Sepe Bolsters Campaign Staff for Cranston Mayoral Bid

CRANSTON, RI—Now that the primary has passed, the mayoral race in Cranston will begin to heat up.

Democrat Mike Sepe on Wednesday said his campaign is gaining momentum with the addition of new staffers who will help him challenge incumbent Republican Mayor Allan W. Fung, who is seeking a fourth and term-linted final four years as mayor.

Kristina Fox has joined the Sepe campaign as spokesperson and senior field advisor. She's "no stranger to the political scene," Sepe said in a news release. In 2014, she was Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza's field director and ran field operations for Fall River School Committeewan Melissa Karam Panchley. She currently serves as the 1st Vice President of the Young Democrats of America.

Also joining the campaign is Michael Napolitano Jr., the son of former Mayor Michael Napolitano. Sepe said he's an "up-and-comer" in city politics.

Also joining the campaign is Ralph M. Ciunci, who serves as campaign treasurer.

“I’m proud of the team we’ve built, and look forward to the days ahead,” says Mike Sepe. “Election Day will be here soon, and we’ll keep up our hard work connecting with the voters of Cranston.”

Sepe also has a host of pols advising his campaign, including: State Representative and Deputy House Speaker Charlene Lima; former Cranston City Councilman and current Cranston Democratic Party Treasurer Richard Del Sesto; former Cranston City Councilman David Hershey; attorney Thomas Ginnerty; and longtime Cranston Democratic Committee members Steve Carrera and George David.

With the additions to the team, Sepe is hoping to wage a serious challenge against Fung, who has enjoyed relatively strong support over the years. While Fung's reelection in 2012 was a cakewalk—his opponent, Richard Tomlins, lost with just 25 percent of the vote—Sepe is a formidable political force with deep roots in Cranston, years of experience leading the Democratic City Committee and a skilled campaigner. He's also hoping that some of Fung's missteps over the last term will change the playing field, including the so-called Ticketgate scandal that led to a shakeup at the police department and his failed bid for Governor in 2014.

Fung, meanwhile, has been appearing at city events almost nonstop since his wedding earlier this year, though he's always been very visible as Mayor and has yet to fully shift into campaign mode.

Photo courtesy: Mike Sepe for Mayor via Facebook