Cianciolo Argues Against Complacency

Jeff Cianciolo said he knows things are good in East Greenwich. He’s running for a second term on the Town Council to make sure they stay that way.

“I believe that I can continue to improve how the Town interacts with and delivers services to the taxpayers,” Cianciolo said in response to a questionnaire emailed to all the candidates. “Although East Greenwich residents already benefit from high-quality municipal services and the best school district in the state, we must not be complacent in looking to improve efficiencies and how we spend taxpayer dollars.”

For Cianciolo, consolidation – of both school and town functions and of the East Greenwich Fire District and the town – is of primary importance. As the councilman who put forward the idea of a nonbinding referendum on whether or not to merge the Fire District with the town, Cianciolo has been the idea’s main spokesman. And, too, he has argued against the tendency that can pit the schools against the town and he said the current good working relationship needs to be continued.

Cianciolo also believes town government should do a better job of being transparent. To that end, he said he will seek approval to pay the cost to videotape and post Town Council meetings online.

“For a nominal amount of money, we can make the meetings available to any who are interested,” he said.

As for whether or not East Greenwich has any services that should be eliminated or expanded, Cianciolo said no to both ideas.

“We should not be looking at expanding the role of our local government but should continue to focus on the core functions that are currently being provided and deliver those services efficiently,” he said.

He does think the Financial Town Meeting should be abolished. “The FTM is an anachronistic remnant of old New England whose utility has long since passed,” he said. “The FTM is now essentially a formality and should be eliminated.”

When asked why residents should vote for him, Cianciolo said:

“I am analytical and look at all sides of an issue prior to making decisions. I do not bring a special agenda or personal bias to office. My primary concern has and will continue to be to make decisions which are in the best interest of the taxpayers. As a business attorney, I advise businesses small and large every day on the matters that have a direct impact on the success or failure of a business. I bring this expertise and mindset to the position of Town Councilor.”

Jeff Cianciolo is one of six people seeking a term on the five-person Town Council. East Greenwich Patch will publish responses from the other candidates in coming days. To read Jeff Cianciolo's full questionnaire responses, click here.

To read about Brad Bishop, click here. To read about Michael Isaacs, click here. To read about Jean Ann Guliano, click here. To read about Mark Gee, click here. To read about Mike Kiernan, click here.