Cranston Ward 6 Councilman and Republican City Chairman Matthew R. Reilly has announced that City Wide Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli has been unanimously selected as the new leader of the City Council Republicans.

“Nicole was chosen because of the dedicated commitment and preparation she brings every day to public service,” said the committee.

Reilly joined Council President Christopher Paplauskas and Ward 4 Councilman Richard Campopiano in supporting Renzulli who will continue to serve as Chairwoman of the Safety Services and Licenses Committee.

“Our caucus made a serious error last year in thinking Bob Ferri could be an effective floor leader before he flip-flopped and joined the Democrats. Bob had no ability to bring people together, was divisive at every turn and was not a consensus builder,” the committee said.

“Nicole brings to the council floor her outstanding preparation and command of issues, excellent questioning skills and the natural ability to bring people together”. “Nicole will always respect differing views and will be a great advocate for our caucus and Mayor Hopkins’ initiatives,” said Reilly.

Mayor Ken Hopkins applauded the choice of the GOP council members.

“In her first term, Nicole Renzulli has been a big part of our efforts to keep Cranston moving in the right direction,” said Hopkins.

In addition to Renzulli’s selection as lead of the City Council Republicans, the committee voted to endorse the following candidates for the upcoming 2022 Cranston City Council Election: Citywide: James Donahue, Nicole Renzulli (incumbent) and Thomas Trudell; Ward 1: Russell Baronn; Ward 2: John Colasante; Ward 3: Jason Case; Ward 4: Richard Campopiano (incumbent); Ward 5: Christopher Paplauskas (incumbent) and Ward 6: Matthew Reilly (incumbent).

“I am proud to join in the endorsement of this outstanding group of candidates. They are caring and hardworking, everyday Cranston residents who will work diligently on behalf of Cranston taxpayers and families. This is the team to work with Mayor Ken Hopkins to keep Cranston moving in the right direction,” said Reilly.

“We have a great blend of experience on the ticket like Chris Paplauskas, Nicole Renzulli and Richard Campopiano. It will be great to welcome former Councilman Jim Donahue back in the Council Chambers in January,” Reilly said. “As Chairman, I am really excited about our first time candidates like Russell Barron, John Colasante, Jason Case and Tom Trudell. They offer a candidacy of fresh ideas and positive energy to our ticket.”

Reilly said voters will have a clear choice in November between the pro-taxpayer Republican team and their opponents who want to inject their liberal, progressive causes into every facet of our local government.

“In November, the voters will choose our team that wants to control spending, improve schools, protect our neighborhoods with strong law enforcement and improve our infrastructure,” Reilly said. “Sadly, our opponents want to follow their leader Joe Biden and drive us into poor financial practices and spending choices we cannot afford. When they are not proposing big government ideas they are acting as obstructionists to Mayor Hopkins’ agenda.”

“The Republicans want to keep Cranston the shining example of good government and historic, strong financial practices. The local Democrats promote many causes that have sunk the capitol city Providence,” Reilly said. “Our team will provide the leadership on the city council to make sure the essential city services that residents expect continue at a price we can afford.”

Hopkins shared the enthusiasm for the council slate.

“I am confident that this team offers us the best hope for our future, and I look forward to working with them to improve our city and meet the challenges we face,” Hopkins said.