EXCLUSIVE: While Drivers Were Stuck in Chaos, Gov Attends Fundraiser for RIDOT Chief-of-Staff

EXCLUSIVE: While Drivers Were Stuck in Chaos, Gov Attends Fundraiser for RIDOT Chief-of-Staff

While tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders were stuck in traffic for upwards of three to four hours, Governor Dan McKee was attending a political fundraiser for Rhode Island Department of Transportation Chief of Staff John Igliozzi on Tuesday night.

Igliozzi, a former Providence City Councilman, is the top staffer to director Peter Alviti. According to state records, Igliozzi makes $175,926.92 at RIDOT.

McKee has repeatedly stated that he and RIDOT officials have been working around the clock to solve the RIDOT Bridge failure.

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The fundraiser was held at "The Social" at 1449 Mineral Spring Avenue in North Providence. Igliozzi is expected to run for Rhode Island Attorney General in 2026.

 

READ HERE: GOP SLAMS MCKEE FOR ATTENDING FUNDRAISER

 

The ticket price: $250 to $1,000 per person.

But while McKee, RIDOT officials, and other politicos were sipping cocktails and downing appetizers, schools in East Providence were being closed, holiday parties were being canceled throughout Rhode Island, and Rhode Islanders' lives were thrown into upheaval. 

According to restaurant owners, cancellations continue to spiral and business is off 20% to 30% during the critical holiday season.

Presently, Igliozzi had a cash balance in his campaign account of $71,063.93 as of the last October 31, 2023 report.

McKee's office said in response to questions about his attending the fundraiser, “The Governor is on duty no matter where he is. He did briefly attend that event and then returned to the State House.”

This story was first published 12/15/23 3:10 PM