Kettle resigns Senate seat, calls allegations unfounded
COVENTRY — In a letter to the Senate issued by his attorney Thursday Republican and Senate Minority Whip Nicholas Kettle announced his decision to resign.
The District 21 state senator was arrested last week and charged with two counts of extorting a male Senate page, Zachary Farnum, for sex in 2011 as well as video voyeurism for sending nude photos of an ex-girlfriend to a New Hampshire man. Kettle has pleaded not guilty to the extortion charges and denies the allegations.
“After taking several days to speak with my legal coun- sel and family members, I have determined that it is in my best interest to resign and concentrate on the unfounded allegations against me,” his letter reads. “I want to thank the constituents from District #21 for the privilege of serving them as their Senator for the last seven years.”
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said earlier this week following Kettle’s grand jury indictment that he should resign or the body would hold a vote for force him out. Many senators had reportedly confirmed that would vote in favor of removing the 27-year-old. The Senate even scheduled a date with the Senate Judiciary Committee to review the legislation to expel the senator, which would have been Tuesday, Feb. 27.
The Coventry Republican Town Committee (CRTC) also called for Kettle’s resignation.
In his letter, Kettle, who was elected in 2010, expresses disappointment with members of the Senate for rushing into a vote to expel him based on charges that he has not been convicted of. The American Civil Liberties Union and its executive director, Steven Brown, also expressed concern to the Senate about the fact that the body has never invoked the use of Article 6 Section 7 of the Rhode Island Constitution in all of its history. They warned that specific procedures be put in place before the vote took place. The group would have needed a two thirds vote to expel him.
“I am grateful for the many individuals who have continued to support me during these difficult times as it is clear that they understand that I am innocent until proven guilty. However, I am extremely disappointed in Senate Leadership on both sides of the aisle because Mr. Algiere and Mr. Ruggerio do not appear to understand the importance of due process as a cornerstone of our legal system.”
According to Statehouse spokesperson Daniel Trafford, there will not be a special election for Kettle’s seat because the deadline has passed. District 21 will be without a senator for the remainder of the 2018 legislative session and until after the November election.
“If the vacancy occurs after the first Monday in February during an election year, then the office remains vacant until the next general election,” said Trafford.
Kettle is scheduled to appear in court again on May 9. There are now only 36 members in the Senate, including 4 Republicans.
Kettle was a member of the Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture, the Senate Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Rules, Government Ethics & Oversight.
In an interview with the Daily Times in December Kettle said he planned on spending the upcoming legislative session focusing on support for small businesses with a continued push for the elimination of the minimum corporate tax. During his time on the Senate he also supported a number of rural and farming lifestyle bills, including legalizing the sale of raw milk. He was also opposed to the new PawSox stadium deal.
“I believe that the decision Mr. Kettle made today is in the best interests of the Senate and the state,” said Ruggerio. “I certainly respect his right to due process, and the proceedings contemplated in the Senate were not being taken lightly. At the same time, the Senate has an obligation to ensure a safe working environment for all who are employed here. The extremely serious allegations against Mr. Kettle, including sexual exploitation of a minor in the Senate page program, are unlike any I have witnessed during my time in the Senate. I am grateful that Mr. Kettle has chosen a path that avoids requiring his colleagues to consider expulsion.”