Warwick Councilman Calls for Caucus to Remove Councilwoman From Position Following Her Arraignment
GoLocalProv News Team
Warwick Councilman Calls for Caucus to Remove Councilwoman From Position Following Her Arraignment
Travis — who is not running for reelection — will be giving the property back to the association as part of an agreement with the prosecution; she received a one-year suspended sentence and one year of probation.
“Today, I address the recent indictment of Councilwoman Donna Travis. Ms. Travis has served the Warwick community for many years. However, it is with deep regret and disappointment that I acknowledge her recent actions, which have led to charges and a guilty plea for submitting false information to the City of Warwick. Additionally, Ms. Travis betrayed the trust of the Oakland Beach Association by wrongfully claiming ownership of a property to which she was not entitled for her own personal gain,” said Gebhart on Wednesday.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“The integrity of our city government and the trust of our community members are paramount. While Ms. Travis' long service to our city is recognized, this serious lapse in judgment and failure to uphold her duties as a member of the City Council cannot go unnoticed. We hold all our public officials to the highest standards of honesty and integrity, and actions that undermine these values are unacceptable,” he added.
Gebhart, a Democrat, then urged his colleagues to take action.
“In light of these events, it is imperative that Councilwoman Travis resign her post as Chairwoman of the City of Warwick Democratic Party,” said Gebhart. “Furthermore, I urge my colleagues in the Democratic Caucus to immediately vote to remove Ms. Travis as Pro Tempore of the City Council.”
“I am committed to maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust with our residents. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that all members of our government act in the best interests of our community,” he continued. “I understand that this news may be disappointing to many who have placed their trust in Councilwoman Travis. I will take all necessary actions to address this matter and uphold the standards expected of our elected officials.”
Travis did not respond to request for comment.
Mayor on Record
Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi weighed in on the recent developments.
“I can’t say anything as to her role as Democratic Party Chair -- I’m not a member [of the party]; I don’t really care who’s chairman,” said Picozzi.
“I think should [Travis] step down as Council Pro Tempore,” said Picozzi. “That’s [up to] what the majority of the members want.”