NEWS: Ethics commission votes 6-0 to investigate Rep. Peter Palumbo

Members of the Ethics Commission meet to vote on the complaint filed agaisnt Rep. Peter Palumbo

WPRO Newsroom, reporting by Steve Klamkin WPRO News 

The state Ethics Commission voted unanimously to authorize an investigation into Representative Peter Palumbo’s bid on a contract to run the concession stands at three state beaches.

 The complaint was filed by the government watchdog group Common Cause Rhode Island, who maintain that the representative from Cranston violated an ethics rule which states General Assembly members cannot be state employees.

“I think it was a good sign the vote was unanimous,” said Common Cause RI Exectutive Director John Marion, “I think it is a good sign that this is moving forward, that our complaint was on sound basis.”

Ethics Commission Chairman Ross Cheit said while the vote was unanimous, it should not be taken as an indictment of Palumbo.

“We made no determination today and we have no facts before us so it’s very important that it’s clear that what we’re saying is ‘if’ the statements in the complaint are true. But we’ve made no determination about whether that’s the case, that’s the staff’s job to do an investigation now and come back to us and tell us what they’ve found,” said Cheit.

The Ethics Commission has 180 days to determine whether there is probable cause to charge Palumbo.

Penalties could bring fines of up to $25,000.