The former Mayor’s history and influence in Providence

January 28, 2016 12:08 pm

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

The very public life of Vincent “Buddy” Cianci, Jr. spanned five decades in Rhode Island.

He was first elected Mayor of Providence in 1974 as a Republican, an office he would be elected to six times.

In 1980, Cianci ran for Governor, but lost to the popular Joe Garrihy.

Buddy’s first legal and political downfall came in 1984, when he was convicted of felony assault for beating a man whom Cianci thought was having an affair with his wife. The Mayor was forced to resign from office with a suspended sentence.

Known for his wicked sense of humor, and the ability to speak "fast on his feet," Cianci launched a second career as a radio talk show host – first on WHJJ and years later on WPRO. But, the political bug never left him, and in 1990 he launched a comeback bid for mayor and won.

In the early 1990’s, Cianci teamed with Governor Bruce Sundlin and launched what many call the "Renaissance of Providence."

The Providence Place Mall was built, rivers were moved, and the arts were promoted. Suddenly, downtown was thriving again.

Cianci continued on as a colorful and charming public persona and people said he could be "Mayor for life," if he wanted.

But in 2001, legal troubles returned, and Cianci was sent to federal prison, convicted of one count of racketeering in an investigation known as "Operation Plunder Dome." After serving over four years in federal prison, he was released.

Cianci then returned to his radio show and became Chief Political Analyst here at ABC6 News with daily commentaries and a weekly half-hour show.

But, once again, politics was still in his blood. After being diagnosed with cancer in early 2014, Buddy announced in June he was running for mayor again.

The race was hard-fought and close, but Cianci lost to Mayor Jorge Elorza by fewer than three thousand votes.