Avedisian reported to be candidate for CEO position at RIPTA

Vote scheduled for tomorrow afternoon

By Ethan Hartley & John Howell
Posted 4/24/18

Mayor Scott Avedisian, who has been mayor in Warwick since 2000, might officially be leaving office pending a vote by the RIPTA board, sources have confirmed.

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Avedisian reported to be candidate for CEO position at RIPTA

Vote scheduled for tomorrow afternoon

Posted

Multiple sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed that the board of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will be taking a vote Wednesday afternoon that could land current incumbent Mayor of Warwick, Scott Avedisian, as the new CEO of the state agency.

Rumors had been circulating for months that Avedisian would not seek reelection this November, and was possibly courting opportunities from a variety of other government agencies, however the mayor had not confirmed any of these rumors and was mum on whether or not he was seeking another term, a political position he has held since 2000.

GoLocal Providence first broke the news on Tuesday afternoon that the RIPTA board would be voting in closed and public sessions on appointing a new CEO during their Wednesday afternoon meeting, and that Avedisian was a candidate for the position. The Beacon was able to confirm this report as well, however there is no guarantee that the board will vote in favor of Avedisian for the role. The current interim CEO of RIPTA is Amy Pettine, who has been in the role since Oct. 1 of 2017.

Requests for comment sent to Avedisian's office and the director of public relations for RIPTA, Barbara Polichetti, were not immediately returned. Cranston Mayor Allan Fung declined to comment on the development at this time through a spokesman. Calls to City Council President Joseph Solomon and Ward 5 Councilman Ed Ladouceur were also not returned right away.

Former Mayor of Warwick and governor Lincoln Chafee squashed rumors that he would take the possible void of Avedisian as an opportunity to run for public office in Warwick again. He extended that statement to squash rumors he would run for governor this year as well. Chafee was governor when Avedisian was appointed to the board of RIPTA in 2011, a post he held for five years until resigning in 2016. 

There will be additional details on this developing story in tomorrow's Cranston Herald and in Thursday's Beacon.

Comments

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  • Scal1024

    The report on Golocalprov said Avedesian was stepping down to take the job at RIPTA. This article makes it sound less imminent which is strange. No mention of the Mayor stepping down? Or what would happen if he does step down? There are alot of questions left unanswered in this article.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    master taxing payers mayer, how could you leave us like dis all to go drive a bus. wese is going to miss yer comments here and we didn't eben gets a chance to reerect youse

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Hi Scal:

    From other more detailed media reports, it seems there's language in the charter that requires a special election if the mayor leaves office before a certain point (I believe it's mid-May). If he leaves after, the council president serves as acting mayor until the next regularly scheduled election.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Here's an article that explains it, Scal: https://warwickpost.com/if-avedisian-steps-down-what-happens-next/

    Basically if he leaves before May 5 is would trigger an automatic special election. If after that, the council can decide to hold a special election or not.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • DannyHall82

    Here comes Stacia Huyler/Petri for Mayor! WooHoo can't wait to warn my neighbors lol. My name is Stacia Huyler and if you don't place my lawn sign up I'll make sure to rip my opponent signs up lol

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    For the record:

    I have not been positive with my comments of Mayor Avedisian and his decisions as Mayor of Warwick.

    Nor have I been positive about his splitting time as Mayor of Warwick and Chairman of the Board of Directors at RIPTA. (2011-2016)

    That said, I have been in his presence about a hundred times and he was always gracious and professional to me and I greatly appreciated that. His smile was always sincere and his handshake warm and genuine. Although we disagree about many things politically, I honestly wish him well in his new position.

    As far as the exact date that Scott Avedisian actually leaves office, that question has already been answered to the political insiders. The taxpayers and I will have to wait until the insiders let us know. It's good to hear that Lincoln Chaffee isn't interested in entering the race. His name is well known and his finances are strong. He would have been a formidable contender.

    Here's what we do know.

    Whether it's a special election or the general election in November, I will be ready to serve the 80,000 taxpayers that are paying the tab. I will continue to campaign to "Cut Taxes - Cut Spending". That has always been, and always will be, my ultimate goal, regardless as to who becomes Warwicks' next Mayor. That message won in 2016. It will win again in 2018.

    Happy Spring everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    "As far as the exact date that Scott Avedisian actually leaves office, that question has already been answered to the political insiders."

    There goes the make-believe "mayor," engaging in conspiracy theories again, when his own behavior remains, at best, questionable.

    By making such statements, he clearly hopes that voters ignore that the majority of the campaign contributions he received during the 2016 campaign were from Democratic insiders: "Corrente’s reported contributions include money from a veritable who’s who of local Democratic Party members, among them Councilors Edgar Ladouceur, Joseph Gallucci, and Donna Travis; state Reps. Camille Vella-Wilkinson, Evan Shanley, Joseph McNamara, and K. Joseph Shekarchi; and school committee member Karen Bachus. He also received donations from Cranston Democratic City Committee Chairman Michael Sepe and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza."

    [The full article is here: https://warwickpost.com/digit-spinner-richard-corrente-fudges-numbers/ ]

    "That message won in 2016. It will win again in 2018."

    This claim is false. In the 2016 general election, actual Mayor Scott Avedisian defeated the make-believe "mayor," 26,281 to 14,086, or 64.9% to 34.8%.

    Whatever "message" the make-believe "mayor" thinks he is sending, the fact is that most of his claims have been proven false by facts and data, like this one: He lost in 2016, and he will certainly lose again in 2018.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • Scal1024

    When a young boy drowned in Warwick recently Rick Corrente literally blamed the death on Scott Avedesian for not having more lifeguards on. Funny you didn't think he was so warm and genuine then. More double speak from the total fraud, losing candidate. If it wasn't so psychotic it would be funny. Strange.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • Flo5582

    Mr.Hall- you are just so easy to predict. Seems you are pretty concerned about what other people may have in store for the future, indicating that you have absolutely nothing promising ahead for yourself. What's the matter, life at the DOC got you bored?? Perhaps you have finally come to realize that you have nothing to contribute to the city of Warwick, which is why you shift your attention to those who do

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    the not legitimate corrente aside, who would make a good replacement for scott avedisian?

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Scal1024,

    Re-read that article. I DID NOT blame Mayor Avedisian for that tragic drowning. To say that I did is a lie. I did say that the way Mayor Avedisian responded after the fact left me outraged. He eliminated the lifeguards for the rest of the season making a dangerous situation much worse. My exact words were "Avedisian responded to the drowning of a six-year old boy at City Park by removing the two lifeguards for the remainder of the season." "I would have doubled or tripled them. Any caring person would have. I am outraged!"

    Get your facts right Scal. Re-read the article on the cover of the Pennysaver of September 3, 2016. You should apologize for that accusation. You are way out of line.

    Happy Spring everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    master tickleprayers mayer, does da bored of erections know that you has bin actively campainging for over 700 days. maybes you should chick wit dem about der rules and regs on how mayers should run

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Editorial from August 18th, 2016 (8/18/16)

    First comment listed (go figure)

    Third paragraph down:

    Rick Corrente- "Avedesian is a disgusting coward. He should resign. He doesn't care enough about our children to protect them."

    I'll let the readers decide if Rick blamed this drowning on the mayor...

    Rick then goes on to list other "scandals" that had nothing to do with the mayor. Again folks, Rick Corrente literally used the drowning death of a 6 year old child to score political points. About as pathetic and disgusting as it gets. Rick, you have the audacity to call me a liar? You're a coward. A fraud and a proven liar. When will you be dropping out of the race to let real candidates run?

    Once again you seem to think your lies can't be proven, and past statements don't matter. All of your words are right here for the readers.

    Flo, whats your issue w Dan Hall? Seems a little out of place. Its starting to feel like flo= teacher no doubt about it.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Wwkvoter maybe Joe Shekarchi? I wouldn't mind seeing him in the race for mayor. Let's get serious, qualified candidates that have experience legislating in the race. I could see a couple City Council members running. Ladecour, Solomon, Merolla perhaps? I'd like a competitive race with REAL IDEAS being debated. Not talking points like we get from "The Tax Delinquents Mayor".

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Hello again, Scal and WwkVoter:

    I think all of the possibilities that Scal offered are valid. Shekarchi seems like an obvious choice, but with Nick Mattiello's recent board of elections violation, he may have a path to House Speaker in his future.

    Generally, I think the party's calculus would go something like this: Warwick holds several of the key General Assembly seats, a 9-0 council, and now, potentially, the mayor's office. Which of their current or prospective candidates could win the seat without giving up the ground that Warwick already holds?

    As you both rightly point out, whoever it is, it's not going to be the make-believe "mayor."

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    The RIPTA board voted to hire Avedisian as CEO this afternoon: https://warwickpost.com/ripta-hires-avedisian-as-new-ceo/

    No timeline for his start at RIPTA was announced.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    Joe Solomon, Jr would be a great mayor. Young. Smart. Committed.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Justanidiot I agree with you Solomon Jr would be a great choice. He has been a great rep for our city.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • DannyHall82

    Stacia it never gets boring at the DOC, we have a tour coming up in May and I'd be happy to show you around. This summer I actually have plenty of promising events going on...I have a 50 mile mountain race at Vermont in June, 72 hour Endurance race in July, 50k race in Colorado and the North American OCR Championship race I qualified for a few weeks ago also in August.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Justanidiot and Scal1024:

    You guys should play the lottery: Joe Solomon Sr. confirmed he plans to run in November.

    The Post updated their original article at the link above.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • DanElliott

    As FDR said, "in politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way." Avedisian resigns, Council President Solomon to acting Mayor, Solomon then runs for Mayor in the fall (from the Mayor's office). The odd man out seems to be our old friend Rick Corrente.

    What will you do now, Rick? I think everyone knows who has all the juice in a Solomon-Corrente primary.

    Dan Elliott

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • Flo5582

    Thank you Mr.Hall so showing everyone just how irrelevant you are. Congratulations on your plans to run a race, however that is not at all impressive to voters. This may be some of the reason you continued to lose elections. Nothing to contribute. Races are not real life, have nothing to do with real life issues, and it’s simpky a hobby. However you seem to be very impressed with yourself and need such events to validate your inflated ego and make yourself appear superior to others. Enjoy your ego trips....

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Hello DanElliott:

    As if his own behavior had not already made him irrelevant, the make-believe "mayor" is now completely and totally relegated a minor footnote in Warwick's election history as the last person to be defeated by Scott Avedisian. Joe Solomon will wipe the proverbial floor with him.

    Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    Creepy Corrente

    Thursday, April 26, 2018 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Scal1024,

    You're wrong...again.

    When I said "He doesn't care enough about our children to protect them", you know I was referring to the way Avedisian removed the lifeguards for the remainder of the 2016 season, AFTER the tragic drowning. That action INCREASED the danger of a second drowning. He should have done everything possible to REDUCE the danger.

    I never once said he caused the drowning as you accused me of saying and you know that. For the record, Warwick expected half as many visitors that day than they received, but with temperatures around 100 degrees, light wind and bright sunshine, the beach was way above capacity and by the time more lifeguards could be reached and arrived the crowd probably would have decreased to a manageable number. I don't think anyone, including me, and including the Mayor, could have predicted or prepared for that day. What I took great exception to, was how Avedisian handled the tragedy in the days AFTER it happened. He eliminated all lifeguards for the remainder of the season! As Mayor, I would have doubled or tripled the number of lifeguards for the rest of the season, to assure our beach-goers that City Park beach was safe. Wouldn't you? Every single person I spoke to AFTER the drowning agreed with me. Are you saying you agree with removing the lifeguards altogether for the rest of the season like Mayor Avedisian did?? Don't you believe that action would INCREASE the danger?? As Mayor, what would you have done Scal?? Or are you too cowardly to answer that question?

    Saying that I blame the drowning death on Scott Avedisian is disgusting, dishonest and criminal. I was wrong when I said you owe me an apology. You owe one to Avedisian as well, but I doubt you will take the responsibility to do it. You don't even have the courage to state your real name.

    I apologize to any reader that had to read this and I refer you to the front page Pennysaver article of September 3, 2016 for my full and accurate comments. I stand by my statements and make them openly and honestly, using my real name, not hiding behind a fake one like whoever Scal1024 is.

    Happy Spring everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Thursday, April 26, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    The make-believe "mayor" should enjoy what little attention that he can still get by arguing with online commenters; once Council President Solomon begins his campaign, the make-believe "mayor" will be forgotten by the majority of honest, taxpaying voters in Warwick.

    Thursday, April 26, 2018 Report this

  • DannyHall82

    Stacia I actually get paid by sponsors so I get paid for my hobby...I'm pretty sure you don't get paid anything seeing you won't state what you do for work. I'll make sure to upload that video to Facebook and the Warwick beacon to help your campaign out lol

    Thursday, April 26, 2018 Report this

  • Flo5582

    Mr.Hall,

    The truth really seems to hurt doesn’t it. I’m highly skeptical that you get paid to run meaningless races as if you are elite at anything you do. Is that what you tell people to seem impressive??? Is that because you lack other impressive qualities?? I see you’ve resorted the threats to bolster yourself. Will Cat222 be chiming in on your behalf again? It’s all very desperate Mr.Hall

    Thursday, April 26, 2018 Report this

  • DannyHall82

    Stacia you are right .... you got me. So do you pay taxes? Seeing you don't have a job? Kind of hypocritical lecturing about taxes that you don't pay. Oh and sponsorships are on social media FYI, being unemployed you have all day to look. Who wants to see a video from 2016 of Stacia slashing a campaign sign in half at the intersection of Post Road and Cowesett Ave ?

    Thursday, April 26, 2018 Report this

  • Flo5582

    Mr.Hall,

    Seems a nerve has been touched. So now we went from, you get paid to participate in this hobby, to, I get paid through social media only. Sounds like a lie to me. Sounds like a man on the defense to me. Again, you threaten with this video that you supposedly have. The truth is Mr.Hall, if such a video does exist, that’s all you have. Because you have nothing in the talent, leadership and ideas department to back you up. Let’s face it, Mr.Hall, you lose races because you lack substance and knowledge and the voters of Warwick are smarter than you think. You can’t lie to them, as you just tried to lie about “sponsorships.” We could go on and on Mr.Hall, but you will continue to look foolish and empty. You will validate further what tax payers already know. Shall I continue??

    Thursday, April 26, 2018 Report this

  • DannyHall82

    My apologies....you can see current and former gyms and teams that sponsored. Stacia I'm not sure if you've read or watched your own interviews or debates lol you keep going after past elections as if I fester anger and hate behind social media all day, I can't because I work full time, have a young family and quite frankly I never take things personal. I ran my own campaigns...I didn't worry about who I ran against. I lost and I'm completely fine with that because we did it the right way, I didn't talk negative about my opponents while knocking on doors (you did). I didn't drive around following my opponents up and down streets (you did) and I certainly didn't slash a campaign sign in half lol (you did). Now I'm sure you'll respond with the typical Stacia response lol at least use your real name on here... "Mr.Hall you are a loser, can't win elections, big ego, no substance blah blah blah". Last I checked you haven't won either and what's

    More pathetic you had 24 hours a day to campaign seeing you don't work. Let me know if you want to see yourself on that video....

    Friday, April 27, 2018 Report this

  • Flo5582

    Mr.Hall,

    Your penchant for fiction is certainly something of a marvel

    Friday, April 27, 2018 Report this

  • Kammy

    Flo5582 - Just what exactly do you think you have contributed to the City of Warwick that you point the finger at another? Stacia "shoot from the hip with zero facts" Huyler is not a shining example. You need to stick to your own site where you can simply delete the comments you don't agree with so that you can stay happy inside your very tiny bubble. The fact that you cannot tolerate a different opinion is petty and childish. You are a loose cannon with zero credibility and that you think you have some type of moral high ground is ridiculous.

    But by all means run for mayor again...for the entertainment value alone.

    Friday, April 27, 2018 Report this

  • Cat2222

    Stacia, I am mildly offended you think only a "family member" of Mr. Hall would call out your behavior. I am not related to him and I honestly don't know who he is or followed his campaign. I do, however, know who you are since I have lived in the city for 2 decades.

    1. Run for Mayor: I didn’t vote for you because I disagreed with you on many issues

    2. False Accusation of the Picozzi In-laws car taxes. I am glad you apologized but it still wasn’t a good look.

    3. Shouting from your car window at a city worker. Again, not a good look.

    4. Outing a minor on the Warwick Watch page. No words

    5. Deleting opposing opinion comments. Are you really that immature?

    6. Hard hitting investigative reports on …..a sign and tree trimming debris??? Thank you, I guess?

    You claim you ran for office and run your blog to get truth and information out to the people. It is only one-sided truth Stacia. Both sides are not represented. You claim to be fair and open minded but shut down anything and anyone who disagrees with you. So for future reference, there are many people in Warwick and even RI that don't agree with you. They aren't related to any of your opponents. I am sure that is hard for you to understand since you have been living in a bubble where you only allow those with the same opinion to coexist.

    Friday, April 27, 2018 Report this