RI Politicos Spar Over Fallout From Heated Encounter at Bonnet Shores Beach Club
GoLocalProv News Team
RI Politicos Spar Over Fallout From Heated Encounter at Bonnet Shores Beach Club
This past week, Melissa Jenkins Mangili asked the Narragansett Democratic Town Committee for a “formal condemnation” of what she said were “hurtful and unnecessary” remarks made by Representative Carol McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown and Narragansett) toward her at the Bonnet Shores Beach Club.
Mangili, in her letter to committee members, said she was the target of a “hateful and derogatory verbal harangue” by McEntee on the afternoon of August 21. The two women had previously been political allies — but had recently split over the issue of voting rights in the Bonnet Shores Fire District.
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McEntee is refuting Mangili's characterization of their encounter.
“I have reviewed the [letter sent to the committee] from Melissa Jenkins,” said McEntee in a statement to GoLocal. “I have no comment other than Melissa’s statements are overblown and inaccurate.”
From Allies to Enemies
Mangili said that on the afternoon of August 21, she “certainly did not go the beach looking for Carol or looking for any kind of fight.”
In her letter to the Narragansett Democratic Town Committee about the incident, Mangili wrote the following:
"I said hello to Carol, and asked how she’d been, to which she responded, “None of your concern.” I said, “Well, you are my state rep.” She said, “Not anymore. You know, I hear everything that you say. You are a liar and a troublemaker. “
I responded that I am not a liar, but I do disagree with her about trying to enrich her fellow beach club shareholders and herself using unconstitutional voting. She responded, “You’re just mad because you can’t be a member. You don’t have any money.” I said no, but I could buy the whole place if I so chose. She responded, “No, you can’t even be here. You don’t have any money. You need to leave. Nobody likes you. Everybody thinks you’re crazy." I said “The psychologist is the crazy one? Right.” She said, “Get out of here. This is my area.” I said, “It’s a public beach area. Anyone can be here.” She said “You need to leave. I’m getting security.” She stormed off in the direction of the Beach Club.
I spoke with my friend for a few more minutes, and we both agreed that I should leave to avoid any further confrontation. I am a survivor of childhood poverty who is acutely aware of the limited opportunities and access for people without money) was particularly hurtful and unnecessary. I have discussed this incident publicly because it shows her character: she truly believes that you have less value as a person if you don’t have money.
Following Mangili's initial comments about the encounter on Facebook, Barbara Swanson — who had been sitting with McEntee — refuted Mangili's claims, posting the following.
“This isn’t the whole truth. Carol Hagan McEntee has been crucified publicly by a small vocal minority. She did not want to speak to you, and I can understand why after seeing what has been said. I believe you called her a 'shareholder' and 'an elitist.' She said that you are not a member of the beach club, your reply was “you could buy the club 10 times over.” Melissa you came over looking for a fight. I don’t know anything about what is going on, but Carol certainly was not out of line. She walked away to avoid any further words with you. I asked you to leave numerous times. It certainly was not the time or place, but Carol certainly tried to avoid any conflict. I am sorry this happened but I believe it certainly could have been avoided,” wrote Swanson.
In April, the Rhode Island Ethics Commission advised McEntee that there is no prohibition on her introducing and participating in legislative deliberations on bills to enable the Bonnet Shores Fire District to call a vote on proposed amendments to the fire district charter defining voter eligibility.
McEntee, who lives and is registered to vote in South Kingstown, also has a second home, a unit at the Bonnet Shores Beach Club, that makes her an eligible voter in the Bonnet Shores Fire District under the current charter.
“I’m registered to vote in Narragansett, but as my name is not on the property deed — they wouldn’t let me vote in the fire district election,” said Mangili, who said she raised the issue with former Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. “The leadership Bonnet Shores has taken over the fire district council to enact policies that benefit themselves, to profit themselves.”
“I know [Carol] and I don’t agree about the voting issue in Bonnet Shores,” said Mangili who said she has “not heard from her” following the encounter.
The Narragansett Democratic Town Committee committee did not take up Mangili's request to issue a statement
“It’s disappointing [of them] not to take it up,” said Mangili. “They ultimately support, promote and endorse candidates. I do think it’s in their purview.”
The Narragansett Republican Town Committee, in a statement, called on McEntee to issue an apology.