Rep. Gallison resigns, Frustrations mounting at State House

May 3, 2016 9:43 pm

Bristol Representative Ray Gallison has officially resigned.

His letter of resignation was submitted into the record Tuesday afternoon. It reads, "I regret to inform you that due to personal reasons, I am resigning from my seat as the Representative for House District 69 effective immediately."

Gallison’s choice to step down comes amid news that the once powerful Finance Chair is the center of a federal probe. Credible sources tell ABC 6 News that the investigation has something to do with prostitution.

"It’s outrageous, it’s frustrating, it’s distracting and it’s inappropriate,” said House Speaker Nick Mattiello.

The news causing a lot of frustration and aggravation at the State House among Gallison’s former colleagues.

"If the rumors about what happened are true it’s obviously terrible for the state and it’s good that he resigned and there’s frankly no way to sugar coat that,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Brian Newberry.

House Republicans quick to say that this is just another black eye for the state. Coincidentally enough, Gallison actually rose to Finance Chair after now convicted former House Speaker Gordon Fox resigned.

"Just the idea that the federal government that the federal prosecutors are involved makes me very worried for Rhode Island. I don’t think we can sustain that many more scandals,” said State Rep. Patricia Morgan.

Mattiello says he first got the hint that something was up at the end of last week when Gallison canceled a fundraiser and didn’t want to re-schedule. It was on Sunday, that Mattiello says the decision was made for the top leader to step down.

"He said there was a problem. He said that it was serious and that it was bothering him and he was concerned about the budget going forward,” said Mattiello.

With rumors swirling, the Speaker telling us he has no reason to believe that other lawmakers are involved in this situation.

"I have zero reason to believe that,” said Mattiello.

As of Tuesday night no charges had been filed against Gallison.

Mattiello did name his successor as Chair of the Finance Committee as Newport Rep. Marvin Abney.

"I am laser focused on making sure that the budget is done on time, that we take care of all the different constituents that we have to, that it reflects what Rhode Island is. That’s my focus at this particular point,” said Abney.

Abney, who was on the Finance Committee prior to being named Chair, says he worked with Gallison closely and he is just as surprised as everyone else about what is going on.