Ignoring his past, convicted ex-Providence mayor and radio host says he’s a political watchdog

Ex-RI mayor attacks corruption despite his past

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Former Providence Mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci (see-AN’-see) spent more than four years in prison on a federal corruption conviction.

But that hasn’t stopped him from accusing local officials of wrongdoing. His platform is a popular talk-radio show he hosts daily on WPRO-AM.

Cianci was mayor of Rhode Island’s capital city for more than 21 years. A 2002 racketeering conspiracy conviction forced him from office.

He now uses his show to criticize Mayor David Cicilline (sis-uh-LEE’-nee) and others in local government. He occasionally breaks news. He was the first to tell the public about the beating of a crime suspect by a Providence police officer.

Critics say it’s ironic that Cianci considers himself a good-government watchdog. But Cianci says he’s already served his time and brings listeners information they wouldn’t get otherwise.