P R E S S R E L E A S E

The Executive Office, City of Providence, Rhode Island

VINCENT A. CIANCI, JR.

MAYOR OF PROVIDENCE

DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 1996

CONTACT: DOREEN PICOZZI\BERYL KENYON, 421-7740, EXT. 222

PROVIDENCE -- Mayor Vincent A. Cianci, Jr. today announced that he is vetoing the Providence City Council June 6 resolution providing for statewide and local referenda to allow for a casino in Providence, passed by an 8 to 6 vote last week.

"I have thoroughly considered this resolution, and believe that I am making the right decision for Providence residents and for all of Rhode Island," Mayor Cianci said. "I agree with City Council members who believe that residents have a right to participate in government. However, our voters spoke clearly and concisely 18 months ago, resoundingly opposing casinos. Sixty-one percent of Providence voters in the 1994 general election defeated the referendum. I truly believe that the result would remain the same if the question were asked again, just two years later."

Mayor Cianci also stated that with another gambling casino assuredly being established by the Narragansetts in Rhode Island, the local economy would not support both facilities.

"While the landscape of America, and New England, is increasingly filled with gambling establishments, the increasingly shining reputation that sets Providence apart from other urban centers will not be tarnished by gambling, by taking money out of the pockets of our hard working residents," Mayor Cianci said.

The Providence City Charter provides the Mayor with 10 days in which to veto or sign a Council resolution. Without a signature, the resolution would have passed. The Council may override a veto, by law, with a two-thirds vote.

Mayor Cianci said: "On Father's Day, 1996, let this action speak loudly, and clearly. Let me present this veto as a present to all fathers, and to mothers, too, that I am committed to ensuring that the children of Providence will grow and thrive in a city that builds its prosperity on integrity of principle, on a city that is already, and will continue to, set the standards for other urban centers nationwide. Providence has too much promise, is too precious, for us to entertain the idea of letting the chips fall where they may."