The 40-year-old Democrat who has represented the city's affluent East Side neighborhood and part of Pawtucket since 1995 is expected to face popular incumbent Vincent ``Buddy" Cianci, the longest serving mayor in Providence history. Cianci started out as a Republican but now is an Independent.

Cianci has indicated he'd like to serve another four-year term, but his political future became a question mark when he was indicted in 2001 on federal corruption charges. He goes to trial, along with several of his former City Hall aides, later this year. If a jury finds him guilty and Cianci has to resign as mayor, he will be replaced by the president of the Providence City Council until a special election is held.

``I'll run whoever is mayor," Cicilline emphasized during a Jan. 6 interview with Bay Windows. While he wouldn't comment directly on Cianci, it quickly became obvious that he thinks the man who routinely enjoys popularity ratings of around 65 percent has feet of clay. Admirers include many in the gay community who applaud the mayor for his support. Cianci rightly or wrongly takes personal credit for the turnaround of downtown Providence which has earned his domain the title of Renaissance City, but observers including Cicilline see major problems that Cianci has not sufficiently addressed.

They include a public school system in disarray, decaying neighborhoods, rising incidents of violent crime and a struggle to adequately fund programs in a city that has high taxes and an inordinate percentage of tax-exempt properties.

Political pundits such as Providence Journal columnist Charles Bakst and Brown University professor Darrell West have mentioned Cicilline as a candidate, to the exclusion of just about everyone else. Asked why there don't seem to be any other candidates interested in challenging Cianci, Cicilline theorized that they are waiting for the outcome of the trial, something he has decided to forego.

``I've certainly made it clear I'm running," he stressed. ``I think the last thing people in Providence need is another politician who makes decisions on what is politically expedient. They need someone who is honest, will work hard and has ideas on the future of the city. I think people are sick and tired of politicians deciding when is the best opportunity. If you can't decide in your heart and soul on what it takes to be effective, then you shouldn't run."

In listing issues that will form the basis of his campaign platform, Cicilline began with the condition of the city outside downtown: ``It is very important that we focus our community on the neighborhoods. You walk through [them] and quickly see that they continue to need leadership. I'd make revitalization of neighborhoods a priority."

Finding the money to improve neighborhoods and fund other programs continues to be hampered by the large number of non-profit institutions, such as colleges and universities, that do not pay property taxes, the city's primary revenue source. Pointing out that such institutions generate sales taxes and contribute in other ways to the economic vitality of the city, the candidate added, ``They don't contribute to the revenue stream despite the fact that the city endures many costs for hosting tax-exempt property. We have to continue to fight for our fair share."

Like other major cities, crime in general has decreased in Providence, but violent crime is increasing. ``We have to develop some new measures to ensure our neighborhoods remain safe places," Cicilline stressed. He'd like to provide more technical support to the police department and develop a citywide community-policing program to make sure there is a law-enforcement presence in all the neighborhoods. He'd stop the current practice of pulling police officers out of outlying areas to service special events downtown. He also supports a proposal for a civilian review board and pointed out that he helped developed the plan.

He also wants to address the condition of the city pension system, which is seriously under funded, but is unsure how at this point.

Cicilline wants to tackle the challenge of improving the city's public schools: ``It clearly has to be the focus of the mayor. To guarantee a quality public education is the most important priority of city government. It is the great equalizer in our society."

A major hurdle, he said, in improving the schools is the ``ability to receive from the state our fair share of education aid to fund the incredibly high cost of urban schools. In some instances, there are 10 or 15 languages spoken in a single school building. We also have to serve students with special education needs and recently arrived immigrants. It must be recognized that the cost is higher than in suburban and rural communities."

He supports the reforms the school superintendent is making, but acknowledges that there has been a breakdown in the relationship between the rank-and-file teaching staff and the superintendent: ``That is extremely disadvantageous to both parties and particularly to students. A loss of trust between the two has to be rebuilt." He attributed the difficulties to the personalities of the parties involved and that the dispute will resolve itself in time. While a new union contract proposal would give teachers salary increases, ``just investing more money is not the answer," Cicilline emphasized. He added that most educational reform doesn't happen quickly and some institutional problems that have developed over the years also need to be corrected.

Cicilline began thinking about running for mayor shortly after he was elected to a fourth term in the state House of Representatives in 2000. After being approached by several community leaders who thought he would make a great candidate, he spent considerable time talking to city council members, members of the city's General Assembly delegation business leaders and others. About six months ago he put together a campaign organization of about 12 members which he says represents a cross section of the city: ``virtually every neighborhood, ethnic group and, yes, sexual orientation." The campaign will focus on Cicilline's leadership style that does not represent just one special interest group or neighborhood.

Asked how much money he'd have to raise to wage a successful campaign, he said it depends on who else eventually enters the race. For example, he may face a challenge in a Democratic primary. ``I think a serious campaign can be run for $600,000," but acknowledged that he might have to raise as much as $1.5 million. Already, he has been endorsed by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and expects it to contribute to the campaign once he officially declares.

Besides working on such issues as health care reproductive freedom for women and gun safety, he has always been a fighter for the underdog, such as the poor and minorities, during his years in the General Assembly.

``I really love being in public service," he said, adding that he has enjoyed serving in the Legislature, a part-time job. The Providence native has built a very successful career as a defense attorney, but now wants to be a full-time public servant. ``I discovered my real talent and love is politics. I like the city. It is a wonderful place with really wonderful people. There are lots of exciting things happening in Providence. I think there are things that we should be proud of and there are challenges. The city needs leadership that can build on our successes and at the same the time prepare us for challenges that come." He sees being mayor as an opportunity ``to give back to the community. It comes very naturally to me."

Peter Cassels is the Associate Editor at Bay Windows. His e-mail addressis pcassels@baywindows.com .