Hoyt W. Lark - Mayoral Term

Mayoral Term

Lark became the Mayor of Cranston throughout the years 1945-1952 and eventually was in contention for a seat in the U.S. Senate in the early 1950s. Lark had lost reelection because of controversial opinions and his attempts to confront mob activity in the Rhode Island business market. In a period in which illegal and underground activity was a prominent and significant source of revenue in the business sector, Lark's platform particularly focused on the elimination of illegal business ventures. As a result many said he "turned too many heads" and "stepped on too many people's feet", leading to his eventual dismissal.

After losing re-election, Lark continued as a judge and a lawyer in the Cranston area until his eventual death in 1971. In his memorial it was noted that Hoyt was passionate in his beliefs so much that despite frequent warning he followed through with controversial policies that back-fired on what would have been otherwise successful campaigns.