A well-funded opponent in the mayor's race next year could try to make an issue out of his opportunism and ask why the incumbent has been unable to work out a deal with the firefighters over the years.
But there is no sign, yet, of a credible challenge to Cicilline. And if the campaign turns into a battle over the firefighters' contract, well, that's probably a good battle for the mayor.
Even if the neverending battle over the firefighters' contract is, ultimately, bad for the city.
Related:
Time for a big change, Power play, Cicilline: A go or no for governor?, More 
- Time for a big change
Boston's political culture is fossilized, resistant to new ideas.
- Power play
After supplanting Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci Jr. almost four years ago as the 800-pound gorilla of Providence politics, Mayor David N. Cicilline continues to trumpet an agenda of civic reform and economic development.
- Cicilline: A go or no for governor?
Call it a case of art imitating life.
- The best and worst of David Cicilline
As he heads into the home stretch of his first term, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline couldn’t have asked for a better seal of approval.
- Providence council races start to take shape
This year’s Providence City Council races — in which at least two strong supporters of Mayor David N. Cicilline seem inclined to challenge incumbents, and several Latino candidates are taking on old-school councilors — promise to make for riveting political theater.
- Providence city solicitor organizes for AG run in 2010
While Rhode Island’s statewide election in 2010 remains more than 30 months away, we can expect to see a heightened level of organizing among potential candidates in 2008.
- Capital power
In 2002, it was no mere coincidence that David N. Cicilline’s Providence mayoral campaign placed its campaign headquarters on Elmwood Avenue, in the heart of the capital city’s Latino community.
- Can Sam Yoon win?
Recent elections, as you may have heard, have been about change.
- Free for all
Striking parallels emerge between the upcoming mayor's race and the historic race of 1983.
- City Hall domino effect
Political prospects are being reassessed inside the rumor-hungry walls of City Hall, all because of an invitation to a party 3000 miles away.
- The Doyle-Grebien mayoral fight energizes Pawtucket politics
The race between incumbent Pawtucket Mayor James Doyle and Councilman Donald Grebien has largely turned into a clash over style rather than substance.
- Less
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