Republican Cranston Mayor Allan Fung met Democratic challenger Michael Sepe during a televised debate over the weekend on WPRI-TV’s ”Newsmakers” program.
During the exchange, Sepe pointed to issues that have plagued City Hall under Fung’s tenure, including a State Police report criticizing the management of the city police department following a parking ticketing scandal.
“Fung is incapable of giving us anything except more cover-ups, deception and political interference, that cost taxpayers millions of dollars in legal fees and political settlements. Millions that should have gone to our schools, our seniors, our roads, and property tax relief,” said Sepe in his opening remarks.
Fung contested the cost was well below the millions cited by Sepe and touted Cranston’s economic growth.
“The bottom line is people can drive through Cranston and see the results, the results of a prosperous business climate,” said Fung. “You’re going to see strong finances, all three of the national credit rating agencies have upgraded us on numerous occasions, so the city sits at its highest bond rating in 25 years.”
Fung, who has served as Cranston mayor since January of 2009, called Sepe a political insider, accusing him of cronyism. Sepe was first elected to Cranston City Council in 1984, and has served in city government on and off for the last 30 years.
Sepe criticized Fung’s refusal to promise not run for Governor in 2018. Fung mounted an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign against Gina Raimondo in 2014.