A Cianci runs again: Cousin of 6-term mayor seeking office
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Cianci is again running for office in Providence.
Steven Cianci, a second cousin of the late Mayor Buddy Cianci, is running for a seat on the City Council.
The Democrat launched his campaign Tuesday at a pizza restaurant with about 75 supporters, according to campaign manager Hamlet Lopez.
Lopez said Cianci had volunteered for some of his cousin's campaigns, but wasn't that involved in politics. When asked about the family connection, Lopez said Cianci "wants to focus on the issues for his ward."
Buddy Cianci, a Republican-turned-independent, served as mayor of Providence for six terms and was twice forced out of office due to felonies. He served more than four years in prison for corruption. He died in 2016.
The 62-year-old property manager wants to be the "voice of everyone" in Ward 5, Lopez said. Cianci wants to tackle blight in the neighborhood, spur business development and get ATV and dirt-bike riders off the street.
Cianci wasn't available to speak Wednesday because he was visiting his mother-in-law in the hospital.
He is challenging Democratic incumbent Jo-Ann Ryan in the September primary.
"I believe in the democratic process and people have a right to run," Ryan said. "I'm very proud of the work that I've accomplished working with my constituents in my first term."
Ryan said she was especially proud of her work on ATVs, adjusting a city ordinance to help police confiscate the vehicles. She said she looks forward to the campaign.
