Board of Canvassers: Rep. Carnevale doesn’t live in Prov.

In a 2-0 vote the Providence Board of Canvassers ruling that Rep. John Carnevale does not live in Providence and is therefore not eligible to run for the seat he’s held for years.

"The board had to make a tough decision. They had to look at the evidence and I respect that so I am going to confer with my councilor and we will see about an appeal,” said Rep. Carnevale.

The Board Chairwoman saying there are “multiple inconsistencies” on his residency that came up during the hearing.

One big issue repeatedly addressed on Thursday, the incident where a Providence Police Lt. says Rep. Carnevale asked to be ticketed outside of the home he claims to live at, 150 Barbara Street in Providence. There are accusations swirling that he actually lives in Johnston on Greenville Ave.

"I would think that he was trying to use that violation as some form of validating that he resides at that residence that’s what I would surmise that’s what I would think,” said Providence Police Lt. Richard Fernandes.

Carnevale was reluctant at first to comment about that incident, but ultimately said it was all a misunderstanding.

"On the date that you see here I was having problems with a motor vehicle. I wanted to leave it in front of 150 Barbara Street and not have it tagged,” said Carnevale.

GOP Chair Brandon Bell filed the residency challenge against Rep. Carnevale. He was obviously quite pleased with the vote.

"This should send a loud and clear message of zero tolerance. This is corruption,” said Bell.

Following the decision, he was quick to point the finger at House Speaker Nick Mattiello and the recent list of Democrats to run into legal and ethical trouble.

"Ray Gallison, Almeida, Fox. Everyone was related to that leadership team. It tells me that leadership team has to go,” said Bell.

Speaker Mattiello said earlier this week that if re–elected Rep. Carnevale would not be a part of his leadership team. He did issue this statement after the vote:

“As I stated earlier this week, I believe Rep.Carnevale’s actions were unacceptable and I made it clear he would not be part of my leadership team going forward. The Board of Canvassers has made a decision in the public’s best interest that should not be appealed.”

(C) WLNE 2016