June 1, 2006
Forgetful Montalbano
So, Senate President Joseph Montalbano forgot to report to the state Ethics Commission that his law firm did work for the town of West Warwick. Somehow he did manage to remember to report his work for at least 6 other towns. Imagine that, of all of the towns to not report.... A strange coincidence? In truth, I can't believe that someone as savvy as Montalbano would purposedly leave out such info. If he did it on purpose, he had to know the sort of eyebrow raising it would cause if such a coverup was discovered. Then again, who knows what he--or any legislator--thinks he can get away with given the insulated culture that exists in the State House.
Montalbano maneuvers his way onto the gravy train in West Warwick then drops all active resistance to a casino in West Warwick.
Call this the legal version of the unmarked envelope stuffed with cash.
Dear Tim,
If you were more familiar with the Senate President's regular practice, you would realize that this was nothing more than a mis-file.
Posted by: Bobby Oliveira at June 1, 2006 7:55 PMDear Tim,
If you were more familiar with the Senate President's regular practice, you would realize that this was nothing more than a mis-file.
Posted by: Bobby Oliveira at June 1, 2006 7:56 PMBobby,
I'm not referring to Montalbano's sudden memory loss related to an unexpected onset of dementia.
I'm referring to his employment by the town of West Warwick.
It's the legal version of the ummarked envelope stuffed with cash.
Joe makes his money then drops all opposition to a West Warwick casino.
Everyone understands what is going on here Bobby including you.
If you were more familiar with the FBI's regular practice, you would realize that this was nothing more than something for which people get indicted.
Posted by: Anthony at June 1, 2006 9:23 PMDear Tim and Anthony,
Appearently, you are also not familiar with the "relationship" that the Senate President and I have.
Leaving some foreclosure work off the list is a clerical misstep at best.
If there were really something here, I'd be all over it.
Posted by: Bobby Oliveira at June 2, 2006 8:37 AMHe's a crook. The people know it. Kick the bum out!
J Mahn
Posted by: Joe Mahn at June 2, 2006 11:59 AMGee, I don't know, could it be possible that the Senate President got or was given said "foreclosure work" to do -- which just so happens to have Tim Williamson as it's City Solicitor -- as a result of it just so happening to be in the town of West Warwick, which would then just so happen to be the primary beneficiary of said casino project, if resistance to a West Warwick casino suddenly "went away"? Oh, of course not. It's not like Rhode Island is known for conflicts of interest or shady backroom deals or anything...
My favorite lawyer joke: When's a bribe, not a bribe? When it's a retainer.
Posted by: Will at June 2, 2006 2:19 PMNice try Bobby,
Tax lawyers are the most meticulous people in the world. That is why they are tax lawyers. Imagine if he made a an $86K mistake on someone elses forms. He wouldn't get much work after that.
Montalbano did exactly what it appears he did (to all rational onlookers, at least). He clearly did not want to be seen collecting money from West Warwick at the same time that he was helping to shepard casino legislation that benefited West Warwick (and only West Warwick) through the Senate. He should have recused himself on the vote for competitive bidding.
Whatever happened to honest graft, anyway??
Posted by: Tony at June 2, 2006 2:54 PMGee, Any wonder how Poor Joe Montalbano got to be on WW's payroll? With over 4,000 attorneys in RI, WW selects Poor Joe for over $86,000 in legal billings?
The "Real deal" actually came together shortly after this was published.
Anyone remember this?
Edward Achorn: When a constituent isn't a constituent
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
“But his indifference to, if not approval of, the assault on the First Amendment by one of his chief lieutenants only brings shame on the Senate.”
“Mr. Montalbano and Majority Leader Teresa Paiva-Weed see no reason to question the continued service of Sen. Stephen Alves (D.-West Warwick) in his immensely powerful post as Finance Committee chairman….”
“Senate leaders don't see it. They won't even reprimand him. They won't ask him to apologize to his constituents. Indeed, they have only praise for Senator Alves, citing his compassion and work ethic. All that matters to them is that he is doing the job of finance chairman the way they want it done, and that he was part of the coalition that put them in power.
"You're talking to a friend of Stephen Alves," said President Montalbano.”
Anyone see a connection here?
Anyone one on the WW Town Council ask why Montalbano was chosen? Draw your own conclusions.
We get the Government, We deserve!