Concerns raised over council president and city attorney’s personal relationship

CRANSTON, R.I. — Cranston City Councilman Richard Campopiano raised concerns over Council President Jessica Marino scheduling three City Council meetings Wednesday to amend the contract of council attorney Stephen Angell. The concerns stem from Campopiano alleging Angell admitted he has a personal relationship with Marino.

Campopiano, the Republican minority leader, voiced his concerns on WPRO’s Gene Valicenti Show Wednesday morning. He said the meeting notices don’t clearly explain the proposed amendments, fail to allow public comment in two of the sessions, and raise serious questions about transparency.

He added that Angell’s alleged relationship with Marino creates an appearance of conflict of interest, making it impossible for Angell to provide impartial legal advice to all nine council members.

Campopiano said he will not support moving into executive session on the issue, insisting it should be debated in public.

Concerns raised over council president’s relationship with city attorney.