The Scoop: Elorza Unveils Ethics Agenda, Latest Endorsements Announced, and More

Elorza Announces Plan to Strengthen Ethics in City Government

Democratic candidate for Mayor Jorge Elorza announced a plan to strengthen ethics in every department of city government.

“As a Judge on Providence’s Housing Court, I know the importance of ethical and honest government,” Elorza said. “I hope that you’ll join me in ensuring that City government moves forward, not backward, in the years to come.  Together, we’ll work to strengthen and guarantee a culture of ethics in the City of Providence.”

Elorza said that as Mayor he will:

 1. Impanel the City Ethics Commission  In 2006, the Providence City Council created a City Ethics Commission tasked with overseeing potential violations of the City’s ethics code.  This Commission is responsible for establishing a “plain English” ethics handbook, for educating city employees the City’s ethics code, and even for establishing an anonymous hotline for members of the public to report potential ethics violations committed by City employees.  This Commission exists in the City’s Code of Ordinances but no members have been appointed and the Commission has yet to call its first meeting.

 2. Refuse Campaign Contributions from City Employees   As a candidate for Mayor, Elorza pledged not to accept campaign contributions from City employees.  The talented public servants who have dedicated their careers to the people of Providence should never be made to feel as though their job depends on making financial contributions to a politician.

 3.  Require Mandatory Ethics Training for all Department Heads  Employees benefit from clear expectations.  The Elorza administration will ensure that all City employees – starting with those who work in the Mayor’s office – receive clear and consistent training on ethical conduct in public service.

 4.  Accelerate the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Open Providence Commission for Transparency & Accountability  Providence has made strides with new, online processes for accessing city data, bidding on public projects, finding information about public meetings, submitting permit applications and more.  The Elorza administration will prioritize the continued implementation of the Commission’s recommendations, including the development of a resident dashboard for citywide transactions and information access.

Catherine Taylor Receives Endorsement of Brotherhood of Correctional Officers

Lieutenant Governor candidate Catherine Taylor was endorsed by the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers.

“The work I did at the Division of Elderly Affairs to assist the Department of Corrections to manage an aging inmate population, specifically the push to identify and understand how to approach inmates with Alzheimer’s disease, is important to the correctional system, and indeed our entire state,” said Taylor. “I’m grateful to the Brotherhood of Correctional Officers for their difficult frontline work and for their ringing endorsement. As lieutenant governor I look forward to working productively with the Brotherhood by providing assistance and expertise where necessary to address the changing demographics of inmates.”

Almonte Endorsed by RI International Brotherhood of Police Officers PAC

Ernie Almonte, independent candidate for General Treasurer, was endorsed by the Rhode Island International Brotherhood of Police Officers Political Action Committee.

"Those who receive pensions from the state deserve to know that their futures are secure,” said Almonte. “As Treasurer, I will put my qualifications, credentials, and experience to work shoring up the state pension plans and setting the foundation for a productive financial future in Rhode Island."

Health Care and Property Service Unions Endorse Elorza

32 BJ and 1199 New England of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced today their endorsement of Judge Jorge Elorza for Mayor of Providence.

“As an attorney and housing court judge, Jorge Elorza has fought tirelessly for working families,” said Roxana Rivera, 32BJ SEIU District Director. “Jorge brings new ideas to ensure that Providence has a flourishing economy to benefit all its residents. Our members are proud to support leaders who will make sure the voices of working people are heard.  We are proud to stand with him.”

Citizens for Responsible Government Blast Norquist

Citizens for Responsible Government held a press conference outside an event featuring Grover Norquist, who has come to Rhode Island in support of a Constitutional Convention.

“Our concern about a Constitutional Convention is that it opens the rulebook of our democracy to wealthy outside special interests, giving them an opportunity to come into our state and push divisive issues like curtailing women’s reproductive rights, repealing gay marriage, and infringing on worker and minority rights,” stated coalition spokesman Pablo Rodriguez, who is also President of Latino Public Radio. “The poster child of wealthy out-of-state special interests is Grover Norquist, whose could use a Constitutional Convention as a vehicle to buy any issue he wants. If we allow a Constitutional Convention, we will essentially be handing the keys of our government over to people like Norquist and his billionaire friends.”