After Investigation Finds Abuse, Providence City Council Sets Process to Remove City Clerk
GoLocalProv News Team
After Investigation Finds Abuse, Providence City Council Sets Process to Remove City Clerk
In September, an investigation conducted by an independent law firm found that "the evidence reflects that [Selleck] has violated the City Code of Conduct (which includes an anti-bullying and anti-harassment policy) and the Workplace Violence Policy.”
On Thursday, the Council voted on several matters related to the upcoming Providence Home Rule Charter Section 403 public hearing to remove Selleck from office for allegedly creating a toxic work environment and violating the City’s Code of Conduct.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Unfortunately, tonight the City Council was tasked with establishing the parameters of the first-ever Section 403 removal hearing against an administrative officer in the City of Providence,” said City Council President John Igliozzi on Thursday. “The actions we took tonight were in response to the long-standing complaints by three female employees who allege bullying, harassment and a toxic work environment caused by Shawn Selleck, the City Clerk.”
“We all should give the three women who had the courage to come forward with their complaints the respect and dignity they deserve, and avoid minimizing or mischaracterizing their experiences,” he added.
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Former City Council President Sabina Matos, now-Rhode Island’s Lt. Governor, has refused to speak out about the allegations of abuse. Nearly all of the allegations of abuse took place under Matos’ tenure as Council President.
Matos appointed Selleck to a four-year term as Clerk in February of 2019.
The 77-page report conducted by attorney Carly Beauvais Iafrate found a sweeping array of allegations of abuse by Selleck -- and that no actions were taken by Matos.
The report described incidents included where Selleck yelled at a city employee and refused to leave her office, despite the woman repeatedly telling Selleck she felt uncomfortable.
In another incident with the City’s Internal Auditor Gina Costa, the report states that regarding the preparation of a document for a City Council meeting, Selleck became angry because the document was not prepared correctly.
Costa told the investigator, “Selleck was so relentless," with the report continuing, "Following this incident, he continued to text her about it with regard to his insistence that the document be changed.”
One employee interviewed, Donna Peligian, a stenographic reporter for the city council, expressed in her interview with the investigator that she thought the disputes were personal and that she believes that the first deputy clerk, Tina Mastroianna wanted to be the city clerk.
The report in its conclusion found that the allegations were not politically motivated nor were they intended to elevate Mastrioinna to the position.