A strong majority of the Providence City Council, Democrats all, is seeking to oust Council President Luis Aponte from his leadership post.
On Friday, a group of seven Providence councilors who previously backed Aponte called for a special meeting Monday to vote on a no confidence resolution in Aponte, pressing him to resign as council president.
“It is imperative that we keep the City moving forward in a positive direction and continue to focus on the important work for the people of Providence,” the seven councilors said in a statement.
The meeting will be held Monday May 15 at 5 p.m. at City Hall. The confab was called by council members Terry Hassett, Sabina Matos, Bryan Principe, JoAnn Ryan, Mark Kay Harris, Michael Correia and John Igliozzi.
Previously, Council members Sam Zurier, Wilbur “Billy” Jennings, Nick Narducci, David Salvatore and Seth Yurdin called for Aponte, who was indicted Thursday on felony charges of converting campaign funds to personal use, to leave the council presidency.
Aponte was indicted on felony charges of embezzlement and misuse of campaign cash Wednesday. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In a joint statement, the minority faction previously said Aponte’s indictment “shattered any remaining public trust in his leadership.” The resolution calls for Aponte to immediately vacate his post as head of the council.
“Every hour that Mr. Aponte remains as president worsens the crisis of public confidence he and former Majority Leader Jackson have generated,” the statement reads. “It is time to stop enabling this conduct and for everyone to place the well-being of the City above their personal interests and ambitions.”
Aponte is the second Providence councilor to recently face campaign finance-related charges. Ward 3 Councilor Kevin Jackson was recalled last week and faces pending charges.
