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July 17, 2007

Woonsocket city official resigns in wake of e-mails

WOONSOCKET -- Hours into an investigation launched after Council President Leo T. Fontaine informed the city of harassing e-mails being sent from City Hall in his name, Human Services director and longtime city employee John R. Dionne has resigned.

Mayor Susan D. Menard, who Monday night asked Director of Administration Michael Annarummo to look into the bizarre matter after Fontaine addressed his concerns earlier that evening, announced in a news release today that “the responsible party offered his resignation immediately. The resignation of John Dionne was accepted.”

Menard said that Annarummo and City Solicitor Christopher Lambert will investigate how much Dionne cost the city by using his work computer for non-city-related activities and that she will “demand restitution.”

“This type of behavior has not and will not be tolerated. Any city employee who misuses their office will be swiftly and similarly treated,” Menard said.

Dionne, who previously served as chairman of the Board of Canvassers and before that as public safety director, was forced from his public safety job in 1995 after the Rhode Island Ethics Commission said that he used improper influence when he unsuccessfully tried to have his son made a police officer.

Dionne, who did not return calls for comment, also served on the City Council from 1977 to 1987, and was council president for six years.

-- Journal staff writer Kia Hall Hayes

The mayor also said in the release that she hopes to express her “deepest regrets and apology on behalf of the city,” to Fontaine, who on Monday said that he became aware of the bizarre issue after local radio host Dave Kane received e-mails from "Leo Fontaine" during a show two months ago.

Kane began reading the e-mail on the air, but stopped after the message became increasingly profane and notified Fontaine. Todd Brien, who unsuccessfully ran for mayor last year, said he also received e-mails that he believes were from Dionne.

The council president said another city employee has also received e-mails that were signed Fontaine.

All were sent from City Hall, using taxpayer dollars, Fontaine said Monday. The council president said during the meeting that he will consider pursuing legal action on behalf of the city.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:00 PM | Permalink

July 17, 2007

Woonsocket city official resigns in wake of e-mails

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