(Pictured: Councilman Joseph Ricco)
What happened:
Long-term multi-use property owner Randy Algoe confronted the city council on September 14. Algoe notified them that allegedly Councilman Joseph Ricco approached one of Mr. Algoe's friends after the September 1st city council meeting, worried about his (Ricco's) re-election.
According to Algoe’s friend, Ricco's statement was, "He (Algoe) better get it through his head that he better do whatever we tell him to do or else he will never get anything done in the city again." (1:45)
Why it matters:
Algoe told the council of the public's outrage about his treatment during the September 1st city council meeting. He agreed with them, saying that he was insulted by several things.
Algoe told the council that many citizens had expressed disappointment in how Ricco conducts himself as a councilman, saying his friend expressed concern to Ricco. Algoe advised the council that his friend responded to Ricco by saying, "A lot of people were upset by the way you've been treating other people, and the most recent was the way you've treated Randy."
What now:
Algoe asked for a letter from the city apologizing for his treatment during this process.
Algoe told the council, and confirmed to Island Matters, that he plans to file an ethics complaint against Joe Ricco. As of September 24th, the complaint has not been filed.
Algoe was dismissed and cut off during the public comment period by Mayor Patrick McNulty. "You're more than welcome to do that, and you can follow the proper procedures. I don't think this is what public comments are really for, but you're more than welcome to file whatever you need to file with Nikki." Island Matters has emailed and phoned Councilman Joseph Ricco. Neither the email nor phone call has been returned by press time.
Councilman Ricco is running for re-election in the November 2 city council election. Ricco is opposed by challenger Rod Hunter. Early voting begins Oct. 18, 2021, through Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.
[Island Matters is following this story]
