By Dee DeQuattro, WPRO News
Central Falls Mayoral Candidate Joseph Moran is criticizing his opponent Councilman James Diossa for over spending his campaign account by over $2,000.
A report in yesterday’s Providence Journal discussed how Diossa has out fundraised and out-spent Moran but it also noted that Diossa has a “$2,263.13 deficit” in his campaign account after paying for advertising, campaign signs, and consulting.
Moran says Diossa overspending his campaign account raises serious concerns regarding his ability to manage a major city budget.
"How can James Diossa be responsible for a budget of 16 million dollars of taxpayer monies, when he can't stay within a budget of $35,000 of campaign contributions," said Moran. "Individuals are not going to send him checks if he overspends the budget for the city of Central Falls, but the taxpayers will be responsible for his lack of fiscal responsibility."
The Diossa campaign said the situation is a non-issue because the campaign has raised sufficient funds since the reporting period closed on Dec. 3. “Campaign finance reporting requirements dictate that we list all of our expenses and contributions as any particular reporting period is coming to a close. In this case, this report covered the period from 11/3 to 12/3. The campaign has continued to raise funds since the December 3 reporting date that have covered this temporary situation. The most important thing from our perspective is to file our campaign finance reports in the most transparent manner,” said spokesperson Bill Fischer.
Diossa has been campaigning on transparency and fiscal responsibility and has received endorsements of several top Democrats. Just a few days ago Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said in a statement “James Diossa is committed to government transparency and fiscal responsibility.”
Moran emphasized that he operated the Central Falls Police Department within its $3.1 million budget. "Central Falls needs a fiscally responsible Mayor, not someone who lacks the ability to stay within a budget," said Moran.
Fischer said that Moran’s “conclusions are without merit and are a clear indication that his campaign has gone into desperation mode. “
The Central Falls mayor’s position is a nonpartisan post and the special election is set to be held on Tuesday, December 11. During the mayoral primary held in conjunction with the General Election on November 6 Diossa got 59% of the vote in a four way race. Moran received 20% of the vote.
Dee DeQuattro covers news and politics for 630wpro.com for more political commentary see her "Digging Deeper" blog. Follow her on twitter @DeeDeQuattro
