Hopkins, Fenton-Fung Join Dems Calling for Cranston Councilor Reilly to Resign After GoLocal Report

Hopkins, Fenton-Fung Join Dems Calling for Cranston Councilor Reilly to Resign After GoLocal Report

Rhode Island State Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung and members of the Cranston Democratic Committee are calling for the resignation of Cranston Councilman Matthew Reilly after his arrest -- and a GoLocal expose unveiled allegations including that he “medicated” his children and then left his home to engage in sex and drugs. 

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“This morning’s revelations are not a simple relapse on the long and winding road of addiction and recovery.  Nothing can justify these actions, and he needs to put his beautiful daughters and the city first. Resigning as the chair of the city committee was not enough; this warrants an immediate resignation from the Cranston City Council,” said Fenton-Fung, a Republican State Representative representing District 15, of Republican Reilly. 

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Later in the afternoon, Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins announced that he was urging Reilly to resign as well.

"In light of the recent charge brought against Councilman Matthew J. Reilly and subsequent information that has been shared in the media, I am calling upon Matt Reilly to step down from the City Council. I believe this action is necessary for Matt personally and the residents of Ward Six. By relieving himself of his elective duties, Matt will have time to focus his attentions on his personal well-being. It will allow him to focus on his family away from the important responsibilities and spotlight of public office," said Hopkins.

Hopkins, Fenton-Fung, and Reilly are all Republicans.

 

Democrats Urge Resignation

The Cranston Democratic Party said in a statement, "Cranston does not deserve this type of distraction, and the taxpayers should not be paying the salary of an elected official who is not serving their interests. Councilman Reilly should resign immediately. "

"As a former City Councilwoman, I am saddened by the stain that Councilman Reilly's actions have put on the City Council, which is elected to serve Cranston's taxpayers," said Maria Bucci, Chair of the Cranston Democratic Party. "I sincerely hope Matt gets the treatment he needs and that he and his family can move forward with their lives. However, the taxpayers of this city and the voters of Ward 6 deserve honorable representation. Councilman Reilly must resign immediately so an election can be held to replace him with a Councilperson who is fit for the office."

Kirk McDonough, former Councilman from Ward 6 and current Democratic Ward 6 Committee Chair, added, “This week's news is troubling. A councilman cannot continue to serve while facing these charges. This creates a conflict of interest because we cannot have a sitting councilman who has been arrested by the city he serves. Matt needs to focus on this situation and his family. He should resign immediately and allow the voters to choose a replacement. Ward 6 cannot be without full representation."

THIS STORY WAS UPDATED at 7:50 PM.