State Representative John Carnevale maintains his primary residence is in Providence, the city he represents at the General Assembly. Carnevale testified during a hearing Wednesday at the Providence Board of Canvassers. His residence came under scrutiny following reports by WPRI-TV that the lawmaker appears to live in Johnston.
Representative John Carnevale, does, in fact own a house in Johnston, which he purchased in the spring of 2007. He owns a second home in Providence. It’s been in his family for generations. Carnevale told the Board of Canvassers he inherited the property in the late 1980s.
During the hour-long hearing, Carnevale repeated his Providence address again and again when asked about his mailing address, driver’s license address, and car registration among others.
A city solicitor pointed out that health benefits list the Johnston address, to which Carnevale replied he was “very surprised at that.”
Carnevale sais he does return to the Johnston house with some frequency.
“Oh yes, I do appear there,” said Carnevale “I maintain it. I cut the grass I have slept there overnight.”
When asked how often he sleeps at his home in Johnston compared to the apartment he shares with tenants in Providence, Carnevale offered this estimate.
“Maybe tops once a week,” said Carnevale. “Probably once every couple of weeks. My intention is always to return to the 150 Barbara Street Providence 02909 address and I always do.”
Carnevale, a Democrat, sits on the powerful House Finance Committee, which oversees the state budget. The complaint over his residency was lodged by State Republican Party Chairman Brandon Bell. The Board of Canvassers says they will review the evidence before making a determination.
