Diossa Under Fire: Critics Blast Travel Cost Cover Up - and Question Ability to Manage Pension

Diossa Under Fire: Critics Blast Travel Cost Cover Up - and Question Ability to Manage Pension

Critics are questioning how James Diossa could competently manage the state's $10 billion pension system based on his actions in Central Falls and travel cost cover-up.  

“Diossa cannot keep track of money being spent in Central Falls, how will he manage billions of dollars in the state pension funds and bond money for the state of Rhode Island?” said RI GOP Chair Sue Cienki.

This week, GoLocalProv.com revealed that the campaign for Democratic candidate for General Treasurer James Diossa lied about travel charges to taxpayers for dozens of international trips while he was Mayor of Central Falls. 

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A GoLocal investigation, which began more than three months ago, uncovered 26 trips by Diossa as mayor — many of the trips were to exotic places. GoLocal then uncovered more than a dozen additional trips and an attempt by Diossa to cover up the true cost to taxpayers for his travel costs.

“It is unacceptable that James remains silent on this issue. His campaign - and by extension, James, himself - stated unequivocally that no city funds were spent to support Diossa's travels,” said Ken Block, former GOP gubernatorial candidate and founder of the Rhode Island Moderate Party. 

“James owes Rhode Island voters a full explanation for the following: 1) Why his campaign said no city funds were spent on his extensive travel and yet substantial city funds were, in fact, spent on that travel. 2) Why did he travel so much as the mayor of a tiny town? What specific benefits did the city derive from his travels? 3) Why are Diossa's travel expenses categorized as 'Professional Development and Training' in the budget? What training did he receive for each of his trips paid for under this category of spending?” Block added.

In total, Diossa spent months traveling around the world as Mayor of Central -- nearly 50 trips and at a cost of approximately $80,000 charged to third parties and taxpayers.

“We are seeing a disturbing pattern of elected officials shirking their responsibility to be open and transparent with voters,” added Block. “Those who want to be our elected leaders must be transparent - that means no declining to debate opponents and no refusing to explain what appears to be obfuscated travel expenses. James needs to be way better than this.”

As GoLocal reported: 

"Of the 26 trips GoLocal previously uncovered, ten of them were international, including East Timor, Malaysia, England, Mexico, Colombia, China, and multiple trips to Israel and Taiwan. Diossa's campaign claimed that those 26 trips were paid for entirely by third parties. But that claim by Diossa's team was a lie. The false statement helped him get through a tough Democratic primary against Stefan Pryor. Diossa won by 11,660 votes."

 

Questioning Conduct 

“There is a saying that a leopard never loses its spots. Today’s article in GoLocalProv reaffirms that when it comes to my opponent, Mr. Diossa,” said Diossa's Republican opponent James Lathrop. “Mr. Diossa exemplifies what is wrong with American politics and why so many people do not trust or have faith in our leadership. This type of behavior is the very reason I am running for State Treasurer.”

“There was a time when politicians inspired us. They provided hope, solutions, and were an example of how you should conduct yourself. It seems this day is over. This saddens me,” added Lathrop. “It is clear, that I have the most experience and qualifications for the position of State Treasurer.  Mr. Diossa could only run-on character and what remains of it is now lost.”

“Beyond not voting for him, I believe that there should be an investigation to determine if criminal actions against him are appropriate. This is another black eye for Rhode Island and Central Falls,” Lathrop continued. “At a minimum, Mr. Diossa should apologize to the citizens of Central Falls for his actions.  This is a critical moment in his life, and should consider removing himself from this race.  Take time to reevaluate his decisions, determine how he will move forward in his life, and understand how his decisions impact those around him.”