98 Ethics Violations for Local Politicians over Last 5 Years

98 Ethics Violations for Local Politicians over Last 5 Years

More than a dozen local politicians were fined between $100 and $1,000 this year for state ethics violations, according to the state Ethics Commission.

In total, 14 politicians, including Cumberland Mayor Dan McKee and former East Providence Mayor Joseph Larisa, were fined a total of $7,200 in 2011. Over the last five years, 98 elected or formerly elected officials have been fined a total of $91,125, records show.

The biggest offender in 2011 was Larisa, who was fined $1,000 for appearing on behalf of a private client before the East Providence Probate Court. It was his second violation since 2007

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Largest Fines Since 2007

Only four politicians have paid more fines of more than $5,000 over the last five years, with former Senate President Joseph Montalbano leading the way with a $12,000 fine in 2007. The fine was the third largest in state history and was levied after Montalbano failed to disclose work he did for the town of West Warwick near the proposed Narragansett Indian casino. This year, Montalbano was named a District Court magistrate.

The next largest fine was paid by Vincent J. Polisena, a member of the Zoning Board for the town of North Providence who admitted to multiple violations relating to his company entering into contracts with the town. Polisena paid $8,500.

In addition, Kevin Carter, a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners for Pascoag Fire District, was fined $8,000 after multiple ethics violations in 2010.

Finally, State Rep. Raymond Gallison was fined $6,000 for failing to disclose his employment status with a certain education-related organization.

Big Names on List

While the majority of those fined come from local boards or Councils, there are a handful of prominent elected officials that have been fined in recent years. Former Governor Don Carcieri was forced to pay a $2,500 fine for hiring his niece to work in his office.

Sec. of State Ralph Mollis was fined $3,000 for violating the state ethics code during his first campaign in 2006.