Something Old, Something New, Something Tired, Something True

Kevin Willette

Truth: Vincent "Buddy" Cianci is a convicted felon. In his own words, he has used his former authority as Pontiff of Providence to create his own fiefdom. He is the epitome of old style boss politics, the face of Old Providence.

Another truth? Voters are just plain sick and tired of hearing about it.

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Since the day Buddy announced his candidacy for Mayor, this election has reflected the shifting demographics of Rhode Island's capital city. New Providence, the city of openly gay mayors, large pockets of Spanish speaking neighborhoods, and hipsters infesting the East Side like locusts. Old Providence, a mythical better time where pay for play, pay for municipal promotions, and graft, built Buddy's empire. The people of Providence know who Vincent "Buddy" Cianci is. They just don't care.

It makes you wonder. Where is this New Providence? Surely, Jorge Elorza can't be their guy, their lightning rod. Just this week Elorza snubbed a local urban media event targeted mainly at the city's Spanish speaking voters. The one factor Elorza has had in his favor is the expectation of being able to carry the largest demographic group in the city. But will they come out and vote for him? With less than a week to go, all signs point to no.

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