Smiley Refunds Thousands and Attacks GOP Over Ethics Complaint
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Brett Smiley has admitted that he improperly solicited nearly $9,000 from state contractors as Gina Raimondo’s Director of Administration for his campaign for Mayor of Providence and is returning the donations.
Smiley in October had promised the Rhode Island Ethics Commission that he would not solicit state employees or state contractors.
Smiley tells GoLocal he is returning donations to state workers and contractors.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn a statement in response to the announcement that the RI GOP filed an ethics complaint on Thursday, Smiley attacks the Republicans.
Smiley on Offensive
"I am not surprised that the same Republican Party that supports false claims of election fraud and embraces conspiracy theories is now launching baseless partisan attacks against me," he said.
“I have established high fundraising standards which were approved by the Ethics Commission, have returned any contributions that did not meet those standards and have suspended fundraising to focus on a smooth transition out of state government. My focus will always be working to find solutions to the real challenges facing the people of Providence and I will not be distracted by gutter partisan politics,” said Smiley.
Here's who Smiley is returning contributions to:
Elizabeth Roberts $500.00 -- Former RI Lt. Governor and state employee
Colin Kane $500.00 -- His firm has state contracts
Joseph Vinagro $1,000.00 -- His company has state contracts
CEO of Washington Trust Edward Handy $500.00 -- His company does state business
Anthony Rosciti Sr. $1,000.00 -- His firm has a state contract
Thomas Guerra $1,000.00 and Anthony Thomas $1,000.00 -- The state leases space from their company
Preston Halperin $1,000.00 and John Savage $1,000.00 -- Their law firm has state contracts
Ellis Waldman $250.00 -- His company does state business
John Galvin $1,000.00 -- His former business partner.
The total refunded is $8,750.00
The GOP Claim
"The Commission must launch a comprehensive investigation into all the donations Smiley received from individuals employed by state vendors to determine if he solicited donations from these individuals. The Ethics Commission has the power to compel production of documents and testimony from witnesses through the use of subpoena. The Ethics Commission should require all donors, who are associated with state vendors, to describe under oath any conversation they had with Smiley related to a campaign donation. Specifically, these donors should be asked under oath whether Smiley promised or threatened them in any way," said the GOP in their memoranda.
"A full investigation of Smiley’s fundraising activities with the employees of state vendors is justified. Smiley promised the Ethics Commission he would not solicit or accept campaign contributions from any state vendors," they added. "Smiley lied to the Ethics Commission. The Ethics Commission must conduct a sweeping investigation of Smiley’s fundraising practices and fine him."
