Providence Councilors weigh in on Aponte’s indictment
By Kirsten Glavin
@kirstenglavin
PROVIDENCE, RI – Luis Aponte did not answer any questions from reporters Wednesday, after leaving superior court. The embattled Providence City Council President faces four counts, two of them felonies, all related to misusing campaign funds from 2013 to 2015.
The question Aponte was asked by reported numerous times outside of court – would he step down as City Council President?
"We have to wait for the legal process to take its course,” said Sabina Matos, Providence City Council President Pro Tempore, Wednesday evening at City Hall. She was one of the many councilors who wanted to “wait and see what happens.”
Matos added that she did not believe the President’s charges, which include appropriation and embezzlement, reflect upon the city council as a whole.
"There have been some council members who have had some issues and they’re dealing with that right now. But i don’t want to use a brush and paint the whole city council."
ABC6 also asked numerous councilors if the public should be worried. Kevin Jackson, a member of the council for 22 years, was arrested one year ago almost to the date and recalled last week by Ward 3.
"I don’t think there should be a concern about corruption on the city council,” Councilman Bryan Principe told ABC6 News Reporter Kirsten Glavin at City Hall, Wednesday.
Many other councilors also deflected doubts.
"Have faith in the City Council,” said Terrence Hassett, Senior Deputy Majority Leader of Ward 12. “It’s a difficult business, it’s not easy. But we are committed to doing things for people."
All councilors ABC6 spoke with on and off camera Wednesday said they had not spoken to Aponte after learning of the indictment. Many seemed interested in hearing him publicly address the charges.
"I’m looking forward to hearing from his as well, absolutely,” said Councilman Principe.
As of Wednesday evening Mayor Elorza was the only public official in the city calling for Aponte, to step down.
He said in a statement:
It’s deeply disappointing to once again learn of charges against a city council member here in our city. Providence has worked so hard to overcome this stereotype and today’s indictment of Council President Luis Aponte proves that we still have a long way to go to ensure ethics and transparency for our residents. The charges brought against the Council President are serious and I call on him to step down from his leadership position immediately. Our residents deserve to be represented by council members who lead with the utmost moral authority and these charges undermine the Council President’s ability to do so.
The next full council meeting is scheduled for May 18th. ABC6 will be there.
