Ocean State Today

Common Cause Rhode Island has filed a complaint with the Public Information Office of Secretary of State Gregg Amore. The organization is requesting an investigation and possible sanctions against Michael Magee, former CEO of Chiefs for Change, for allegedly failing to register as a lobbyist in Rhode Island. This action follows a review by Common Cause Rhode Island of documents released by Attorney General Peter Neronha and the Rhode Island State Police concerning the awarding of a state contract to ILO Group, LLC.

Additionally, Common Cause Rhode Island has reached out to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission. They are advocating for stricter limits on gifts from lobbyists to public officials and more transparency regarding such gifts. The organization also seeks a review of state ethics laws related to procurement processes. Furthermore, they plan to propose legislation in the upcoming General Assembly session aimed at tightening restrictions on in-kind contributions to candidates.

John Marion, Executive Director of Common Cause Rhode Island, commented on the situation: “The investigation into how the ILO Group was awarded a state contract exposed politics at its worst including a procurement process full of back-scratching.” He expressed disappointment that current public integrity laws did not prevent unethical behavior during the ILO Group investigations and emphasized the need for reform: “While ultimately few may be held accountable, Rhode Islanders deserve to know this behavior won’t be repeated. That is why we are seeking these changes to our ethics and campaign finance laws.”

To view further details about their actions with Secretary of State Gregg Amore or their correspondence with the Rhode Island Ethics Commission, additional information can be accessed through provided links.