Newport elections administrator Stephen Waluk to resign. What he's saying about the decision

NEWPORT — The elections administrator for the City of Newport announced Sunday he would be stepping down amid revelations about sexist, racist and homophobic communications he shared with a colleague during his decade tenure at state District Court.

“Earlier today, I decided that in the best interest of the City of Newport I would leave my position as Election Administrator effective Friday, July 21, and informed the City Manager of my intent,” Stephen C. Waluk said in an email statement. “The last couple of weeks have proven challenging as a result of media coverage surrounding my earlier departure from the Rhode Island District Court in December 2022. I willingly accept the personal price for the poor choices and mistakes I made.”

Waluk was hired in April by Newport City Manager Joseph J. Nicholson Jr. to a $64,000-a-year post as canvassing clerk for the City by the Sea. In that role, Waluk handled day-to-day elections oversight, including helping to register voters, updating the voter rolls and working closely with the Canvassing Authority to ensure elections run smoothly and remain in compliance with state law.

His hiring came months after he resigned as District Court administrator for reasons that "will remain an internal personnel matter," a courts spokeswoman said in an email.

Waluk was hired by District Court Chief Judge Jeanne E. LaFazia as chief clerk of the court in 2012 and was promoted to court administrator in 2015. His ending total salary was $174,143, including longevity earned from previous state service, according to the courts.

The Journal recently reviewed screenshots of text messages another former top District Court clerk received from Waluk. They feature him saying a young Black student looked like a “monkey,” referring to staff members as “homos,” commenting on a female clerk’s “rack” and even making derogatory statements about an openly gay judge being likely to die from AIDS in a few years.

“The law clerk is amazing,” Waluk wrote. “Have you seen her rack? … HUGE rack … Need a reason to get her in my office.” He suggested another clerk should go into porn.

Waluk acknowledged using offensive language in his communications with Cote through the years.

“These were years ago. I used offensive and inappropriate language. I regret anything I said that was offensive and inappropriate. ... I used bad words. I admitted it and left,” Waluk said. Some of the offensive messages viewed by The Journal were time-stamped as recently as 2020.

Waluk stands by his job performance

Waluk, a Republican, defended his time with the judiciary and in his hometown of Newport, where he served as mayor from January 2007 to July 2012 and was elected five times to the City Council. He is the immediate past president of the Newport Public Library and previously served on the Zoning Board.

“As I have stated previously, I always treated staff with dignity and respect in my role within the court system. The careless and harmful words in personal text messages to a friend were not reflected in the work I did or who I am as a person,” Waluk said Sunday.

“My commitment to the City of Newport is evident. So, when the position of canvassing clerk became available, I thought I would be a natural fit for that role. Since assuming the position on April 18 of this year and quickly getting up to speed in the role, I have made it a personal priority to conduct community outreach among the underserved with a focus on equity and inclusion, among other important duties,” he continued.

Waluk: Canvassing Authority marred by partisan politics

He described his elections work as “rewarding and productive” in the lead up to the special election to replace former U.S. Rep. David Cicilline.

“However, through actions and public statements by certain members of the Canvassing Authority, it has become abundantly clear that I could not succeed in my role as Election Administrator, hence my decision today,” he said.

He faulted the Canvassing Authority chair for publicly interfering with his role in the city “every step of the way.”

'Dark cloud' over District Court: Ex admin alleges coverups, dysfunction and retaliation

“In addition, the recent appointment of a new member to the Authority has precipitated a highly partisan environment in a department that should be a non-partisan body,” he said.

Sharon Connors, chairwoman for the bipartisan Canvassing Authority, did not respond to a phone call Sunday.

“This position provided me with an opportunity to serve the City I love and to begin to move forward. I had hoped to be judged by the work I’m doing, not the mistakes I have made in the past. I thank the City administration and staff at City Hall for their professionalism and the support they provided me in my job,” Waluk continued.

City leaders express support; critics call for change

Waluk’s announcement came days after Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong and Nicholson expressed support for Waluk, despite being dismayed at the alleged tenor of his communications.

Ryan Patrick Kelley, chair of the local watchdog group ChangeTheCharter.org, meanwhile is pushing for changes to the City Charter based on Waluk’s hiring.

In Newport: Eviction of Touro Synagogue congregation heads to trial. These are the arguments.

He emphasized that canvassing authorities are bipartisan entities by state law and that many cities and towns have independent canvassing authorities that do not answer directly to city managers or mayors given their role in conducting free and fair elections.

“That's a model Newport needs to embrace and it's my opinion Joe Nicholson should've never been in a position to hire Mr. Waluk in the first place. From what I've read about Mr. Waluk, it's not at all surprising he's not resigning gracefully and taking a shot at a woman on his way out,” Kelley said in a statement. “Change The Charter is hoping the departure of Mr. Waluk and, later this year, Mr. Nicholson will mark a new beginning of trust, transparency, and respect between Newporters and their local government."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Newport elections administrator Stephen Waluk to resign after texts