RI CRMC article

[Krispy]

Power struggles roil R.I. state board
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Gov. Don Carcieri has ordered members of one state board to attend meetings after their failure to show up forced the cancellation of several summer meetings.

Carcieri sent letters to members of the Coastal Resources Management Council telling them they have an obligation to attend meetings.

''The council's failures could halt coastal development throughout the state,'' Carcieri wrote.

The council regulates many coastal activities, but a large part of its work is reviewing applications to build homes and docks along the waterfront.

Only six of the council's 10 seats are filled. Carcieri and the General Assembly have been arguing over who has the power to make appointments to the council since the passage of separation of powers legislation.

Council member Gerald Zarrella said he has been boycotting meetings because he believes the council's chairman, Michael Tikoian, is doing a bad job. Zarrella and two other council members have signed affidavits saying Tikoian tried to tell them how to vote on the expansion of a Block Island marina.

Zarrella said Tikoian also tried to tell him how to vote on other issues and has had to excuse himself from numerous votes due to conflicts of interest.

Tikoian released a statement saying he takes his job as chairman very seriously and expects other board members to show up to meetings. He did not comment on Zarrella's accusations.


(Published: September 6, 2006)