NEWS: New group launches ad attacking Buddy Cianci

screen shot priorities pvd

A screen shot from the new advertisement by the group Priorities PVD.


By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News

Although potential leaders of an “Anybody But Cianci” 501(c)(4) said earlier this month that their group had failed to get off the ground, a new group has emerged bashing independent candidate for Providence Mayor, Buddy Cianci.

A new commercial called “Can’t Afford” by the group “Priorities PVD” popped up on YouTube four days ago (Watch here).

The black and white 30-second spot says Cianci ran City Hall as a “criminal enterprise,” and features quotes from his book “Politics and Pasta” that point to him raising taxes and using his public power for personal gain.

“He betrayed the public trust and oversaw a corrupt administration where, jobs, contracts even police promotions were bought and sold,” says the female voiceover. “Higher taxes? Pay to play politics? Providence just can’t afford Buddy Cianci.”

The commercial closes with former State Senator and former candidate for governor, Myrth York, saying she’s the treasurer of the group Priorities PVD, and that she approves the message.

York was formerly set to work with former independent mayoral candidate Lorne Adrain on their anti-Cianci 501(c)(4), where they planned to raise up to $1 million dollars to spread an anti-Cianci message. But Adrain tells WPRO he is unaware of the new Priorities PVD group.

Instead, Adrain has launched his own website, PVDForward.org, this weekend.

Priorities PVD has not yet filed with the Rhode Island Board of Elections, so it’s unclear exactly how much money they have on hand or who is funding the group. FCC filings also do not show any local TV ad buys by the group.

Messages with York were left seeking comment.

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