News Clips

In RI, politicians hire other elected officials. John Marion comments on the ethical problems that this practice presents.

John Marion talks to the Globe about Providence Councilman Juan Pichardo's failure to report and misreporting of $20,000 in campaigns funds and expenditures.

John Marion discusses the power of lobbying in Rhode Island politics.

John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island looks ahead to the upcoming legislative session and talks about the major challenges that Rhode Island and its municipalities face in the year ahead.

Rhode Island’s legislative leaders are pushing for fast action on a new bill to reinstate a lost perk, to wit: their ability to run photos of themselves and other incumbent lawmakers on the General Assembly website — and official social-media accounts — during election season.

At least one senator denounced the proposed changes, and Common Cause called them ‘disappointing.’ Amid an uptick in member dissent, Senate leaders are proposing changes to its rules that would enshrine longstanding customs, consolidate power in the hands of the Senate president and prevent a filibuster from ever happening in Rhode Island again.