Board to hear challenges of 3 candidates

By John Howell
Posted 7/21/16

The primary election is months away and candidates have yet to be certified for the ballot, but the contest has started. This afternoon, the Board of Canvassers is slated to hear three challenges to nomination papers filed by declared

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Board to hear challenges of 3 candidates

Posted

The primary election is months away and candidates have yet to be certified for the ballot, but the contest has started.

This afternoon, the Board of Canvassers is slated to hear three challenges to nomination papers filed by declared candidates.

Ed Lawrence, campaign manager for incumbent Rep. Eileen Naughton, has challenged whether declared candidate David Kruzona’s forms were properly notarized. He has questioned whether the person who signed as a notary is a notary.

In Ward 2, where incumbent Thomas “TC” Chadronet is not seeking re-election, endorsed Democratic candidate Jeremy Rix has requested that the board validate the signatures of James Donelan. A Democrat and former state senator, Donelan garnered 56 signatures. In order to be certified he must have the signatures of 50 registered voters living in Ward 2.

In the House District 22, where incumbent Joseph Solomon Jr. faces a challenge from Jennifer Siciliano, Democratic City Committee Chairman Robert Farrell has questioned whether Siciliano garnered a valid number of signatures and whether the person who was sworn under oath as collecting some of those signatures was, in fact, that person.

In a letter he says he wrote, Farrell cites state laws and states, “there are irregularities in the attestation and signatures on the nomination papers of Jennifer Siciliano, candidate for House District 22. The irregularities are not in compliance with Rhode Island General Laws and may constitute actions of voter fraud.”

He goes on to say, “Several individuals have indicated that Mr. Grant Metts [who signed the papers as collecting signatures] did not obtain their signatures in accordance with Rhode Island General Laws.”

Dottie McCarthy of the Board of Canvassers said she checked the Secretary of State website of notaries public and found the name of the notary who signed Kruzona’s nomination papers.

“So, what is wrong?” she questioned.

McCarthy said the signatures on the Donelan papers could be validated by comparing them to those the board has on file. She pointed out if signatures are disqualified, Donelan could still be certified as a candidate as long as he has 50 valid signatures.

McCarthy said the board would listen to Farrell’s argument regarding possible fraud and seek to establish whether Metts, indeed, signed the papers.

The board will meet at 1 p.m. today.

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  • dkruzona

    What a dirty political move -This is why everyone wants you out - 6 opponents, must be some kind of record... Eileen Naughton objected to my notary not putting her expiration date on the nomination forms. Well, it's not required and my notary is legit. Before doing this, you should have checked your own forms, I did, and your notary did not add this date either, so I filed an objection with the secretary of state, you know, the proper place to hear this complaint, see you Monday when they have my objection hearing.

    Oh, and also, you shouldn't have people signing for their spouses...it's illegal, specially when your son and husband signed a notarized affidavit saying everyone who signed was there and in person...shame on you...hopefully they'll hear that complaint too...

    Thursday, July 21, 2016 Report this