Mayor Elect Baldelli-Hunt Begins Transition of Office

Mayor Elect Baldelli-Hunt, who will be sworn in during the City's inauguration ceremony Dec. 3, announced this week she's working to make a smooth transition between her administration and that of Mayor Leo Fontaine.

Baldelli-Hunt named the members of her transition team, chaired by her campaign manager, Richard Lepine: Richard Kearns, Michael Annarummo, Scott Gibbs, Donna Coderre, David Lahousse and Paul Bourget.
 

Baldelli-Hunt said she has also sent a letter to Fontaine, seeking a meeting to begin discussing the transition process and to establish a dialogue between her transition team and members of his administration, while focusing on priority issues for the next 90 days.

“In putting this transition team together, I wanted the input and expertise of people who have first-hand knowledge of the workings of municipal government, education and the private sector and who share my commitment to making economic development a priority for Woonsocket,” said Baldelli-Hunt.  “I want to thank the people who have volunteered to be part of this process to help move our city forward and make sure my administration gets off to a strong start.”

Baldelli-Hunt also requested a weekly meeting with Fontaine and asked the Mayor to have his directors, including the police and fire chiefs, prepare a briefing document focusing on priorities of concern for the next ninety days.  She has also requested a list of consultants and attorneys being utilized by city departments.    

“Our goal is to make sure the next few weeks are spent identifying the immediate challenges facing the city and preparing to address those issues in a timely way beginning in December,” Baldelli-Hunt said.

The new mayor will serve a three-year term, and will appoint the members of the School Committee, a change in City government approved by voters last year.

She will also appoint a new permanent Fire Chief to replace Gary Lataille, who retired in September. Acting Fire Chief Tim Walsh has been serving in his stead since just before Woonsocket's 125th Block Party. 

Baldelli-Hunt has also pledged to do away with the Economic Development Director position, and assume the duties performed by Economic Development Director Matt Wojcik.