The Rhode Island Ethics Commission on Tuesday dismissed a state GOP complaint alleging that House Speaker Joe Shekarchi had violated ethics rules.
The GOP complaint last year argued that Shekarchi, as a state representative in 2017, supported a bill that would have overridden local zoning regulations stopping large weddings from being held on farms for a fee, and that this would have benefited a legal client, Gerald Zarrella.
The commission voted 5-0 in executive session to dismiss the complaint, with two recusals.
Commission Executive Director Jason Grammitt said a written decision will be issued explaining the decision.
An investigative report by the commission found that Shekarchi and Zarrella did not have a business relationship at the time of the vote, and even if they did, Shekarchi would likely not have faced a conflict of interest violation since his benefit would have been no greater than any other lawyer. (The bill in question cleared the House, and then died in the Senate.)
In a statement, Shekarchi said, “I would like to thank the Ethics Commission and staff for its careful and comprehensive review and its unanimous dismissal of the groundless and frivolous complaint filed against me by the Republican Party. The Ethics Commission members and staff consistently demonstrated professionalism and adherence to the principles embodied by the Code of Ethics.”
Shekarchi added, “By filing this baseless complaint, the Republican Party attempted to distract me from important priorities like providing safe affordable housing for every Rhode Islander. My resolve could never be shaken. I am pleased this matter has been concluded and look forward to continuing to address the many important issues facing the people of Rhode Island.”
Political reporter Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@thepublicsradio.org.
