Projo Politics Blog

By Tatiana Pina
Journal staff writer

PROVIDENCE -- The Rhode Island Ethics Commission says there is probable cause to go to trial for an ethics complaint against Woonsocket Mayor Susan Menard that alleges she violated the ethics code by leasing four motorcycles for the Woonsocket Police Department from her son-in-law's business.

The commission's investigative report concluded that Menard had a conflict of interest, used public office to obtain financial gain, and entered into a contract without public notice or subsequent public disclosure.

The commission met today to discuss the matter in executive session and later announced its 6-to-0 decision to go forward with adjudication in a trial-like hearing.

Menard's lawyer, Glen Whitehead, refuted claims that Menard had directed anyone to enter into the contract or that there had been financial gain. Whitehead said there was public disclosure of the motorcycle deal and that the lease of the motorcycles was paid for with federal money.

The complaint, filed by retired city police officer Edward Roy, says the mayor bragged on a local radio station about the deal with her son-in-law being good for the city because of the extras thrown in. The March 3 complaint stated Menard leased the motorcycles for $10,000 from Paramount Harley Davidson of Framingham, Mass., and that one of the owners is her son-in-law, James Pilavin.

 Tags  complaint Ethics Commission mayor Providence Susan Menard Woonsocket

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