Cranston Mayor-elect Hopkins Inauguration Tonight; Names Dept. Heads/Team

CRANSTON INAUGURAL ACTIVITIES ANNOUNCED BY MAYOR-ELECT HOPKINS

Cranston Mayor-Elect Kenneth J. Hopkins has announced plans for Cranston’s upcoming inaugural activities that will take place as required by the Cranston City Charter on Monday, January 4, 2021. 

This is the first time in 12 years Cranston will have a new Mayor.

Hopkins said, “Because of the anticipated restrictions for large gatherings and the need for proper social distancing, most parts of the inauguration will be conducted virtually.  We will provide public access for viewing through social media like Facebook, YouTube and the city website as part of a planned webinar on Zoom.”  The ceremony and meeting will begin at 7:00 pm.

The ceremonies planned will include the swearing in of Hopkins as Cranston’s new mayor and the administration of the oath of office to the members of the City Council and School Committee.  In addition to the taking of the traditional oath of office, the City Council will conduct the first zoom meeting of the New Year to elect a council president and vice president.  Other appointments will be made by the council including the organization of committee chairpersons and the election of several city officials including part-time municipal judges. 

Hopkins will be sworn in as Mayor by outgoing Mayor Allan Fung in the City Council Chambers with members of his family present.  After speaking live with his inaugural remarks, he will then swear in the members of the City Council and School Committee virtually. A formal call to order and conduct of the City Council meeting will be led by City Clerk Leanne Zarrella until the election of a new council president.

The Mayor-Elect noted, “We are mindful of the continued public health concerns and I along with the members of the City Council and School Committee will participate in a much different ceremony than the traditional inaugural program we typically hold in Cranston.  It will still be a celebration of a new term for our local government to start off a hopeful 2021,” Hopkins stated.

Once final details are confirmed, Hopkins said access for the public to enjoy the ceremonies virtually will be publicized through the media, the city website and other social media platforms.

Mayor-Elect Hopkins has asked Cranston residents Dennis and Liz DeJesus to serve as chairpersons for the 2021 Inauguration.  Dennis DeJesus is currently the Executive Director of Rhode Island Special Olympics and Liz DeJesus is the Donor Relations Manager for Crossroads Rhode Island. 

They have been assisted by other committee members including former Mayor Michael A. Traficante, City Clerk Leanne Zarrella, Deputy City Clerk Rosalba Zanni, Anthony C. Moretti, CPA, Robin M. Melfi-Coia, Jeff Butler, Kerri Sears, Steven Paiva and Robert D. Murray, Esq.  Councilman Christopher Paplauskas has served as liaison with the City Council and Chairman Daniel Wall has coordinated matters for the School Committee members.

The members of the City Council to be sworn in include: Council Members City Wide Robert J. Ferri (R); Nicole Renzulli (R); Jessica M. Marino (D); Ward 1 Lammis J. Vargas (D) incumbent; Ward 2 Aneice Germain (D) incumbent; Ward 3 John P. Donegan (D) incumbent; Ward 4 Edward J. Brady (R) incumbent; Ward 5 Christopher G. Paplauskas (R) incumbent and Ward 6 Matthew R. Reilly (R).

The members of the non-partisan School Committee to be sworn in include: Member City Wide Michael A. Traficante; Ward 1 Sarah K. Tindall-Woodman; Ward 2 Kristen A. Haroian; Ward 3 Domenic F. Fusco, Jr.; Ward 4 Vincent J. Turchetta, Jr.; Ward 5 David A. Alden Sears and Ward 6 Daniel R. Wall.  With the exception of Domenic Fusco, all school committee members are returning for another term.    

Cranston Department Heads and Administrative Team

Hopkins has announced the appointment of department heads and his administrative team as he finalizes plans to takes office tonight.

Hopkins, in November, had announced the appointment of a broad based transition team of local business people, experienced former governmental officials and community representatives to help him make plans to become Cranston’s next chief executive.  “Through their hard work and timely commitment a review of all departmental functions, staffing and operations was completed,” said Mayor-Elect Hopkins.  Summary reports were then shared with Hopkins and a steering committee which helped interview numerous potential candidates for positions and appointment to critical departmental roles.

“I want to thank the many individuals who helped me through this compressed timetable to get ready to take office,” said Hopkins.  He also expressed appreciation to incumbent Mayor Allan Fung for his cooperation and access to people and information from the current administration.  “I am prepared to become Mayor in January.  I am excited about our city’s future and the administrative team that I have assembled.”

Mayor-Elect Hopkins made the following announcements of new personnel and department heads:

Director of Administration:  Anthony C. Moretti, CPA

Mr. Moretti is a certified public accountant and is just completing service on the staff of the Rhode Island Auditor General.  Previously, Moretti served as Internal Auditor to the Cranston City Council.   He is a 1980 graduate of Providence College and has held senior financial, auditing and administrative management positions with several Rhode Island based and world-wide companies.  Moretti served as campaign manager for the successful Hopkins mayoral campaign. “Anthony was invaluable to me during the campaign and transition period.  Now he will do a great job as Director of Administration in carrying out my initiatives and policies with the various city departments,” Hopkins said. “Anthony’s financial and executive experience and understanding of government will be essential to me in the Mayor’s Office as we keep Cranston going on the right track.”

City Solicitor: Christopher Millea

Mr. Millea, a self-employed attorney, is a Providence College graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance (1994).  He received his Juris Doctorate degree in 1997 from Roger Williams University School of Law. He is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and is admitted to appear in all courts in Rhode Island including the United States District Court.  Millea has served as a Democrat State Representative of District 16 since 2019.   While as an assistant solicitor for Cranston’s legal department, he has overseen criminal prosecutions for the police department.  “I am excited that Chris Millea has agreed to come aboard to lead our legal department.  His experience and knowledge of the law will help capably guide our staff of assistants and my administration,” said Hopkins.  

Personnel Director: Daniel Parrillo

Mr. Parrillo first served as Personnel Director in Cranston in 2017 after a distinguished twenty five year career with the Johnston Police Department retiring as its Deputy Chief.  He became Director Administration for Mayor Fung in 2018.  Hopkins stated, “I have asked Dan to return to the Personnel Department to assist me with several management and organizational initiatives and to work with our collective bargaining groups and my important emphasis on diversity recruitment. His experience will be invaluable to me.”

Recreation Director:  Raymond Tessaglia

Mr. Tessaglia joins the City of Cranston after a twenty six year career with the Providence Department of Recreation.  He is a graduate of Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree and major in Recreational Education. He had an extensive coaching career in baseball and basketball at the collegiate level.  “Ray Tessaglia shares my mission and priority to offer well-run recreational programs for our youth and excellent care of our playgrounds and facilities,” Hopkins said. “The department and our dedicated recreation employees will be in good hands moving forward with Ray’s leadership.” 

Economic Development Director:  Franklin Paulino

Mr. Paulino joins the Hopkins administration and offers a diverse background as a small business owner, account executive and former service representative with the Internal Revenue Service.  He has a Master’s Degree in International Business from San Ignacio University in Miami, Florida.  He is fluent in both English and Spanish.  Hopkins stated, “I am excited about Franklin joining my team to lead my efforts in economic development.  As a small business owner, he understands the day to day challenges many of our local business owners face. His background and enthusiastic people skills will help service our existing commercial and industrial base while recruiting new jobs to Cranston,” stated the Mayor-Elect.

Director of Senior Services: Stephen Craddock

Mr. Craddock joins the Department of Senior Services after a long and distinguished career in various senior management and customer service positions with Staples, Inc.  He is an Army veteran and graduate of the University of Rhode Island. Hopkins said, “Steve’s organizational and management skills will help me renew and expand the programs and services to our most important elderly population.  He understands that I want to make our enrichment center a busy, welcoming place that expands opportunities to serve Cranston seniors.” 

Workforce Development:  Sean W. Holley

Mr. Holley assumes supervision of Cranston’s Workforce Development Program in collaboration with the City of Providence.  An attorney, he is a 1984 Providence College graduate with a degree in economics.  Holley graduated from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law in 1987.  He presently oversees a recreation center for the City of Providence while also serving as a professor at Providence College and Johnson & Wales University.  At the outset of his career Holley worked in the sports and entertainment field.  Holley currently serves as the President of the John Hope Settlement House in Providence as well as numerous other boards and commissions. “I appreciate Sean’s willingness to join me as we try connecting individuals with job skills and employment opportunities in the Providence/Cranston workforce area.  His ties to the local community will benefit the individuals to be served and enhance our relationship with the City of Providence,” said Hopkins. 

Director of Community Development (“CDBG”):  Timothy G. Sanzi

Mr. Sanzi, a retired Major of the Rhode Island State Police, will bring his accomplished management experience and leadership skills to Cranston’s community development programs and services.  He holds a Bachelor and Master’s degree in criminal justice from Roger Williams University.  “I am pleased that Tim Sanzi is willing to join my administration,” said Hopkins.  “He will bring a wealth of leadership experience to the city and he can help us maximize our opportunities for the neighborhoods and areas that qualify for CDBG funds.”

Director of Constituent Affairs (Mayor’s Office):  Paula A. Smith

Ms. Smith will be staying on in the Mayor’s Office as the Director of Constituent Affairs.  She previously served as confidential executive assistant to Mayor Allan Fung.  Hopkins said, “I am delighted that Paula will be continuing her excellent work in the Mayor’s Office with a new and important assignment.  Her breath of experience and knowledge of departmental functions will ensure that my administration delivers effective and timely responses to requests and inquiries from Cranston residents.”

Mayor-Elect Hopkins also announced that the following current department heads will continue with his administration:

Finance Director, Robert F. Strom (served since 2009)

Public Works Director, Kenneth R. Mason (served since 2012)

Police Chief, Michael J. Winquist (served since (2014)

Fire Chief, Stephen MacIntosh (served since 2019)

Director of Inspections, David V. Rodio (served since 2018)

Planning Director, Jason M. Pezzullo (served since 2018)

“After meeting with these department directors individually, I am delighted they have agreed to stay on as part of my administration,” said Hopkins.  “Each one understands my priorities for constituent services, proper management of their areas of responsibilities and my vision for Cranston.”  He emphasized that their experience and continuity of service will benefit all residents of Cranston.

Many of the department head nominees are subject to the advice and consent of the City Council.  Hopkins stated, “I will be submitting my choices for department heads to the City Council upon taking office.  I would ask the Finance Committee and council members to schedule a review and hearing of my new leadership team as soon as possible.”

Hopkins said a steering committee led by Anthony C. Moretti, CPA his former campaign manager; former Mayor Michael A. Traficante; Dennis DeJesus, Executive Director of Rhode Island Special Olympics; Earl J. Croft III, retired Executive Director of the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority; Robin Melfi-Coia, Administrator of the New England Labor Management Cooperative Trust and local attorney Robert D. Murray helped him interview approximately fifty five candidates over two and a half weeks for various positions and roles in his administration.

Hopkins concluded his announcement by stating “I am pleased with the new core of individuals I am bringing into government to work with me and the excellent team of directors who I have asked to continue.  Together we will all keep Cranston moving in the right direction.”