Avedisian resigns as RIPTA chairman

May 25, 2016 4:01 pm

By Kirsten Glavin

kglavin@abc6.com

@kirstenglavin

WARWICK, RI – Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian has resigned his post as chairman of the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority.

RIPTA confirmed the news that Avedisian resigned at the beginning of their board meeting on Monday afternoon. The resignation was effective immediately.

"We had a lot of good conversations about where we started five years ago and where we’re ending now, and I think it was a good process for all of us,” said the Avedisian said.

The Warwick Mayor has held the position since 2012. He explained that his term was up April first, and that this was a move he felt he needed to make.

"I have been talking for a while with the governor’s office and with the RIPTA staff as to what a good time to transition would be,” he told ABC-6 news in an interview at City Hall.

He added that it’s not the first time he’s thought of stepping down. He expressed interest in transitioning elsewhere when Governor Raimondo was first elected into office. He assumed the role at her request, but this time around, said it was time to resign.

"In discussions with the governor I really wasn’t committed to making the commitment for another four year term."

RIPTA has been plagued of late for numerous bus accidents and budget problems. It started this budget year $5.6 million short.

The mayor acknowledged the issues but insisted his resignation was just a matter of timing, and that things for RIPTA are looking up.

"I think the indicators over the past five years have been really good and really positive. So this is a good time to exit and let someone else come in,” Avedisian said.

Governor Raimondo will now search for a new Chairman. Once a candidate is appointed, the board will then take a vote.