Woonsocket, Fall River elect new mayors

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) - Voters in Woonsocket elected a new mayor for the first time in 15 years Tuesday.

Woonsocket City Council President Leo Fontaine will replace outgoing Mayor Susan Menard. According to results from the board of elections, Fontaine received 3,928 votes (57 percent), while challenger Todd Brien received 2,917 votes (43 percent). Menard decided not to run for a sixth term earlier this year.

On Wednesday, the RIGOP congratulated Fontaine on his victory.

"Having known Leo for close to twenty years, I am sure that his proven commitment to public service and especially to the people of Woonsocket will yield great results for the city," said Giovanni Cicione.

"The voters have put their trust in Leo Fontaine," Cicione continued, "and we wish him success in doing what it takes to make Woonsocket a center for growth and prosperity and a great state leader once again."
 

Central Falls Mayor Charles Moreau easily won re-election to a fourth term Tuesday, beating challenger Hipolito Fontes in a landslide. Moreau earned 78 percent of the vote, to Fontes' 22 percent.

Over in Massachusetts, Taunton City Solicitor William Flanagan was elected the new mayor of Fall River. Unofficial results Tuesday night had him beating City Councilor Cathy Ann Viveiros 60 percent to 40 percent. Incumbent Mayor Robert Correia lost his bid for re-election in the September primary.