Lombardi announces bid for Prov mayor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Providence City Council President John Lombardi officially threw his hat in the ring for the city's mayoral race during a news conference Monday.

"I'm honored, humbled and privileged to announce my candidacy for mayor of the City of Providence," said Lombardi while flanked by supporters.

Lombardi served as acting Providence mayor from Sept. 2002, when then-Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci was convicted on racketeering charges, until January 2003, when current Mayor David Cicilline took office.

"You need to know that I do not view the mayor of Providence seat as a stepping-stone in my political career. What it is is the capstone to my life of public service," Lombardi said.

Although the official announcement comes just two days after Cicilline revealed he will be running for the Congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Lombardi said he decided to run for mayor months ago.

"My deliberations led me to one inescapable conclusion; and that is the economic, educational and public safety crisis confronting Providence will not be understood, let alone successfully addressed, absent political leadership," Lombardi said.

Lombardi, who currently served the Federal Hill-Armory District, said he will deliver his first major policy address Wednesday night during a fundraising event at the Waterplace Restaurant in downtown Providence.