Laffey was criticized by many government workers during his term as mayor. His critics were mainly unions representing the city workers including the union representing the city crossing guards. He privatized the 39 crossing guard positions to save the city $800,000 per year. He also faced opposition from the firefighter's union and the school union. Laffey credits this to confronting unions and cutting excesses in school spending. In 2006, Laffey distinguished Cranston by making it the only Rhode Island city to cut property taxes that year.
