Municipal leaders and guests from across the state gathered for the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns’ 53rd annual Dinner and Training Workshop at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick on Thursday, Sept. 30. The yearly event is a celebration of the League’s continued focus on representing and championing the needs of local government in the Ocean State.

“Every mayor, town manager, town administrator and council president is fighting every day in the best interests of their community,” said North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi, the group’s president. “Municipal officials and staff have a hard job – we’re all trying to provide quality services that our taxpayers can afford. One of the most valuable benefits of the League is the ability to collaborate with our counterparts in other cities and towns.”

Gov. Dan McKee, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate Finance Chairman Ryan Pearson were on hand for the event. During the dinner, Lombardi recognized the service of two former league presidents, former Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung and former Central Falls Mayor James A. Diossa.

“Last year, Mayor Diossa completed his second term as mayor of Central Falls,” Lombardi said. “We also said farewell to Allan Fung after he served as Mayor of Cranston since 2009. As mayor, they knew that running a city is all about the basics – providing good services, being careful with taxpayer dollars and supporting business and economic development. They both led their communities to achieve great fiscal and economic success during their time in office.”

Lombardi also reserved remarks for former Lincoln Town Administrator Joseph Almond, who recently left his role as Lincoln town administrator to serve as Gov. McKee’s deputy chief of staff, thanking him for his time as president of the League and for his tireless work leading their legislative committee. He also recognized Barrington Town Manager James Cunha ahead of his retirement at the end of the year. “Jim has been a fantastic team player, volunteering to help out however he can,” Lombardi said. “Thank you for all you’ve done for cities and towns.”