Councilwoman Matos “Disappointed & Deeply Offended” by Salvatore's Actions Toward Ryan & Castillo

Councilwoman Matos “Disappointed & Deeply Offended” by Salvatore's Actions Toward Ryan & Castillo

Providence City Council President Pro Temper Sabina Matos said she was “disappointed and deeply offended” upon learning about Council President David Salvatore’s actions toward Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan and Councilwoman Carmen Castillo.

On Tuesday, GoLocalProv reported that Salvatore accosted Ordinance Committee members Councilwoman Ryan and Councilwoman Castillo after their votes to hold an agenda item on minority and women-owned businesses for further review.

Councilman Michael Correia confirmed the incident, "After the meeting, Ryan showed me the text which said it was shameful not voting for women's rights....then I saw Carmen Castillo," said Correia. "She was pretty upset, she said she was disrespected and treated like a child -- she ran into Jo-Ann who told her what happened to her."

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Matos released the following statement:

I was disappointed and deeply offended to learn of Council President Salvatore's outbursts and disrespectful verbal assault towards two of my colleagues.  The unfortunate irony is that Council President Salvatore berated them for “not supporting women.” Is this how he supports women?

This behavior is unacceptable regardless of the circumstances, even more so when dealing with two Councilwomen. We must have zero tolerance for this type of abusive and bullying behavior demonstrated by Council President Salvatore. 

Council President Salvatore needs to issue a public apology immediately and enroll in anger management and sensitivity training, which would be required of any city employee who engaged in such abhorrent behavior.