Magaziner: “I Am Not Familiar With That” — Blocks Press After Story on Treasurer’s Father & Epstein

Magaziner: “I Am Not Familiar With That” — Blocks Press After Story on Treasurer’s Father & Epstein

Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner claimed no knowledge of his office blocking GoLocal from public information and press inquiries, after a GoLocal investigation first published in August 2019 unveiled that Magaziner’s father -- Ira Magaziner -- had repeatedly traveled globally with convicted sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein.

“I really don’t know anything about this,” said Treasurer Magaziner, when asked by GoLocal why the office had blocked GoLocal. “Talk to my communications officer.”

READ: Sexual Predator Epstein Tied to RI’s Ira Magaziner, Father of General Treasurer

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Since the publication of the Epstein article, Treasurer Magaziner’s communications director Evan England has repeatedly refused to answer questions, including questions regarding recent changes to the State Investment Commission's portfolio. 

In January, GoLocal published that Treasurer Magaziner had blocked GoLocal’s access since reporting on the global traveling by the senior Magaziner and Epstein.

Ira Magaziner repeatedly flew on Epstein’s jets and his personal phone number and private email were in Epstein’s “black book.” (SEE MORE BELOW)

Treasurer Magaziner’s office has refused to answer press calls or respond to questions about the state's investments or the other issues tied to the Treasurer's public duties.

Touting “Good Government”

Treasurer Magaziner’s comments came after an appearance at the kick-off of the “Redraw Rhode Island” campaign, spearheaded by Common Cause to establish an independent redistricting commission in the state. 

“I want to thank all the champions for good government. When [Common Cause Executive Director] John Marion says we should do something, we should,” said Treasurer Magaziner, citing “ethics and morality.”

“There is a perception that Rhode Island looks the other way from corruption,” said Treasurer Magaziner at the event on Wednesday. “That kind of a reputation even when it’s not true is poison to business and economic growth. We can’t afford to be behind the curve on ethics and good government — to show and live a reality when it comes to clean government.”

Treasurer Magaziner refused to answer whether blocking the press is “good government.”

Magaziner and Epstein

The senior Magaziner is a close friend and adviser to Bill and Hillary Clinton and presently leads the Clinton Health Access Initiative.

According to flight records, GoLocal found the senior Magaziner flew on Jeffrey Epstein’s plane numerous times. The flight records show that Ira Magaziner flew with Epstein and Clinton in Africa, China, and Hong Kong.

During Clinton’s presidency, the senior Magaziner was Senior Advisor for Policy Development leading the Clintons' effort for a national healthcare policy.

After his White House career, Ira Magaziner chaired the Clinton Climate Initiative and the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS program.