Both Officials at Center of Controversial Trip to Philadelphia Have Now Resigned

Both Officials at Center of Controversial Trip to Philadelphia Have Now Resigned

On Thursday evening, Governor Dan McKee’s office announced the resignation of David Patten — one of the two men at the center of a controversial trip to Philadelphia. On the trip, Patten is reported to have made sexist and racist comments.

Patten’s family has said that he has been suffering from mental health issues.

The trip was tied to a fact-finding trip and meeting with a vendor working on the Armory on Cranston Street.

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

Shortly after the trip, the other individual involved, James Thorsen, the then-Director of Administration for McKee, resigned from his post.

“Governor McKee initiated Human Resources and State Police investigations into David Patten’s conduct to ensure the State was strongly and soundly positioned to act should the appalling allegations prove to be true,” said McKee’s office in a statement on Thursday.

“The Human Resources investigation highlighted Mr. Patten’s highly inappropriate conduct, which was disturbing, entirely unacceptable, and not representative of Rhode Island’s values or the integrity of our State workforce. As a result. Governor McKee called for Mr. Patten’s resignation, and Mr. Patten complied,” said McKee’s office.

 

McKee on Record

McKee’s statement added, “As a result of its HR investigation, the State was prepared to move forward with disciplinary proceedings which would include a legally required personnel hearing process. That process could have extended well beyond Mr. Patten’s resignation date of June 30, resulting in a continuation of his paid administrative leave at a cost to taxpayers.”

“It is important to note that as a 'classified employee' with just cause protection, Mr. Patten had the legal right to due process prior to any potential disciplinary action. Therefore, the Governor’s call for a resignation expedited Mr. Patten’s removal from State service. Because Mr. Patten has indicated that he is dealing with a health issue, the State will pay the employer portion of his health insurance premium until September 30, while Mr. Patten continues to pay his co-share, to allow him to receive any treatment he may need,” said McKee’s office

In addition, an ethics complaint was filed on Thursday regarding the trip.