CRANSTON: In an increasingly contentious contest for mayor of Cranston, Republican state representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung has threatened to sue her opponent, Mayor Ken Hopkins, with just one week to go before the primary.
Fenton-Fung pushed for an investigation against Hopkins by the Rhode Island State Police and the office of the state attorney general on Tuesday during a press conference held outside municipal hall. She also demanded that the R.I. Ethics Commission conduct an independent investigation into claims of “abuse of office.”
A 22-page lawsuit accusing Hopkins of obtaining ownership of a vintage car in 2021 without paying the owner’s costs was filed against him on Thursday. In addition, local officials implicated in the issue have been accused of “harassment, retaliation, intimidation, and abuse” in the lawsuit.
Political hit job
Hopkins said in a statement released last week that the owner’s lawsuit—which he described as a “political hit job” intended to damage his campaign—was not a coincidence and occurred just before Hopkins’ WPRI 12 primary debate against Fenton-Fung.
Hopkins stated, “That complaint could have been filed years ago, but it wasn’t.” “Why Mr. Broccoli never reported the car missing to the police is a question that has to be asked.”
Common Cause Rhode Island’s executive director, John Marion, stated that the lawsuit’s outcome won’t be known by election day. By the time they cast their votes, “Voters won’t really know where this goes,” he claimed.
“Voters will simply need to consider the information in the lawsuit and the reports before making a choice.” Hopkins released a new statement following Fenton-Fung’s press conference in which she was accused of using the case as a political political tool:
“You call a news conference in an attempt to garner attention when your mayoral campaign is faltering. You give it another call the next week if it’s truly failing.
Three distinct Rhode Island courts have dismissed the City’s complaints. These accusations have been rejected in recent years by the Rhode Island District, Superior, and Cranston Municipal Courts.
A car was missing
“Anyone who knows me is able to see through these ridiculous accusations of stealing a car and not paying for it. Mr. Broccoli is aware that we came to a price and that I was able to take the automobile in for urgent repairs.
To get a bill of sale and give him the agreed amount, I have been trying for more than three years. Should there be any veracity to his account, why didn’t Mr. Broccoli notify the authorities that the car was missing?
“Cranston should be led by someone who respects justice and doesn’t put personal gain ahead of the general welfare. We demand that the Attorney General and the Rhode Island State Police conduct a thorough inquiry into these alarming claims.
Together, Mayor Hopkins and Attorney Millea ought to assist with all inquiries and endeavor to reassure Cranston residents that their public servants are held to the highest moral standards.
