New: Prov Councilwoman Ryan Threatens Legal Action After Correia Accuses Her of “Racist” Comments
Monday, July 09, 2018
Providence City Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan is firing back at Councilman Michael Correia, after Correia posted to Facebook Sunday night that Ryan made comments that "sounded racist" to him -- and now Ryan is threatening legal action.
On Sunday, Correia wrote the following:
"Ward 5 residents....
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTCouncilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan’s statement regarding Annual Carnival at George West Park. “ I don’t like the type of people it attracts, I don’t like those type of people.” Councilwoman it attracts neighborhood families / neighborhood youth. Sounds a little racist to me. Now she’s out asking for your support."
Ryan Responds
Ryan issued the following statement on Monday"
"Councilman Correia (Ward 6) recently posted on social media false and outrageous statements that he attributed to me. I find this attack upon my character shameful and personally offensive. These are damnable lies and are actionable. This attack upon me is the sign of a failing campaign.
I am a senior ranking female member of the Providence City Council and the endorsed Democratic candidate for council in Ward 5.
It is apparent this is an insider network’s desperate attempt designed to return public service in the city to the dark days of the past. I will not be intimidated; we have come too far to turn back. I ran for public office to improve the quality of life for all residents of the Fifth Ward and to reform city government. I am proud of my record. I am proud of what I have accomplished in my first term as Councilwoman for the Fifth Ward.
Councilman Correia’s reckless attack upon me on social media is the desperate gasp of a failing campaign he has chosen to support, in an effort to return city politics to a time long since passed. I will stay focused. I will continue to work for the people of the Fifth Ward as I always have. And I will continue to work to improve the quality of life for my constituents in Ward 5 and will continue to fight for reform and transparency in City government.
Nonetheless, Councilman Correia has knowingly published false statements he attributed to me as fact and I am exploring all of my options, both legal and otherwise, in a thoughtful and professional manner."
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