Race To Replace Councilman Luna Is On
Saturday, September 03, 2011
In the next 90 days, one of the most heavily Democratic and diverse neighborhoods in Providence will vote in a special election to select a new City Councilman for the first time in nearly a decade.
Ward 9, which spans the Elmwood and Washington Park neighborhoods that run between Broad St. and Elmwood Ave. all the way to the Cranston line, was the first ward in the United States to have a Dominican-American Councilman, State Representative and State Senator.
Now the race is on the fill the deep hole left by well-liked Councilman Miguel Luna, who died of a massive heart attack on August 18.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSo who is considering a run for the seat? GoLocalProv asked city sources to offer the insider’s scoop on the Ward 9 City Council race.
Hector Jose – A perennial candidate with a lot of name recognition from his last two campaigns, Jose could be the favorite in a large and divided field. Jose told GoLocalProv he is still considering his options when it comes to entering the race. “At the present time I am still saddened of the loss of a great friend, and more focused on establishing a scholarship fund for Miguel's children,” he said. “I will sit down with my family in the near future to discuss possibilities of seeking the Ward 9 seat.”
Carmen Castillo – Castillo has not confirmed she will be running for the seat, but city sources say it is all but certain the popular activist will enter the race. She has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years after being born in the Dominican Republic and has worked closely with Luna, State Rep. Grace Diaz and State Sen. Juan Pichardo in the past. It is believed Castillo could be a favorite in the race.
Kas DeCarvalho – This attorney narrowly lost his 2006 Council race and would be likely to win the Washington Park part of the Ward if he were to throw his hat in the ring. DeCarvalho says he’s still weighing his options. “I am considering a run, but have not yet made an official decision,” he said. “I believe very strongly in the concept of civic duty and public service, and I'm a staunch advocate of my community and Ward 9 in particular. I have remained transparent about my desire to continue to serve this community, but am not certain that this is the proper time or position.”
Onassis Martinez – The son of longtime Dominican leader Victor Martinez, Onassis Martinez has confirmed he is running for the seat. Martinez told GoLocalProv he is committed to working hard in his neighborhood. He projects needing to spend about $15,000 to win what will likely be a large race.
Rochelle Bates Lee - An executive committee member of the city Democratic Committee, this Harvard- educated policy maker has run for State Senate twice in the past. Lee has not confirmed that she will be running for the seat yet, but is said to be considering entering the race.
Greg De La Cruz – A member of AFSCME Council 94, De La Cruz could generate a lot of union support if he enters the race, although his lack of name recognition in the neighborhood could hurt. De La Cruz did not respond to a request for comment.
Laura Perez - Although neighborhood sources say Perez is not seriously considering entering the race, the perennial challenger to Rep. Grace Diaz can never be counted out. In a large field, she could surprise people.
Christian Chirino – Has confirmed he will be running as a Republican and will have the full support of the State GOP. One top Republican official said, “I think he can win. [He’s] young, energetic, good looking, well spoken. He is ready to work. I highly doubt anyone is going to outwork him. If people can get past the (R) we’re set.”
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