RI official accused of misconduct steps down. What we know.
His lawyer Michael Lynch issued a statement Thursday night that said in part: "While a simple apology is never enough, Mr. Patten is apologetic to the citizens of Rhode Island, who he has had the pleasure of representing as a director in the Department of Administration, that any of these matters occurred."
"He also apologizes to the many individuals in Philadelphia he met with in March and were, unfortunately, recipients of comments that resulted from Mr. Patten suffering" what has been described as an "acute stress event."
Another incident at Ladder 133
His resignation was announced on the same night the Department of Administration released alleged details of another incident, involving "erratic behavior" by Patten, that took place the night before the Philadelphia trip, at Ladder 133.
The unidentified authors of the memo provided by the Department of Administration – to The Journal in response to a records request – cited "very personal and inappropriate lines of questioning" between the group he was with and a waitress, including how he "handles" his wife.
"The gathering at Ladder 133 was the first time that either of us had met Director Patten. He asked us to provide personal details through a line of questioning that one would not expect in a professional setting, let alone a first meeting. Questions included but were not limited to: age, sexual orientation, relationship status, living arrangements and other details of the relationships disclosed, etc."
The memo says he also "made some off-handed comments that we deemed homophobic in nature. Specifically alluding to choices of alcoholic drinks, driving, and innuendos regarding workplace relationships."
The incident took place the night before the Philadelphia trip, detailed in an email executives at Scout Ltd., the urban design company the state hired to develop a reuse plan for the Cranston Street Armory, sent the governor's chief of staff.
What the email alleged about Patten's behavior
The email that Attorney General Peter Neronha's office ordered the McKee administration to release, in response to appeals from The Providence Journal and WPRI, cited Patten's "bizarre, offensive and unprofessional actions."
The email attributes more than one sexist and racist remark to Patten, including this exchange between Patten and an employee at the shoe shop that offered him a pair of sneakers: "Are these made in China? I hope not, because I really hate China." Patten then allegedly directed his attention to a female Asian staff member in the room and said, "No offense, hon."
Scout also labeled Patten's comments to the company's managing partner Lindsey Scannapieco "as unacceptable."
"While getting coffee just as the day began, Director Patten made comments to Lindsey directly about her appearance and going so far as to say "Lindsey, where is your husband? Why is he in Australia? Good thing your [sic] married or I would move to Philadelphia" and "if I knew your husband wasn't going to be here, I would have come last night."
The email also details his demands, including his demand for lunch at a Michelin Star restaurant, located at the turnaround building that he and then-Administration Director James Thorsen visited.
After hearing the restaurant is not open for lunch, Scout said he told one of their company executives: " 'Well you can call in a favor if you want $55M in funding.' We arranged for a private lunch which has never happened in the history of the project."
Lawyer explains why Patten resigned
"Mr. Patten noted in an earlier statement he was not going to run or hide from this matter," Lynch said.
"Notwithstanding this event being the result of a health issue termed an acute stress event − culminatingfrom various events over the past 3 years − for which he [has been] treated and...cleared to return to work −he appreciates how distracting this matter has become for those with the responsibility of running ourState."
He also knows "how it detracts from all of the good that has been accomplished and is yet to come. But toensure that can happen Mr. Patten knows he must step away," his lawyer said.
"Mr. Patten does not want to prolong the distraction nor engage in what could be a long, expensive andlitigious fight for all parties," Lynch said.
"While it will no doubt take time, he is confident that, as he now understands, there is a need to take care of oneself not only to be an effective and productive worker but a leader and is hopeful that he will be able to reestablish the faith and trust so many placed in him that led him to the position as a director in the [McKee] administration."
Patinkin: Now Philadelphia is asking for stuff from RI. Here's what we can offer.
What Gov. Dan McKee has to say about the matter
The allegations prompted investigations by the state's Human Resources division and the state police. The outcome of those investigations is not yet known.
But McKee spokesman Matt Sheaff issued a statement explaining why the governor did not take steps earlier to remove Patten, who was on paid leave, from the state payroll.
He said McKee "initiated Human Resources and State Police investigations into David Patten’s conduct to ensure the State was strongly and soundly positioned to act should the appalling allegations prove to be true."
He said the "Human Resources investigation [did find] ... highly inappropriate conduct, which was disturbing, entirely unacceptable, and not representative of Rhode Island’s values or the integrity of our State workforce. As a result, Governor McKee called for Mr. Patten’s resignation, and Mr. Patten complied."
As a result of the findings of the HR investigation, Sheaff said: "The State was prepared to move forward with disciplinary proceedings which would include a legally required personnel hearing process. That process could have extended well beyond Mr. Patten’s resignation date of June 30, resulting in a continuation of his paid administrative leave at a cost to taxpayers."
"It is important to note that as a classified employee ... Mr. Patten had the legal right to due process prior to any potential disciplinary action. Therefore, the Governor’s call for a resignation expedited Mr. Patten’s removal from State service.
"Because Mr. Patten has indicated that he is dealing with a health issue, the State will pay the employer portion of his health insurance premium until September 30, while Mr. Patten continues to pay his co-share, to allow him to receive any treatment he may need.”
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Resignation of RI's property management director effective June 30.
