Former councilman may run for Rep. Dist. 16

The Cranston Herald ·

The only predictable thing in an election cycle is the unpredictability. The drama of who will run, who will support whom, who is switching parties is only equaled by a daytime soap opera. 

Former Ward 2 Cranston Councilman Donald Botts is potentially tossing his hat into the ring for the Representative seat currently held by Republican Robert Lancia for District 16.

Lancia, who has yet to announce his bid for reelection, has also said he might be interested in running for Lieutenant Governor.

Botts, who had disaffiliated from the Republican Party in the summer of 2017, recently returned

“I plan on running as a Republican.  I was a Republican long before Donald Trump decided to switch from being a Democrat and long before the 2016 election,” he said.

 Botts recalls his early attempts at politics fondly.

 “My political career as a candidate began in 2010 when I ran for state representative. I lost, but I feel as though I ran a respectable race as a first time candidate against an incumbent that had served a very long time,” he said.

However, he didn’t let the loss deter his political aspirations.

“I decided to run again in 2012; this time for Cranston City Council.  I won in a three-way race and followed that with a re-election win in 2014.  I ran again in 2016 but lost to the current Ward 2 Councilman whom I have a lot of respect for,” he said.

Botts’ reasons for running run deeper than local popularity.

“I am running because I enjoyed serving the constituents of Cranston as their councilman for four years. I believe the residents of Cranston deserve a better government that spends their money wisely and in return gives them a better product.  Our state government needs to be held accountable for poor performances, such as the UHIP and DMV rollouts,” he said.

He wants to be a different type of candidate.

“What I hope to bring is an independent voice, an alternative to what is being espoused from the leaders in our state government as well as our national leaders.  I want to ensure that our tax dollars are being spent on worthwhile endeavors and not filling the pockets of sports team owners.  I also believe the state collects enough revenue without the need for tolling commercial or private vehicles on our state highways.  We do not need to circumvent the judicial nomination process by allowing for more magistrates, which usually ends up being a patronage appointment,” he said.

He knows he has the support and help from his family.

“My family is on board.  My son just graduated college and my two daughters will be attending college this fall. They encouraged me to run so they can vote for me for the first time. My wife Christine plans on joining me walking around the district knocking on doors,” he said.

 Botts is pleased with his record while on the City Council.

“I was proud that we had only one tax increase in the four years I served on the council.  Also, I introduced ordinances to combat the body works shops that started making their way into Cranston. Finally, pushed for automated trash removal to combat the rodent problem we had six years ago. And, we sent to the ballot making the School Committee members term limited, just like the Council,” he said.