Providence Councilor Who Opposed Liquor License Then Got $500 is Introducing Resolution in Support
GoLocalProv News Team
Providence Councilor Who Opposed Liquor License Then Got $500 is Introducing Resolution in Support
As GoLocal reported in March, Goncalves had initially been opposed to a liquor license for a new Greek restaurant in Wayland Square.
Then, after receiving a donation from the owner, he changed his mind and asked elected officials for special state legislation to allow for one.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHe said in March he was "unsure" he would introduce a measure supporting the General Assembly bills before the City Council; now, he is.
The City Council agenda shows that on Thursday night, Goncalves is introducing a “Resolution Endorsing and Urging Passage by the General Assembly of House Bill 2023 H-5289 and Senate Bill 2023 S-0443, An Act Relating to Alcoholic Beverages - Retail Licenses.”
Goncalves recently announced he running for the Congressional seat being vacated by David Cicilline.
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As GoLocal had reported:
“Goncalves, who represents Ward 1 (East Side and Fox Point), sent a letter on July 21, 2022, to the Providence Board of Licenses regarding the application by 'Estiatorio Flli' at 225 Waterman Street for a full BV liquor license for a new Greek restaurant.
In his opposition statement, Goncalves said he believed a liquor license at the location would 'negatively affect the quality of life' on the busy East Side street.
The only way the liquor license could be approved is if the owners circumvented local regulations and the Providence Board of Licenses and went to the State House.
A week following his letter, on July 29, 2022, Board of Elections records show that Goncalves received a $500 campaign contribution from the owner of the business seeking the license, George Potsidis. It was the developer's first donation to Goncalves, and the councilman was running unopposed for reelection.
Documents secured by GoLocalProv show that Goncalves then changed course and, by December 2022, asked state legislators to provide an exemption to allow for the liquor license for the proposed business, in which he referenced lobbyist Jeffrey Padwa, he is the former Providence City Solicitor and was the lead counsel on the Fane Tower project.
'This letter is being sent in follow-up to your conversation with Jeff Padwa and to kindly request your support and introduction of legislation that would provide an exemption to the legal remonstrance involving the application for a BV license to be located at 225 Waterman Street,' wrote Goncalves.
Padwa, the lawyer and registered lobbyist for Potsidis company said when asked by GoLocal why Goncalves reversed course and went from strongly opposing to supporting the proposed license, said, 'We met with him and we educated him.'"