Providence City Council In Chaos - Anti-LGBTQIA Comments, Tapes and Insults Take Center Stage
GoLocalProv News Team
Providence City Council In Chaos - Anti-LGBTQIA Comments, Tapes and Insults Take Center Stage
All of this while an estimated 10% of the city residents have lost their jobs, the city has one of the highest infection rates of the coronavirus, and dozens of businesses across the city have closed.
Correia, who serves as President Pro Tempore, apologized for the comments that he alleges were illegally taped.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“I regret that my words may have hurt anyone in the LGBTQIA community, my friends, family colleagues and constituents in that community. I know that LGBTQIA people struggle, face discrimination and abuse and to think that I may have somehow contributed to that sentiment is unacceptable and for that I truly apologize,” said Correia in a post to Facebook.
But, Correira’s comments captured on tape sparked stinging criticism from Council President Sabina Matos and former Council President David Salvatore — both of them have had their own issues in the past.
“The comments made by Councilman Correia are not only unprofessional, but are extremely harmful to our LGBTQIA+ community and our Council staff who were subjected to them,” said Matos.
“As a leader of the Council staff, I take my responsibility very seriously. My goal and commitment has been to ensure that the City Council staff feel supported and valued and that the council office provides a harassment-free workplace. This is why when, even prior to learning of the existence of the recordings, when I learned that a Council employee had felt personally affected by Councilman Correia’s comments, I took immediate action. I reached out to him and coordinated several meetings with him imploring him to be mindful of his words and reflect on the impact they may have on staff morale,” said Matos.
Matos’ husband similar issues in 2018.
In 2018, Providence Democratic City Chair Patrick Ward, Matos’ husband was forced to resign from that position over a meme that many charged was anti-Italian.
“It has been a pleasure to serve as Chairman of the Providence Democratic City Committee this last year. It is apparent that recent events have caused a distraction on one of the most important elections in recent memory. It is but for my love of the Democratic Party that I feel it best to resign and continue my independent work for equality, representation and a voice for those less privileged,” said Ward in a statement in 2018.
“At a time when we crucially need unity and love, it is disturbing to hear the hateful comments made by one of my colleagues. Councilor Correia must seriously contemplate how and whether, he can best serve the public good of all Providence residents,” tweeted Salvatore.
In 2018, a series of incidents sparked criticism of Salvatore by many of the city of Providence’s top women — elected, community leaders and leading candidates.
As GoLocal reported in 2018:
In the past week, leading women across Providence have criticized Providence City Council President for being “abusive,” a “bully,” and failing to support issues important to women.
It started over the weekend when Lisa Ranglin, President of the Black Business Association, blistered Salvatore for a lack of support for issues that matter to women and minorities. By Tuesday night the number of high profile women raising questions about Salvatore had risen to five.
On Monday night an ugly incident took place after a City Council Committee meeting when Salvatore “screamed” and “intimidated” two female members of the City Council for not agreeing to vote the same way he wanted. Both Councilwomen recapped the incident exclusively to GoLocal on Tuesday afternoon.
"After the vote, I get a text from Salvatore -- he said I should be supporting women's issues, and that I'm shameful," said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan. "I said you don't have the facts -- he was spouting off facts that were incorrect for as far as I know."
“After the meeting, I went to the City Council office," said Councilwoman Carmen Castillo. "Salvatore called me in the office and said shame on you, you don't support women. I said it's not like that. This is why we have a [city] lawyer, to advise us when we need review. I know what I'm doing. He was screaming at me. I said listen -- if we're going to pass it I want to be sure."
"I said I'm not your daughter -- I was almost crying," said Castillo. "I left the office, and talked with [Councilman] Correia -- and I see Councilwoman Ryan. Then Salvatore came out and started again out the door, 'Shame, shame, shame.' I feel 'cause I'm Latina and minority -- I don't know how he can say he say he supports women and minorities and he treats me like that."
“Council President Salvatore’s impertinent remarks directed to Councilwoman Castillo and me after the meeting were regrettable. It was a poor display and behavior unbecoming the Office of the Council President. He should know better, and frankly, we deserve better,” said Ryan.