To date only one -- count 'em, one -- announced candidate for mayor of Providence has demonstrated the requisite leadership and courage not only to comment on the issues of the PPD drug scandal and the actions and non-actions of David Cicilline and Dean Esserman, but also to propose the ways and means to stop the bleeding and repair the system.

That candidate is Councilman John J. Lombardi.

When, if ever, will Angel Taveras and Steven Costantino weigh in?

As candidates for the highest municipal office in Providence, are they not obliged to share with the electorate their views on all serious matters impacting Providence -- even those that may be understood to pose grave political risks?

As Councilman Lombardi asked in his press release in which he offered highly detailed short- and long-term actions to address police corruption and failures of civilian and police leadership:

Where do his opponents stand: In David Cicilline's shadow, or in the full light of a new, better day?

That question also must be posed to all who support these Silent Sons of Cicilline.

Representative Costantino must tear himself away from his alleged stewardship of the Rhode Island economy and answer the questions.

Mr. Taveras must tear himself away from his seeming obedience to all things Cicilline/Chace and answer the questions.

Alas, their silence leaves us to conclude that they both embrace a political equation that prohibits them from alienating the perceived Cicilline "base."

That's right: We have no choice but to understand their silence as indicative of a "win at all costs -- no matter how severely the public interest is damaged" political strategy.

That's right: It seems to be the oldest, most cynical of old style, cynical politics -- from the self-annointed professors of New Thing politics.

Remember this when the debates begin.  Remember this when Messrs. Costantino and Taveras level charges of "old style politics" at Councilman Lombardi.

Forget this at your peril.

It is our responsibility as informed members of the electorate to ask each of these "candidates" a simple question: Are you or are you not asking the voters of Providence to install you as the leader of the city?

If you are, then just when do you  suppose you will demonstrate to one and all that you know the difference between political posturing/back room deal-making, and true leadership?

Again, it is up to us to press their feet to the fire.  Messrs. Constantino and Taveras either will follow Councilman Lombardi's lead, or pay the political price.

Or will they?

It is up to us.