This article originally appeared in the Providence Journal on January 9, 2024 and was written by Patrick Anderson.  

Below is John Marion’s comment on the state Ethics Commission’s dismissal of an ethics complaint against  House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.

John Marion Jr., executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island, wasn’t surprised by the Commission’s decision, but noted it was the first major investigation of a state lawmaker since Commission jurisdiction over the General Assembly was restored in 2016.

“This was a thorough investigation,” Marion said.

He also said it was somewhat unusual for the Commission to dismiss a conflict of interest case when a direct business relationship didn’t exist and then went on to comment on whether it would be covered by the class exception.

“Although we respect the Ethics Commission’s decision, we are disappointed with their dismissal of our complaint,” Powers said in an email response to the decision.

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