Elorza Refuses to Disclose Terms of Leave from Roger Williams University
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Democratic candidate for Mayor of Providence Jorge Elorza has refused to disclose the terms of his leave from Roger Williams University, where he has been a Professor of Law since 2005.
When asked when he left his post for the campaign, and if he has been receiving paid leave compensation and benefits, the Elorza campaign did not answer, and furnished the following response.
"Jorge values his relationship with Roger Williams University and the students he has taught over the years as a tenured professor. The financial terms of his leave of absence are in accordance with the university's policy, and will be fully disclosed on Jorge's annual state ethics filing," said David Ortiz, Elorza campaign spokesperson. "What's unclear are the financial terms of Mr. Cianci's leave from his employer Cumulus Media, as well as the incalculable value he receives from continuing to have his show air on WPRO while he runs for the mayor's office."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTElorza was asked at press conference this week again about the nature of his leave from Roger Williams University, and again refused to answer whether or not he was on paid leave.
Cianci Discloses Cumulus Compensation
Former Mayor and Mayoral opponent Vincent "Buddy" Cianci broached the terms of his leave from Cumulus Media, where he had been a radio host with the WPRO prior to leaving when he announced his 2014 run.
Cianci affirmed that he is on unpaid leave from Cumulus -- and has since been paid residual for endorsement ads running since he left in June, and that it totals less than $10,000 to date.
"[Elorza's] not exactly revealing the things you should be revealing as a candidate," said Cianci of Elorza's refusal to answer the Roger Williams question. "It's either one or the other, he's either on paid leave, or he's not. He's saying he's being honest with the voters, but how honest is he being here? If I were a student at Roger Williams, I'd be wondering of my tuition money is going to who is supposed to be my teacher, but who's off instead running for Mayor of Providence."
In his position as housing court judge, Elorza had to submit annual filings with the state Ethics Commission since 2010.
Of note in the filings, Elorza lists holdings with ProVerasys in Virginia, and debt from student loans, as well as a BMW loan.
"I'm not aware that there are any restrictions on a non-profit allowing an employee take leave while running for office," said John Marion, Executive Director of Common Cause Rhode Island. "There is certainly nothing in election law or the Code of Ethics that I'm aware of (other than the required disclosure). It might cause issues if he continued in the relationship while in office, but he has not indicated that would happen."
Roger Williams University's main campus is in Bristol, but has land holdings in Providence for its satellite campus as well.
Related Slideshow: Questions Jorge Elorza Must Answer to be Providence’s Next Mayor
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