Following the vote recall and ultimate re-election of embattled Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia, Rep. Joe Kennedy III said that while he thinks Correia should step down, the “will of the voters” must be respected.
“Fall River deserves some stability and someone who can devote their full attention,” Kennedy said during an interview with Boston Public Radio Thursday. “I can only imagine how much attention somebody can give to the job of serving the public when they're under multiple counts of a federal indictment.”
In Tuesday's special election, Correia was recalled and then re-elected, despite his arrest last year on federal fraud and tax evasion charges. Correia denies the charges.
“[Voters] selected the mayor to continue on his term and I acknowledge that and accept it,” Kennedy said. “Regardless, it is going to be difficult for a mayor to be able to carry out the full responsibilities that the people Fall River deserve and that the city is going to need while facing over 10 counts on a federal indictment.”
When asked by BPR host Jim Braude if Kennedy was suggesting that Correia should step down or suggesting that the will of the voters should be respected, Kennedy said, “I think I’m suggesting both.”
