Sepe Steps Down from City Party Chairmanship to Focus on Mayoral Race

CRANSTON, RI—The longtime chairman of the Democratic City Committee, Michael J. Sepe, is stepping down from his post to focus on his mayoral campaign.

Sepe has been replaced by Mario G. Carlino, a lifelong Cranston resident and former member of the City Council where he served eight years representing Ward 5.

"I am excited, honored and humbled for being selected City Chair," Carlino said in a statement. "I wish to build upon the solid foundation created by Mike Sepe and his late father, as well as many others that came before him."

Sepe is challenging incumbent Mayor Allan Fung, a Republican looking to serve four final years before reaching the term limit for the office.

Sepe, an accountant, has been involved in city politics for decades, helping to shape the party's agenda and recruit and support Democratic candidates, who have held a majority stronghold on the council for some years.

Sepe was named chairman of the city party in 1997.

Both Fung and Sepe have qualified to appear on the ballot after their signatures were certified by the city's Board of Canvassers.

Carlino will have big shoes to fill as Sepe's successor. One of his primary goals, he said, is to recruit new young people to the party, diversify the party and "foster new ideas to grow stronger."

"I want the people of Cranston to NOD and say yes to the 'New Order of Democrats,'" Carlino said. "An order where we will bring in those with diverse backgrounds, youth, new energy and team work and dedication to our city. No one will stop us for a better future for Cranston."

In addition to service on the City Council, Sepe served on the city's Zoning Board of Review. He currently is a member of the Ward 5 and Rhode Island State Committee.