RI Foundation Issues Statement After GoLocal Series - Cicilline “Has Not Violated Any Policies”

RI Foundation Issues Statement After GoLocal Series - Cicilline “Has Not Violated Any Policies”

The Rhode Island Foundation's Board Chair, Dr. Alan Kurose, issued a statement to GoLocal after a series of stories unveiled that the CEO of the Foundation David Cicilline was headlining a Democratic fundraiser, Cicilline had created two positions at the Foundation and had hired two of his former political staffers, and members of the board had as individuals had donated almost exclusively to Democrats.

The organization continues to refuse to respond a series of questions GoLocal has previously submitted — SEE QUESTIONS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY.

Kurose said in the statement to GoLocal:

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

“The Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Foundation has full confidence in the work of the Foundation’s team, including in our President and CEO,” said Kurose.

“Prior to David’s start at the Foundation on June 1, the Rhode Island Democratic Party informed him that they would be presenting him with an award in acknowledgment of his years of service, at an event that was originally scheduled for last Friday. While the intention was appreciated, David decided that accepting the recognition was not appropriate due to the nature of his new role. I support that decision,” Kurose said.

“The Foundation does have a policy in place regarding employee engagement in political activities and political fundraising. Employees are not prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities if those activities do not occur during business hours. However, the policy also recognizes that ‘Management and public-facing employees need to be aware that by the very nature of their roles, a certain risk exists that their presence in the community may be perceived as the Foundation's endorsement of a particular political leader. Thus, employees need to have a keen awareness and use appropriate good judgment and caution,’” added Kurose.

“In addition, the policy recognizes that ‘not every potential situation can be addressed (by such a policy statement).’ David Cicilline has not violated this or any other policy of the Rhode Island Foundation. Foundation board members are also free to engage in political activities and political fundraising, but only as individuals and not on behalf of the Foundation,” Kurose said.

“It is not surprising that during our employees’ and board members’ personal and professional lives they would choose to engage in activities that align with actions – whether political or not – that they support. To behave as an active and informed citizen, regardless of political affiliation, is an expected and desired characteristic of individuals drawn to serving the mission of a community foundation.  Their doing so does not impact the important nonpartisan work of the Foundation,” he added.

 

Historically, the Foundation board had included members who were not political and others who were also Republicans. The board, previously, had included members including former Republican Congressman and, at the time the President of Bryant University Ronald Machtley and Republican nominated Federal Court Judge Ernest Torres.

But the Foundation has refused to answer the following question over the past week:

 

GOLOCAL QUESTIONS WERE SENT TO THE RI FOUNDATION ON NOVEMBER 12

Not counting Cicilline, the other 13 board members have personally donated about $100,000 in political donations.

About 90% has been donated to Democrats.

While the individual board members have the right to make such donations, does the overwhelmingly partisan donation pattern send a message to the community that the organization is a Democratic-leaning organization?

Many of the board members were donors to Cicilline.

Since taking the CEO position, Ciclline has scheduled a partisan fundraiser. And, he has hired his former political staffers.

What message is this sending to Rhode Islanders?

 

 

GOLOCAL QUESTIONS WERE SENT TO THE RI FOUNDATION ON NOVEMBER 7

The Rhode Island Foundation has refused to respond to questions about whether the head of the foundation's participation in partisan politics was appropriate.

GoLocal asked the Rhode Island Foundation:

- Is it appropriate for members of the leadership of the Rhode Island Foundation to participate in partisan political events?

- Is there any policy for staff? (if so, could you share it).

- Do you think Cicilline's participation in the Democratic fundraiser raises concerns that he is using the foundation as a political platform?

- Could this type of high-profile political fundraising alienate non-political donors?