RI’s Second Largest City — Cranston — Looks to Be the Political Hotbed in 2020

Friday, January 31, 2020

GoLocalProv Political Team

 

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L-R: Steve Stycos, Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, Nick Mattiello, and Michael Farina

Cranston looks to be the center of Rhode Island politics in 2020.

With Mayor Allan Fung term-limited out, there is a wide-open mayoral race with as many as five highly capable candidates looking to run.

And, Speaker of the House Nick Mattiello, who represents District 15 in the city -- and who garnered just 52.5% of the vote in 2018 and 49.1% of the vote in 2016 -- may face his most difficult challenge in 2020.

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In the Mayor's race, the candidates are beginning to battle for position.

“Yes, I am seriously considering running for mayor,” Democrat Steve Stycos tells GoLocal. “I have a strong record during my ten years on the school committee and ten years on the City Council”

Stycos was the largest vote-getter for city-wide seats in the 2018 Cranston City Council race — with 13,674 votes, just edging out Council President Michael Farina's 13,341.

“I have worked for strong public schools, careful spending, open city government, and a greener environment,” Stycos says.

If Stycos runs, he may face a busy Democratic primary. 

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Charlene Lima (D-Dist. 14, Cranston) has said she is considering a run. In addition, former councilwoman Maria Bucci recently filed a campaign finance report at the end of 2019 -- her first filing since 2012. 

Republicans are likely to have a competitive battle as well.

 

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Fung's departure will leave a big void

GOP Battle Building

First into the battle was Republican Cranston City Council President Farina, who announced his campaign for Mayor earlier in January. 

“Cranston is my home and when elected Mayor I promise to protect and to serve every Cranston resident regardless of your political affiliation or which part of the City you may reside in. Cranston has now proudly grown and become the second largest city in the State.  To ensure harmony in this ever-growing and prospering city, I pledge to work with all constituencies throughout the City to ensure that no neighborhood is left behind,” said Farina.

Two other GOP members of the council are making noise about a 2020 run.

“Serving our great City and working every day for our neighborhoods has been an honor. My promise to you is that I will continue to work tirelessly every day. I thank you for always putting your trust in me,” Councilman Chris Paplauskas posted to Facebook after the Cranston Herald wrote that he is looking to run for Mayor.

In addition, Councilman Ken Hopkins posted to Facebook Wednesday, "Hello my friends. A major announcement about the “H” train and our 2020 campaign will be coming out soon. Your support and friendship means the world to me. Get ready. 'All aboard.'”

 

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Speaker Nick Mattiello

Mattiello and Fenton-Fung

While Mattiello has had two epic battles against Republican National Committeeman Steve Frias, he would face a difficult challenge from Fung's wife Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung.

She has her own political pedigree as the former head of the Young Republicans and a list of accomplishments including now chairing The Providence Committee on Foreign Relations.

"'When and if' I have something to talk about, I'll be sure to let you know," Fenton-Fung told GoLocal. 

Mattiello is facing a number of controversies including a State Police investigation and a trial involving his campaign consultant Jeffrey Britt role in his 2016 win over Frias.
 

 

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