![]() “All the things that they celebrate in this city are the things that I did,” Cianci said in 2014 as he contemplated a comeback bid for mayor.ĭespite being diagnosed with cancer the same year, he chose to jump in, running as an independent. AP PhotoĪfter prison, he resumed his career as a radio talk show host and TV commentator, but the pull back to politics was strong. He would later call his prison term a “bump in the road.” Mayor Buddy Cianci’s pasta sauce. He was sentenced to five years, four months in a federal prison. In a circus-like trial that lasted seven weeks and featured a local who’s-who list of wise guys and mob wannabes, a jury found Cianci guilty of one count of racketeering conspiracy. The charismatic mayor became ensnared in an FBI investigation into City Hall corruption, code-named “Operation Plunder Dome.” In 2001, he was indicted on charges he orchestrated bribes for jobs, contracts and contributions to his campaign fund.Ĭianci vehemently proclaimed his innocence: “I have said to you before, there are no stains on this jacket, and I assure you there still are no stains on this jacket,” he said after the indictment. “He’s the most talented politician that New England has produced since John Kennedy,” former University of Rhode Island political scientist Marc Genest said in a 2002 interview. His bare-fisted style of politics made Cianci larger than life even in a tiny state known for the outsize personalities of its public figures. AP PhotoĬianci was elected to six terms as mayor, a period that coincided with the resurrection of Providence from a decaying, Industrial Age relic to a 21st-century city with gondolas plying newly uncovered rivers. Buddy Cianci and his wife Shelia celebrate his re-election as mayor at a Providence hotel on Nov. WLNE said he was taping his weekly TV show, “On the Record with Buddy Cianci,” Wednesday evening when he had severe stomach pains and was taken by ambulance to Miriam Hospital. He was 74.Ĭianci’s employer, WLNE-TV, and a friend, Artin Coloian, confirmed his death. ![]() Former Mayor Buddy Cianci, the wisecracking political rogue who presided over the revitalization of Providence during two stints in office cut short by criminal charges and a prison sentence for corruption, died Thursday. He married Lianne Andreoni shortly after becoming Mayor of Providence in 1984. Paolino Sr., was a prominent Rhode Island real estate dealer and developer. A second ballot question contained a provision barring gaming facilities from changing locations without voter approval, which was approved both statewide and in Newport.Īs of October 2019, he was registered to vote in Ward 2 in the City of Providence. The referendum passed statewide but was rejected by 57 percent of Newport voters. More recently, he has moved to Newport to run the Jobs For Newport campaign, which advocated for the passage of a referendum question that would have allowed table games at the Newport Grand slot parlor, in Newport. Rhode Island state law, however requires that any expansion of gaming facilities be approved by referendum both statewide and in the community where the facility is located. Along with two other investors, he developed a plan to redevelop the Newport Grand slot parlor in Newport, Rhode Island as a full service casino with table games. Īfter withdrawing from politics, Paolino pursued interests in the real estate industry. In 2010, he suggested that he would run again for mayor as an independent. He ran for mayor again in 2002 but lost to David N. He ran for the United States House of Representatives in Rhode Island's 2nd congressional district in 1996, but lost the Democratic primary to then Lieutenant Governor Robert Weygand. He served as ambassador from Jto June 2, 1996. In 1994 he was appointed by President Bill Clinton as Ambassador to Malta. In 1990, Paolino ran for Governor of Rhode Island, but lost to Bruce Sundlun in the Democratic Primary. He won the special election and was re-elected in 1986 and served until January 1991. With Cianci's removal from office, Paolino became acting mayor at the age of 29 and ran in the special election to succeed Cianci. was removed from office after pleading no contest to felony charges and given a five-year suspended sentence. He was serving as City Council Chairman when incumbent Mayor Vincent A. He was elected to the Providence City Council in 1978 and was re-elected in 1982. He was previously the former Director of the RI Department of Economic Development and currently serves as a managing partner for Paolino Properties.Īs a student at the Harvard Extension School he was graduate student speaker at the commencement ceremonies in 1989. (born April 26, 1955) is an American politician and diplomat who was the former 33rd mayor of Providence, Rhode Island and US Ambassador to Malta.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |