In his first public remarks since returning from a Canadian vacation last week, House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello called the most recent revelations about state Rep. John Carnevale “unacceptable,” while saying it’s up to voters to decide the fate of the embattled Providence lawmaker.
“As the news broke in the media about Representative Carnevale this past week, I frankly agree with the sentiments of the public who are tired of these types of stories,” Mattiello said in a statement released by his campaign spokeswoman, Patti Doyle. “And I am too! This behavior is unacceptable.”
WPRI.com reported last week that Carnevale, who faces an ongoing inquiry into whether he resides in his legislative district, had asked Providence police to issue him parking tickets at his Providence address. Carnevale maintains he lives in Providence, not at another property he owns in Johnston.
Mattiello said Carnevale “has not only caused a great deal of distraction, but stains the reputation of all elected officials who serve their constituents with distinction.”
“I cannot control who is sent to the House of Representatives — that is the duty of the public,” Mattiello continued. “If he is re-elected, that is choice of the voters. However, I can control who will be part of my leadership team after the election. John Carnevale will not be part of that team.”
Finally, Mattiello said, “Public service requires public trust and that has not been reflected in Rep. Carnevale’s actions.”
Mattiello’s statement came literally moments after one of his two Republican opponents, Steven Frias, urged him to speak out on the Carnevale issue.
“After the State Police began investigating Carnevale, Mattiello still refused to take any action against Carnevale,” Frias said in his own statement. “With these new revelations, it is time for Speaker Mattiello to speak out against his appointee by asking Carnevale to withdraw from the his race for state representative and to declare that even if Carnevale is re-elected, he will not appoint him to the House Finance or give him any leadership role in the House or any of its committees.”
Frias added, “Because Carnevale supported Mattiello for Speaker, Mattiello may be reluctant to take any action against Carnevale. However, after going door to door for the last few weeks, and speaking to hundreds of voters, it is clear to me that the public is becoming increasing disgusted over the Carnevale scandal and upset with the Speaker for his failure to speak out against Carnevale.”
Carnevale faces three primary opponents, a situation that could make it easier for him to win re-election.
RIPR has learned that lawmakers knocking on doors have received complaints from constituents about Carnevale, a former Providence police officer, who serves as vice chairman of the House Finance Committee.
Carnevale is close to House Majority Leader John DeSimone, also a Providence Democrat, so Mattiello’s criticism comes with some internal backlash for the speaker.
The state Board of Elections is slated to consider Monday evening a complaint over his residency status.
This post has been updated.
