R.I. Taxpayers Urges Speaker Mattiello to Support Ethics Commission Oversight, Strengthen Campaign Finance Reporting Laws
03-04-2015
Contact: Monique Chartier, R.I. Taxpayers: 401-261-0508
Rhode Island Taxpayers is today calling for the General Assembly to take immediate steps on ethical oversight and campaign finance reporting laws in the wake of the guilty plea made in federal court Tuesday by former Speaker Gordon Fox on charges of bribery, wire fraud, and filing false tax returns.
R.I. Taxpayers is specifically backing recommendations from the advocacy group Common Cause that calls for restoring state Ethics Commission oversight of General Assembly lawmakers, and allowing the state Board of Elections (BOE) to request bank statements and conduct audits of campaign accounts when reviewing campaign finance reports submitted by office holders and candidates. Common Cause is also urging the BOE be given the resources to perform these added elements of oversight.
“It’s clear that despite holding the highest elected legislative position, former Speaker Fox was comfortable operating in a ‘pay to play’ scheme and apparently prepared to lie about it repeatedly, and go to lengths to conceal it,” says R.I. Taxpayers spokesperson Monique Chartier.
“In the wake of the type of deceit which was perpetrated by Fox with his campaign account,” Chartier continued, “we are also urging reforms of campaign finance reporting requirements, which could include mandating that bank statements accompany the filing of campaign finance reports. We are encouraged by initial indications by current Speaker Nicholas Mattiello that he favors strengthening campaign finance reporting requirements, but are troubled by his early statements questioning the need for Ethics Commission oversight of lawmakers. We urge the Speaker to get on board with our calls for restoring Ethics Commission oversight of all members of the General Assembly.”
R.I. Taxpayers is calling on both Speaker Mattiello and Governor Raimondo to make ethical reforms among their highest priorities this session in the wake of what has occurred.
“The image and reputation not only of Providence, but the entire state, is deeply harmed by what has occurred with former speaker Fox at a time when the state, in desperate need of viable economic development options, can least afford this damaging publicity,” emphasizes Chartier. “We would urge both Speaker Mattiello and Governor Raimondo to demonstrate they are committed to working to erode the “pay to play” culture, and intend to make ethical reforms their highest priority this year.”
