“Cranstonians, we have a (Social Media) problem”

by Nancy Thomas

Mayor Kenneth Hopkins says he personally paid 100% of the legal fees associated with his sports-car dispute—and Cranston’s legal counsel says the matter “didn’t cost the city a penny.”

Cranston has developed a social media problem—one in which legitimate political opposition too often crosses the line into personal ridicule, inflammatory memes and accusations circulated without verification. When facts combat damaging rumor, corrections or take-downs don’t happen.

Mayor Kenneth Hopkins, a moderate Republican, and the top Republican officer holder in Rhode Island, has faced a particularly relentless version of it. Disagreeing with an elected official is fair—and essential. But repeating unsupported allegations until they become accepted as fact – and then repeated – is something else entirely.

The latest example involves the legal expenses connected to a dispute between Hopkins and Cranston businessman Davide Broccoli over the sale of an MG sports car.

The disagreement became part of broader litigation filed by Broccoli against the city, Hopkins and even naming individual members of the city’s administration. That lawsuit included claims involving Broccoli’s long known disputes with the city, most involving taxes owed – and the car claim against Hopkins, personally, concerning the automobile.

That distinction was largely lost on social media.

One May 4 Facebook post claimed that the city was paying Hopkins’ legal bills and accused the mayor of sending city officials to “shake down” Broccoli. It concluded by calling for Hopkins to resign. Just one example.

A May 4 Facebook post concerning the Broccoli litigation.  After a City Council meeting produced legal testimony saying that “not one dime” of the city’s funds were used, the post stands today.

That is not a matter of political interpretation. It is a factual statement from the attorney representing the city: Hopkins’ personal attorney was paid by Hopkins—not by Cranston taxpayers.

The city continues to be involved in the remaining portions of Broccoli’s lawsuit, and it may incur expenses defending the city and officials sued in connection with their municipal duties. Those expenses should not be characterized as payment for Hopkins’ personal defense over the car.

The automobile dispute is resolved

Following voluntary mediation with U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan, Hopkins and Broccoli resolved their personal claims involving the MG.

The claims against Hopkins personally have been dismissed with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled. The car will be returned to Broccoli. Both parties executed mutual releases without admitting liability.

Claims involving another defendant, N.E. Disaster Restoration Inc., were also resolved through mediation. The remaining claims against the city are expected to be resolved “soon”.

Following the mediation—and after months of reporting, political criticism and social media commentary—Hopkins released the following statement through his attorney:

STATEMENT OF MAYOR KENNETH J. HOPKINS

“I wish to announce that through a voluntary mediation process and the assistance of United States District Court Magistrate Patricia A. Sullivan all claims filed against me personally involving the MG automobile by Plaintiff Davide Broccoli have been dismissed with prejudice.  The parties have executed mutual releases without any admission of liability on anyone’s part.

I believe with the level of public attention to this matter during my re-election campaign, an announcement of the conclusion of this aspect of the 2024 litigation is appropriate.  The car will be returned to Mr. Broccoli and he and I have resolved our business dealings. This matter is now closed.

This started as a sincere desire on my part to pay tribute to my late wife Mary (Gramolini) in the purchase and restoration of an MG automobile.

Sadly, it evolved into a highly charged political drama during my re-election campaign caused by other mayoral candidates with unfounded personal charges, hurtful hyperbole, and a sad attempt to mislead the public to try and win an election.

While I will have no further comment beyond this statement, three things should be crystal clear.  First, at no time did I “just take or steal” any car and any suggestions that I did were disparaging election year smears by my political opponents.  Secondly, the car was never driven on any road with the city assigned mayoral plate on it. Lastly, I paid personally for my attorney Joseph F. Penza, Jr. at no cost to Cranston taxpayers for my legal defense.

It should also be noted that claims involving another Defendant, N.E. Disaster Restoration, Inc., have also been resolved through the mediation effort.

While the remaining counts against the city will continue to be discussed between the Court and the parties, I appreciate Mr. Broccoli’s willingness to resolve our personal claims involving the car at this time.”

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At the July 20th City Council meeting, Cranston City Solicitor Christopher Millea on the legal fees’ misrepresentation:

The most recent opening of the Budlong Aquatic Center exceeded expectations in almost every way. Little was said by the naysayers wishing enjoyment to the community that has its much improved pool back. The loudest voices were not in attendance, as we were, at the grand opening.

Mayor Hopkins is known for his phrase, “One Cranston” – imagine what could be possible if that were so. We suggest the damaging negativity “influencers” cut it out. Is it DTS because the Mayor is Republican? Is it because you can’t think of anything good to say – or to contribute – or have too much time on your hands?

Public officials should be questioned. Their decisions should be scrutinized, and their explanations should be tested against the facts.

But accusations are not evidence. Memes are not documentation. And repeating a claim on social media does not make it true.

“Cranstonians, we have a social media problem!”  This case is a particularly clear example of it.