Ethics Complaint Filed Against Rep. O'Brien of North Providence

Ethics Complaint Filed Against Rep. O'Brien of North Providence

The state director for the Rhode Island Progressive Democrats has filed an ethics complaint against State Representative William O'Brien of North Providence, alleging O'Brien failed to submit required financial disclosure forms.  

Sam Bell with the Progressive Democrats filed the complaint on Thursday. 

READ COMPLAINT BELOW

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About the Complaint

"The complaint is very straightforward," said Bell. "When [O'Brien] was running for office, he failed to file his first two required financial disclosure statements, 2009 and 2011.  When they run, candidates are required to file financial disclosure statement for the preceding year. O'Brien simply decided not to. Twice."

O'Brien was defeated in the Democratic primary in 2010 by Gregory Schadone; in 2012 O'Brien beat Independent Kenneth Amoriggi II in the general election. O'Brien, who ran unopposed in 2014, is facing a primary challenge from labor activist Bill Deware. 

"Financial disclosure forms are vitally important.  Without them, we have no idea where politicians receive their income," said Bell. "Given that the Gallison scandal seems to be related to lawmakers' income, tracking where politicians make their money is especially important."