CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. -- The state-appointed receiver introduced several ordinances Wednesday night that expand the powers of Mayor James A. Diossa, including one that may allow him to be the first mayor in the city's history to hire a chief of staff.
John F. McJennett III, the receiver, introduced the proposal to hire the chief of staff for $60,000, nearly twice as much as the salaries of past administrative assistants who served the mayor.
Another ordinance calls for Diossa to hire an assistant city solicitor. In the past, that was hiring made by the city council.
The proposals were immediately challenged by former Mayor Thomas Lazieh and Edna Poulin, his past finance director. They accused McJennett of violating the City Charter and eroding the rights of the electorate.