Updated: Senator Bell files complaint against Ward 15 city council candidate Vargas
“I currently do not operate an unlicensed business in the City of Providence,” says Candidate Vargas in a statement. “My business has been closed for quite some time and when it reopens, it will be properly licensed.”
May 20, 2021, 5:30 pm
By Steve Ahlquist
Update: Vargas responds
State Senator Samuel Bell (Democrat, District 5, Providence) filed a complaint with the Department of Business Regulation on Friday about the operation of Vargas Auto Glass, an allegedly unlicensed auto glass repair shop apparently owned by Oscar Vargas, a candidate for Providence City Council in the Ward Fifteen special election. Senator Bell supports “long-time Silver Lake progressive Democratic activist” Doris De Los Santos in the election.
“The operation of unlicensed auto glass repair shops is very serious,” said Senator Bell, “Under Rhode Island law, it is a potentially criminal matter. The General Assembly passed these crucial licensing requirements to protect consumers from shoddy work, and it is extremely alarming for an auto glass repair shop to violate the licensing statute.”
Vagas Auto Glass is located at the end of 39 Huldah Street in Olneyville. A sign in the window notes that “Auto Glass Installer not in Service until further notice.”
In the complaint, Senator Bell presents his evidence evidence that Vargas Auto Glass is unlicensed and is currently operating as an auto glass repair shop, in alleged violation of state law. Bell has also assembled additional photographic evidence linking Vargas Auto Glass to candidate Vargas.
“As someone who cares deeply about ethics, I believe I have an obligation to speak out,” said Senator Bell in his press release. “I am raising these concerns about Mr Vargas because I strongly believe that the voters of Ward Fifteen deserve an honest and ethical representative on the City Council. Providence deserves better.”
Update May 20, 2021:
STATEMENT FROM CANDIDATE FOR CITY COUNCIL WARD 15 OSCAR VARGAS
“I currently do not operate an unlicensed business in the City of Providence. My business has been closed for quite some time and when it reopens, it will be properly licensed.
“I do find it ironic that candidate Doris De Los Santos has employed Mr Bell as her personal attack dog in an effort to distract the voters of District 15 from her own questionable issues. From owing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the government, to being released from her $133,000.00 job with the Providence School Department without explanation. It is Ms. De Los Santos who owes the residents of District 15 an explanation of her own business and financial dealings.
“I am committed to real change for my District. The residents of District 15 have been FORGOTTEN. From roads in despair to trash and rodent problems, a school system in despair as well as businesses leaving our city. Our district has been poorly represented, voting for Doris will not end up in a change, we will continue with the same problems.
“My focus is working with the residents of District 15 to fix our problems to enhance the quality of life for them.”
