RI Dem Women’s Caucus “Condemns Abuse and Corruption” Surrounding Convention Center Controversy
Monday, January 27, 2020
The RI Democratic Women's Caucus claims state Democratic party leadership is currently guided by "misogyny and moral ambiguity."
GoLocalProv.com exclusively secured a copy of a letter by Amanda Marzullo Wilmouth, the Assistant General Manager of the Rhode Island Convention Center that alleges years of verbal and mental abuse by fellow Convention Center executive James Demers, a close friend of Speaker House of Nicholas Mattiello.
Common Cause Rhode Island Executive Director John Marion said that the recent announcement by Auditor General Dennis Hoyle that the Joint Committee on Legislative Services (JCLS) authorized an audit of the Rhode Island Convention Center -- without meeting -- could be in violation of state law.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Rhode Island State Police have launched a formal investigation into actions by Mattiello ordering the audit, relating to what has been described as retribution against Convention Center Authority.
RIDP Statement
The Rhode Island Democratic Women’s Caucus believes that no woman should experience harassment in the workplace, and that no one should fear retaliation for speaking truth to power. In a Democratic state such as ours, one would expect the principles of equality, fairness, and integrity to be exemplified by the leaders of our party, especially those with the most political clout. Yet--as revealed this week in stories from WPRI and GoLocalProv--misogyny and moral ambiguity appear to guide the current Democratic state party leadership as it fails to rise to the level of ethics that our party platform demands.
Recently a top female executive at the Rhode Island Convention Center disclosed an alleged abusive and toxic relationship she endured from her co-worker, James Demers. Demers is also a retired Rhode Island State Trooper and, according to reports, is a close friend of the current Rhode Island Speaker. It is alleged that this man stalked, harassed, and abused his female co-worker over a period of seven years. He allegedly quipped that he would “ruin [this woman’s] life,” if she continued to distance herself from him.
Upon disclosure of Demers alleged abuse, he was placed on leave. Soon after that, the current Speaker ordered an audit of the Convention Center on behalf of the Joint Committee on Legislative Services (JCLS)--circumventing the committee's authority to issue one--and therefore calling into question the motive of such an order.
The controversy surrounding the Convention Center audit is a familiar trope to seasoned political observers in this state. Privileges given to those closely tied to state party leadership have covertly afforded people prominent appointments, million-dollar funding streams, and preferential advancement of legislation. It seems those privileges also extend to shielding alleged abusers from rightful consequences.
The Women’s Caucus voices our strongest support for the women who come forward with their own stories of workplace harassment and abuse. It is a vulnerable place, to be brave and tell one’s story in these circumstances. The Women’s Caucus extends its gratitude to all those who do so. We stand in support of all women, and we will fight for a government in which all women will be safe, empowered, and equal.
As we celebrate the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment and the suffragette movement, many stories will be told of the heroism of women standing up to the patriarchy over 100 years ago. Here in Rhode Island, the struggle rages on in institutions where it should have long ago been eradicated. We want history to say of the women of 2020 that we fought for the best possible future of our state.
“ alone am the majority,” said the current Speaker in a recent interview. In fact, it is women who are 51% of the constituency in Rhode Island. It’s time leadership answered to this constituency: they must represent the women of Rhode Island with integrity, resign, or be voted out.
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