By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Facing a potential recall election in the wake of his indictment on federal wire fraud charges, Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia continues carrying out his duties, presiding at the groundbreaking of a new high school construction project.
“I just keep doing my job as mayor, you saw today,” Correia told reporters at the site of the $263 million B.M.C. Durfee High School replacement project, adjacent to the existing school.
“You’re always under pressure as the mayor, I under a little bit of added pressure,” Correia said when asked whether the brief groundbreaking ceremony on a cold and windswept athletic field was a relief from the kind of pressure he faces.
A petition being circulated by Correia’s critics and opponents has reportedly gathered more than the more than 2,500 needed signatures to schedule a special recall election, with organizers saying that want to collect far more than the necessary number.
A recall would present Correia with the opportunity to resign, which he said he would not do, or to run in a special recall election, which he has indicated he would pursue.
“I think we’ve done a good job. I think the people like the way the city’s been run, and I think that’s what they care about at the end of the day.”
