Newport City Council censures Charboneau amid controversy

NEWPORT — In a contentious meeting Monday night, the Newport City Council voted to censure one of its own members, Kevin Charboneau, for investigating alleged criminal wrongdoing by fellow councilor Curtis Clark.

The motion to censure, brought forward by council member Rick Ufford-Chase, passed with Charboneau as the lone dissenting vote. Charboneau attended the meeting via phone.

Mayor Linda Joy Sullivan emphasized the gravity of the decision, explaining that a censure represents an official declaration of inappropriate conduct by a council member. She clarified, however, that the action carries no practical consequences and does not strip Charboneau of his duties or privileges as a council member.

Ufford-Chase defended his call for censure, arguing that Charboneau’s actions have severely hampered the council’s ability to function effectively and rebuild public trust. He framed the censure as an invitation for all council members to adopt more constructive approaches to city business, rather than as a punitive measure.

At a meeting on July 1, Charboneau claimed he initiated an investigation into Curtis due to alleged illegal conduct and Curtis’s incompatible appointment as city constable while serving on the city council, which he says violated state statutes. Charboneau argued that he repeatedly raised concerns about this incompatibility, which were ignored by the mayor and council, and that Curtis lacks the integrity and ethics required for the constable position.

The decision wasn’t without its critics. Local resident Jennifer Bjurling spoke in Charboneau’s defense, questioning whether a private police report warranted such a severe response from the council.

The council now faces the challenge of moving forward productively while addressing the concerns that led to this action against one of its members.