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We are pleased that the Ethics Commission decided today to fine Brett Smiley for his pay to play fundraising tactics and to investigate Tony Silva for hiding his financial interest in wetlands property. Slimy Smiley used his power over state vendors to fund his political ambitions. Sneaky Silva hid his financial interest in wetlands from the public while behind the scenes he pushed government officials to support his moneymaking scheme. Both of these former chiefs of staff to a governor exemplify Rhode Island’s unethical insider political culture. While we are happy that the Ethics Commission is holding these men accountable for their unethical conduct, it is sad that former Governor Raimondo and current Governor McKee were so willing to entrust these men with power in the first place.