Citing “intimidation tactics from the General Assembly,” Robert Lafleur, the Executive Director of the RI Independent Contractors Association (RIICA) announced his resignation from the association effective Monday. Lafleur is best known for leading the truck rallies for the association at the State House protesting the Governor’s RhodeWorks truck tolling legislation.
“I have truly enjoyed my experience with the organization and very proud of the progress we made to further the cause of small businesses in RI, a cause and voice that is absent from other business groups in Rhode Island.” Lafleur said.
Lafleur was named Executive Director of the organization in June of 2008.
Lafleur said in a press release that his departure was “collateral damage” resulting from RIICA’s lobbyist, Terrance Martiesian & Associates cutting ties with the organization on February 11th. On Thursday morning Lafleur said that he called the association President, Mat Olson, to tell him how the House vote went and what occurred that evening. Olson then expressed that he had been receiving calls from some members about possible retaliation, and that the Martiesian had notified him that he could no longer represent RIICA as he was getting “push back from some reps and senators” as well as other larger clients . Olson also told Lafleur that any future legislation that may be submitted may be jeopardized due to the relationship.
“I believe that Terry’s departure was a direct result of the position RIICA took and the bullying and “whisper campaign” that goes on behind the scenes up at the State House.” Lafleur said. “Never in my many years of involvement at the State House have I ever seen a more toxic culture of intimidation and fear-mongering by the leadership.”
Lafleur appeared on WPRO’s Dan Yorke Show on Monday to further detail his resignation and the reasons behind it. LISTEN BELOW.
