Providence city employee resigns over tweet insulting Cranston mayor

July 11, 2019 11:56 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A City of Providence employee has resigned over a controversial tweet.

“Oh, Cranston Police, criminalizing poverty,” tweeted Kevin Aherne, a now-former communications director for the City of Providence.

He then replaced an expletive with Cranston Mayor Allan Fung’s name.

Fung addressed the issue on “In the Arena.”

“Trying to come at me about something he saw, took a picture of while he was driving – which is a no–no anyway,” said Fung, “But he saw a police officer encountering two homeless individuals who appear to be panhandling. Criticizing Cranston Police, criticizing myself.”

It turns out it wasn’t even Cranston Police; it was Warwick.

Yet Mayor Fung says what bothers him most is not that mistake, or a disagreement on policy, but the disparaging pun on his name.

“Because that’s juvenile, sophomoric,” Fung said. “I heard it when I was in grammar school. And that’s what really got me irate.”

Providence Mayor Elorza stepped in soon after Tuesday’s tweet.

“I reached out to Mayor Fung yesterday and I apologized on behalf of the city,” Elorza said. “That was inexcusable and inappropriate, and Mr. Aherne no longer works for the city.”

Aherne told ABC6 he had no comment beyond his resignation letter, which reads in part:

“I wish to express my gratitude for the opportunity to represent the city I love…while I am looking ahead to my next challenge, I will always look back fondly at my time with the City of Providence.”

Aherne started the job as Communications Director for the Department of Planning and Development in March.

Now he’s taken down his Twitter account.