NEW: Principe Elected Providence City Council Majority Leader
GoLocalProv News Team
NEW: Principe Elected Providence City Council Majority Leader
The vote took place at a meeting Thursday night of the Democratic Caucus of the City Council, after former Majority Leader Kevin Jackson stepped down from his post on May 12.
Principe, who represents parts of Federal Hill and the West End, was first elected in 2010.
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"As I embark on my role as Majority Leader, I want to take a moment to reaffirm my commitment to serving the people of Providence with diligence, transparency, and responsibility. As Majority Leader, I vow to work with my colleagues to actively address the issues we face today with an eye toward the future, and navigate challenges with steadfast focus and sound judgment. I am confident that earnest work and meaningful action will continue to strengthen this Council," said Principe.
Ryan, who was elected in 2014, weighed in on Thursday on being the new Majority Whip.
“I am pleased to be selected by my colleagues to this important leadership position,” said Ryan. “There is much work to be done. I look forward to working together diligently as a productive and unified body for the people of Providence.”
Who is Looking to Run for Mayor of Providence in 2018
#1
John Lombardi — The former Mayor, President of the City Council, and presently both a Municipal Court Judge and a State Representative is very popular in his District. He finshed second when he ran for Mayor in 2010, losing in the Democratic Primary to Angel Taveras, but finishing ahead of Steven Costantino.
Strengths: Lombardi would start a Mayor’s race with a number of competitive edges. He has an organization, raised money and has name awareness. In addition, he has the deepest experience and not only knows the issues, but know the neighborhoods and the community leaders.
Weaknesses: Lombardi has a lot of experience, but also has to take responsibility for the economic condition of the City of Providence. In addition, he has taken not one, not two, but three publicly funded pensions.
#2
Sabina Matos — The Council Majority Leader has a office to run from and is the highest ranking elected female official in Providence.
Strengths: A leader in the Hispanic community, she would be formidable from the onset. As a highly credible female candidate, she would most likely garner the support of Governor Gina Raimondo and Nellie Gorbea — who repeatedly have called for more women candidates.
Weaknesses: She has no real fundraising base, but if she could tap groups like EMILY’s List and other pro-female candidate fundraising groups it could make her a top-tier candidate from the onset.
#3
Brett Smiley — On December 31, 2015, Elorza's former opponent-turned-COO sent out an email from his own political email account that barely mentioned Mayor Elorza, but outlined the successes achieved. For a staff member, who was a previous political rival, to send out a personal political email, was perceived as a political announcement by Smiley.
Strengths: As a former political consultant and fundraiser, Smiley can raise money. Many insiders identify Smiley as the person to “go-to” to get anything done in City Hall. And if he has Myrth York's blessing, she delivers the East Side.
Weaknesses: His ties to Congressman David Cicilline and now his role as an architect of Elorza policies could be used against him. His statement urging Providence residents to park their cars in the suburbs during a snow storm will make a great 30 second commercial against Smiley.
#4
Luis Aponte — The City Council veteran now is City Council President is considered extremely smart and has done a strong job creating a unified majority in the Council and now maybe emerging as a political foil to Elorza.
Strengths: He is seen as a strong consensus builder and has a solid Hispanic base.
Weaknesses: For years Aponte has owed tens of thousands of dollars in fines for failing to file campaign reports. And, his well publicized legal battles with State Representative Greg Costantino are both blights on his reputation that will be tough to overcome.
#5
Michael Solomon — The former City Council President lost the Democratic Mayoral primary to Jorge Elorza in 2014 — Elorza got 49% to Solomon's 43%. He is the owner of Wes’ Rib House and comes from a long-time political family.
Strengths: Has support from across the City except in the all powerful East Side. As Council President he was able to raise money.
Weaknesses: Because of his long tenure on the City Council he is tagged as “owning” the City’s problems. A GoLocal investigation led to Solomon being fined by the Ethics Commission. His catering company has been repeatedly been cited by the Department of Health for code violations. He has been out of the "game" - and public eye -- since his defeat, but that hasn't stopped the chatter.
#6
David Salvatore: The City Councilman just took a job with the Realtors and is getting very active with policy proposals and new ideas.
Strengths: Serves in the minority faction of the City Council and has used that opportunity to call for reforms including criticizing former City Councilwoman Balbina Young and the policies that allow pension spiking.
Weaknesses: Little name recognition and a limited base outside of his ward. He supported the trolley project.
#7
Jeff Padwa: Former Providence City Solicitor and now Chief of Staff to General Treasurer Seth Magaziner is an experienced and well-respected behind-the-scenes staffer.
Strengths: Well-liked, he would enter the race with a East Side base, which proved the King-maker in '14.
Weaknesses: His ties to Angel Taveras and his policies could easily be used against him.
#8
Keith Oliveira — Formerly a top staffer at the RI Department of Education and Chair of the Providence School Committee. He is widely respected and politically could connect the neighborhood dots.
Strengths: He grew up in Fox Point, has supporters on the East Side and could pull well in the Southside, West End, and Olneyville. He is one candidate who could potentially put together the magical coalition of the East Side and the South Side.
Weaknesses: Oliveira has never run for office and does not have an established organization. While he was a reformer while Chair of the School Committee he also, de facto, owns the poor results of the Providence School Department.
