Baldelli-Hunt returns to Woonsocket mayor post after two-month hiatus

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt is back in office.

The mayor was sworn in for a fifth term Tuesday night in front of supporters, including North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi and Gov. Dan McKee.

Baldelli-Hunt returns to the post two months to the day the city council voted to remove her from office.

“What took place here was un-American, it should have never of happened, we live in the United State of America, we have a right to vote. What you shouldn’t have is the right to strip somebody from office because five people have decided that is what they would like to do,” said Baldelli-Hunt.

In October, the council voted 3-2 to remove her from the city’s top job after Councilwoman Denise Sierra filed a complaint against the mayor for neglecting her duties.

Despite being removed, Baldelli-Hunt was the only person on November’s ballot for the mayoral position and fended off a write-in challenge from supporters of Sierra.

Baldelli-Hunt garnered more than 75% of the vote.

Residents also voted out all but one of the council members who were in support of removing the mayor in October.