RI GOP Slams McKee's “Astonishing Lack of Leadership” Amidst Washington Bridge Failure

RI GOP Slams McKee's “Astonishing Lack of Leadership” Amidst Washington Bridge Failure

Rhode Island Republican Party Chairman Joe Powers has condemned Governor Dan McKee for what he says is his “stunningly inadequate leadership and appalling lack of priorities, starkly illustrated by his participation in a political fundraiser for Rhode Island Department of Transportation Chief of Staff John Igliozzi while the state grapples with the Washington Bridge failure.”

The Rhode Island Island Department of Transportation bridge failure has disrupted Rhode Islanders' lives, closed schools, and adversely impacted businesses.

As GoLocalProv reported Friday, it was disclosed that "McKee was attending a political fundraiser for Rhode Island Department of Transportation Chief of Staff John Igliozzi on Tuesday night."

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GoLocal reported:

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.

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.

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. 

 

Powers - "McKee's Misplaced Priorities"

Powers said, "Governor Dan McKee's misplaced priorities are glaringly apparent in his decision to participate in a high-priced political fundraiser instead of prioritizing the urgent needs of the people he was elected to serve. Remember, it was Governor Dan McKee who said 'It was all hands on deck.' I guess unless your hands are busy grabbing appetizers at a high-ticket fundraiser for your political allies."

“The reported attendance at a fundraiser while the Washington Bridge failure continues to disrupt the lives of citizens sends a clear message about Governor McKee's misplaced values and underscores the need for a leader who prioritizes the public over personal political gain,” added Powers.