Projo Politics Blog

CRANSTON, RI -- The city's new mayor faces big challenges as he settles in and tries to balance the city budget, but he can claim one accomplishment: he has the leadership team he wants.

Last night, three weeks to the day since his inauguration, Mayor Allan W. Fung's choices for finance director, city solicitor, economic development director, community development director and building official sailed through the City Council.

The new city employees and their positions are:

· Finance director: Robert Strom, who served as finance director in Woonsocket and later served as finance director for Woonsocket's School Department. He will be paid $95,000.

· City solicitor: Anthony Cipriano, former chief legal counsel for the state Department of Corrections. He will be paid $45,000 a year for in the part-time position but said he would donate additional time to the city, said Robin Muksian-Schutt, Fung's administration director.

· Economic development director: Lawrence DiBoni, a Cranston resident and business consultant. He will be paid $56,956.

· Community Development Block Grant coordinator: David Maher, who served as economic development director under former Mayor Stephen P. Laffey. He will serve be paid $56,967.

· Building inspector: Stanley Pikul, a former building official in West Warwick and Cumberland. He will be paid $50,119.

Fung is retaining three people from Napolitano's administration: Public Works Director Anthony Sylvia, Parks and Recreation Director Anthony Liberatore and Senior Services Director Terry Murphy.

 Tags  Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung

---