With 5 weeks until election day, candidates for Ward 1 state their case

By BELLA PELLETIERE
Posted 10/9/24

Brian Moretti and Bridget Graziano will face off in the Nov. 5 general election for the open Ward 1 city council seat in Cranston. Democrat Lammis J. Vargas, who is leaving the Ward 1 seat open, is …

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With 5 weeks until election day, candidates for Ward 1 state their case

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Bridget Graziano and Brian Moretti are facing off in the Nov. 5 General Election for the open Ward 1 Cranston City Council seat. Current Ward 1 City Councilor, Democrat Lammis J. Vargas, recently won the District 28 state Senate seat soon to be vacated by Sen. Josh Miller, who has decided not to seek re-election.

Brian Moretti

Republican Brian Moretti, a lifelong Cranston resident living in Pawtuxet Village-Edgewood and the youngest of seven children, said his main priorities if elected include public schools, quality of life, and small businesses.

Two days before Christmas in 2021, Moretti received a diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer. This journey led him through intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments. As he began to heal, he reflected on his life and the opportunities he felt he had missed along the way.

 “When anyone faces an illness such as cancer, you start getting real about what the gift of life really is — we only get one — and the importance of living life to its fullest,” he said.

“My love for Cranston runs deep, and I am incredibly grateful for the support this community has provided to me and my family,” he added.

Moretti said he is not a political “ideologue” or a “policy expert,” but someone who has worked his entire professional career in the private sector with diverse people who have different values and perspectives. 

He previously worked in former Gov. Lincoln Almond's Constituent Affairs office. His resume also includes experience at Textron Inc. and his current position at Cimplifi.

He met his husband, Steven, in New York and has strong family ties in the community and local youth programs. His brother Henry has been heavily involved with the Special Olympics, and he and his siblings attended public schools.

Moretti highlighted his mother, who “worked tirelessly, often juggling multiple jobs and staying active in the community.”

In his free time, he loves to cook, garden, hike, watch football, and especially enjoys quality time with his husband, family, friends, and his two Labrador Retrievers, Ellie Mae and Johnny.

Bridget Graziano

Democrat Bridget Graziano, who has lived in Cranston for over 30 years, said one of her main priorities is to ensure strong representation for the community.

Graziano serves on the Conservation Commission in Medway, Massachusetts, which ensures that laws protecting the town’s natural resources are followed. 

As a conservation agent, she tackles a variety of responsibilities, from drafting grants and developing stormwater management improvements, to conducting budget meetings and reviewing new ordinances. 

“My experience as a conservation agent, along with my work in developing plans for climate adaptation and resilience, makes me well-prepared to advocate for infrastructure improvements,” she said.

 “We need to move beyond doing things the way they’ve always been done; it’s time for change,” she added.

During her time as a conservation agent, Graziano has secured more than $4 million in environmental and climate adaptation grants for the town. 

“Having worked for a municipality for over 15 years, I believe I possess the solid background necessary to serve as a city council member for Cranston,” she said. 

“I see areas where improvements can be made, and I’m ready to take action,” she said. She noted that many community spaces are often “underutilized” or in “need of better care.”

Graziano's volunteer work as the co-president of the Edgewood Highland PTO and Cranston East Little League has made her aware of the experiences of families with children in extracurricular activities in the city.

Their Platforms

Moretti wants to continue advocating for teachers and administrators who create safe and nurturing environments for their students, often at their own expense. He also understands the vital role that youth organizations in Ward 1 play in developing children and preparing them for future challenges.

“I will always advocate and be a champion for our teachers. They were the backbone for me growing up in Cranston,” he said.

Graziano also highlighted her desire to work with schools to ensure they receive the best resources and education, address flooding concerns across the city, and enhance recreational areas for both active and passive recreation.

Moretti said quality of life is something he truly believes in as well, especially in a community where residents cherish neighborhoods, parks, and infrastructure.

“It’s essential that we work together to preserve and enhance these aspects while ensuring the safety of our residents,” he said.

Moretti is eager to engage with local business owners to better understand their needs and explore how the city council can provide the support they need to flourish.

“By removing obstacles and streamlining city government processes, we can foster an environment where small businesses not only survive but can thrive, ultimately benefiting our local economy,” he said.

Graziano looks forward to listening to the issues and prioritizing them.

“My role is not to provide all the answers; we operate under a representative government. I want Ward 1 residents to feel they have an approachable, action-oriented leader in the council seat,” she said.

Graziano has been friends with her husband, David, since they met in fifth grade at Edgewood Highland School. They currently live in his childhood home with their two boys, Liam and Aedan.

As a family, Graziano said they enjoy being involved in community sports, attending numerous baseball, soccer, and basketball games. 

Graziano also enjoys playing outdoor games like football and kickball with the neighborhood kids, noting that it’s often more fun than hanging out with adults, and she appreciates that “they always invite me to join in.”

election, Ward 1

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