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Rhode Island Ethics Agreement Sought

JOHNSTON, Rhode Island – As reported by the Providence Journal: "Elected town officials and others representing Johnston in negotiations with Donald Trump should make a sworn promise to eschew gifts or anything else of value from the casino developer, according to one of the town's lawyers.

"The lawyer, Joseph Rodio, has prepared what he describes as a legally-binding affidavit and he urges officials to sign it.

"An official who signs the sworn, notarized document, pledging to rebuff 'anything of value' from Ocean State Gaming Ventures, could face a perjury charge if he or she fails to make good on the promise, Rodio said.

"The affidavit holds those who sign it to a higher standard of conduct than state ethics rules, he said. This is because the signatories must fulfill their responsibilities in the future, instead of during a limited timeframe, and 'anything of value' is less specific than something worth $25 or more, Rodio said.

"…Ocean State Gaming Ventures, a newly formed subsidiary of Trump Entertainment Resorts Holdings, is lobbying to change Rhode Island's Constitution and build a 120,000-square-foot casino at the junction of Hartford Avenue and Route 295…"

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