Fung drops newly-announced campaign chairman

PROVIDENCE (AP) — Rhode Island Republican gubernatorial candidate Allan Fung has dropped his Providence campaign chairman a day after announcing the position.

Fung’s campaign manager tells WPRI-TV they were unaware of Hamlet Lopez’ past arrest for domestic violence when they announced he would serve as the city’s campaign chairman Monday. Lopez had been working as a volunteer for the campaign before the appointment.

Lopez was arrested in 2015 and charged with simple assault after police say he attacked and threatened his wife. The charge was later dropped.

Lopez says he is grateful the charge was “rightfully dismissed.” The 31-yearold says he didn’t think he needed to disclose the charge with the campaign because it was dismissed.

Fung has yet to announce a replacement. says the Pawtucket call center has “unacceptable” wait times, frustrates applicants with questions and hinders the timely processing of applications. Sherman’s order requires DHS to contract an outside vendor for at least 120 days.

DHS representatives said Tuesday wait times currently average two hours. The center receives about 10,000 calls each week.

The state had rolled out the Unified Health Infrastructure Project computer system in 2016 to handle applications for benefits. The system has seen several technical issues since.

The company that built the system has promised a major fix in May.