NEW: Solomon Apologizes for Clerical Error in Ethics Filings, Claims Lead in Polls
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Democratic candidate for mayor of Providence Michael Solomon took the podium in Providence’s Prospect Park earlier today to apologize for errors he made on his ethics disclosure filings and counter the claim asserted last week by his opponent Jorge Elorza and Brett Smiley that he is not the best candidate to defeat Buddy Cianci in November.
“Last week my opponents used this very location to launch an ugly attack against my name and my reputation. Trailing in the polls, Mr. Elorza and Mr. Smiley attempted to compare my record to the record of Mr. Cianci,” said Solomon.
Solomon Apologizes for "Clerical Error"
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTFlanked by a group of prominent supporters from the community, Solomon addressed an ethics complaint that was filed by Providence City Council candidate Michael Long two weeks ago on the heels of a GoLocal investigation into the annual Rhode Island Ethics Commission filings by Solomon, which showed incomplete or incorrect information filed for multiple years. Long has announced he intends to file a new ethics complaint against City Council President and Mayoral candidate Michael Solomon.
Solomon apologized for the “clerical error” made in his ethics disclosure filings, and asked that they be put in the context of his record.
“If you look behind me you will see support from City Council members, elected officials and some of the unions. We have a broad base of support from all sections in the city of Providence,” said Solomon.
“I’ve worked very hard to bring transparency to the city council by televising hearings, making council votes available online, and requiring lobbyist registration for those seeking to influence city government,” said Solomon.
Solomon did not respond directly when asked to respond to calls some have made for him to repay the Conrad building debt before spending money on campaign advertising.
“That building and that project created jobs and spurred economic development. Do you realize that Westminster Street was boarded up when we took that project on. You could roll a bowling ball down Westminster Street and you wouldn’t hit anyone. Look at Westminster Street today – jobs have been created businesses are there,” said Solomon.
Poll Shows Solomon Can Beat Cianci
Solomon also released internal poll data to make the case that he is in a better position to defeat Buddy Cianci this November than his opponent, Jorge Elorza.
The poll data, which was released without an accompanying questionnaire, shows Solomon leading Cianci (36%-35%) in a three-way general election horserace with Republican Daniel Harrop, while Elorza trails 31%-38%.
Elorza spokesperson, Marisa O'Gara raised questions about the validity of the polling data -- which was conducted by SocialSphere, Inc. founder and CEO John Della Volpe among a sample of 440 general election voters between August 17-22 -- in a statement released shortly following the press conference.
“Mr. Solomon just released poll results – with no data to back it up – showing he and Jorge neck-and-neck with Cianci. Since this poll was conducted, Jorge has gained the endorsements of Brett Smiley, the Providence Journal, and many others, while Michael Solomon has been embroiled in an ethics investigation for 25 separate violations and will face new charges in the coming days,” said O'Gara.
“Providence voters deserve a clear contrast with Cianci in November. As they learn more about Michael Solomon’s ongoing ethics investigation, unpaid debt to the Providence taxpayers, and solicitation of city employee donations, the fact that Jorge represents the best chance for moving Providence forward will become clear” said O'Gara.
Related Slideshow: Solomon Amended Ethics Reports - August 2014
Providence City Council Presient Michael Solomon filed amendments to the following Ethics Commission reports following City Council candidate Michael Long's complaint lodged on August 7, after a GoLocal investigation into Solomon's filings.
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