To the Editor:

In this rather vexing campaign season, the most provocative race is unquestionably the race for mayor of our capital city. Facing Republican Daniel Harrop, whose chances are minimal, are both Democrat Jorge Elorza and the ghost of administrations past Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci.

Any Ocean State citizen over 35 years of age knows the entire life story of Buddy Cianci. We know his trials and tribulations. We remember in the ’90s when Providence was rated one of the three top most appealing cities in the country. We also recall the decaying mill city of the late ’70s and the early ’80s when no prospective business would consider Providence as a possible operating hub.

There were many forces involved in that erstwhile grand transition. However, Buddy undoubtedly was the ramrod of change. Those who support Buddy remember those favorable times and tend to diminish in memory the uncertain days of Plunder Dome and the legacy of generous public sector negotiated [contracts] which our taxpayers cannot afford.

So far, the race with primary finalists has been caustic and unproductive. Jorge Elorza needs to rise above the accusatory attacks on Cianci and the rhetorical vagueness and start presenting concrete plans for the city’s renewal. Daniel Harrop needs to abandon his avocation of pushing the city into Chapter Nine Bankruptcy and promote a more realistic salvation plan that does not start with accepting defeat. Lastly, Buddy needs to present himself as the wise old seasoned Lion whose hard won wisdom and ample administrative experience uniquely empowers him to face the current difficulties of the capital city.

However, first Buddy needs to start every conversation with an act of contrition. Voters love a penitent candidate who has seen the errors of his ways and has yielded a perspective sagacious knowledge from mistakes that have been made. Cianci’s great wit and his gift of glibness can be endearing and magnetic if it is not spoken vindictively. If Buddy presents himself as the trustworthy wise old “Uncle Buddy” who has our best interests at heart, he can win! If he acts as he did in the first forum this past week, vengeful in retort and barely apologetic for past transgressions, he will lose. Next mayoral forum, I truly hope Uncle Buddy shows up. We need him now!

Christopher M. Curran

West Warwick