed live music venue which, in reality, is a nightclub, and home to a recent shootout. It’s where Elorza held his Primary victory party. Finally, we have the $3 Bar, the site of a Federal Hill murder. That establishment is owned by Gianfranco Marrocco, yet another supporter of Elorza."
“This election has disintegrated into a laughable tale of ghosts and myths. I respectfully ask the people of Providence to use common sense, and analyze these claims for what they are: sensational hypocrisy designed to slow my momentum as I continue my quest to become Mayor of Providence. The voters deserve more," said Cianci.
The Scoop-October 8, 2014
Fung Hits Back Negative Ad
The Fung for Governor Campaign responded to a negative advertisement paid for by the American LeaderHership PAC.
“It’s understandable that the Raimondo supporters who bankrolled this fiction have no idea who Mayor Fung really is or his true record of accomplishment, given that they are from Palm Beach, Fifth Avenue, and Hollywood,” noted Fung spokesman, Robert Coupe. “I would encourage them to visit Rhode Island and see firsthand the economic revitalization that Mayor Fung has brought to the City of Cranston, including three straight years without a tax increase, budget surpluses for three consecutive years and more than 1,000 new jobs.“
RI Dem Party Blasts Fung-Christie Connection
Peter Baptista, Rhode Island Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign Director, cited the similarities between Allan Fung and Chris Christie, in light of the New Jersey Governor's upcoming trip to RI.
“It’s no surprise that Allan Fung is bringing Chris Christie to campaign for him; Christie seems to be the kind of governor Fung wants to be. They share a cavalier attitude towards credit ratings, and between the two of them they have presided over 9 credit rating downgrades and two scandals. They both oppose raising the minimum wage. Chris Christie's failed leadership is not working for New Jersey, and it isn't going to work for Rhode Island. Allan Fung will make Rhode Island’s economy worse,” said Peter Baptista, Rhode Island Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign Director.
Gamba Calls for Calls for an End to Domestic Abuse Expungements
Sharon Gamba, Republican Candidate for House District 32, is calling for a revamping of the domestic abuse laws in Rhode Island. She wants to: (1) End the ability to have domestic abuse incidents expunged from a person’s criminal records, and (2) Reclassify second domestic abuse violations as felonies. Currently they are considered misdemeanors.
“Sadly, domestic abuse is one of the most hidden and heinous crimes in our society. It is also one of the most underreported and under-prosecuted, for many reasons. It wreaks havoc on its victims, scarring them both physically and emotionally, and preys almost exclusively upon the most vulnerable members of our society; women and children,” stated Gamba.
State Sen. Harold Metts Endorses Elorza for Mayor
State Sen. Harold M. Metts, District 6-Providence, has announced his endorsement of Democratic candidate Jorge Elorza in Providence’s Nov. 4 mayoral election.
Metts said, "I have concluded that we need a mayor who can bring all neighborhoods and stakeholders together, with the leadership and vision to move beyond personal agendas and do what is best for our city. That is why I’m supporting Jorge Elorza for Mayor.”
Taylor Endorsed by Teamsters Local 251
Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Catherine Taylor was endorsed by Teamsters Local 251.
“I’m thankful for the support of the Teamsters,” said Taylor. “I look forward to working together to implement my plan to build our economy and create good jobs by attracting and retaining new retirees—the crucial customers for our Ocean State economy.”
Almonte Endorsed by Mazze and Sasse
Independent candidate for General Treasurer Ernie Almonte has received the endorsements of Edward Mazze and Gary Sasse.
Mazze is the Distinguished University Professor of Business Administration at the University of Rhode Island, and Sasse, the Founding Director of the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership Treasurer and former Director of the Rhode Island Department of Administration.
“The next administration faces mounting budget deficits and undetermined repercussions from the outcome of the pending pension lawsuit,” said Mazze. “Rhode Island needs a Treasurer on ‘Day One’ to stabilize our state’s finances and offer direction to our public and private sectors. We cannot wait for a Treasurer, with little or no experience in state finances or accounting, who will be learning on the job.”
"Ernie Almonte understands the Treasurer's responsibility to prudently maximize the return on state investments and oversee state finances," said Sasse. "He has the experience to do the job."
