How Do I Start The Trouble??

15 March 2021

Honorable Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea

Office of the Rhode Island Secretary of State

82 Smith Street

State House, Room 218

Providence, RI  02903

Honorable Secretary of State Gorbea:

I hope this message finds you well.  Ever since you achieved the position of Secretary of State, it has a been a pleasure interacting with your Office.  I hope COVID has stayed away from your team and the ones you love.

Recently, I noticed a not-for-profit organization was violating campaign finance law.  In Rhode Island, I know where to file the campaign finance complaints.  Fortunately, or unfortunately, I am politically active in so many political jurisdictions that I cannot always remember where to file what beyond that.  I called the Treasurer’s Office, in case it was fundamentally a tax issue, and they said you were the “responsible custodian” regarding not-for-profit organizational matters.

If a citizen believes that a not-for-profit organization has violated the prohibition against political activity, who in your Office should receive such a complaint??  Does the original complaint need citation and evidence, or can an inquiry be filed??  What are the rules regarding “marketing” the complaint in case other citizens believe they have witnessed the same behavior??  (In this case, literally everyone has.)

When the Campaign Finance complaints are filed, since PACs are not supposed to accept contributions from not-for-profit organizations even if the contributions are of an in-kind nature, should they be forwarded to the person looking at overall status question??  I would hate to spam somebody stuff they do not need.  At the same time, I want to make sure they have enough evidence to make a proper decision.

If we allow this conduct to continue, it will just get worse.  That means more discrimination.  A spike in discrimination always leads to disruption of the free market.

In this case, women are more at risk than normal.  Between actions taken by the Rhode Island Senate and the possible closure of certain hospitals, women’s health care is under daily attack.  We need to do better.  Forcing this not for profit to play within the rules is a giant first step forward.

Looking back, I am so happy that the Faithful Companions of Jesus, the Benedictines, and most especially the Jesuits taught me to stand up to injustice wherever I may find it. As we emerge from the disastrous years of the “previous guy” we will still have to clean up the mess he left behind.  Making sure religious symbols are not used to shield sexism and bigotry will be an important daily task.

Thank you for your time and consideration.  If one of your staff members could reach me by phone or email, that would be outstanding.

Sincerely,

Robert T. Oliveira

Warwick, RI

315-864-1229