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Former South Kingstown School Committee Candidate Fined $4,700 | Low Inventory Continues to Challenge Rhode Island Homebuyers

Issue #170

21 May

In this South Kingstown Insider Issue…

🗓️ Event Showcase - Fundraiser for Best Buddies

🌤️ South Kingstown Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 64

💵 Former South Kingstown School Committee Candidate Fined $4,700 for Missing Finance Reports

🏘️ Low Inventory Continues to Challenge Rhode Island Homebuyers

Former South Kingstown School Committee Candidate Fined $4,700 for Missing Finance Reports

A former South Kingstown School Committee candidate, Lacey McGreevy, has been ordered to pay a $4,700 penalty for failing to file required campaign finance reports during her 2022 campaign. The ruling was issued by Rhode Island Superior Court Associate Justice Christopher Smith after two years of unanswered attempts by the Rhode Island Board of Elections to contact McGreevy.

Despite numerous mail notices, voicemails, and a subpoena, McGreevy did not respond to the Board's efforts. She claimed to be unaware of the violations, asserting she had neither raised nor spent campaign funds and therefore did not open a campaign account.

State regulations mandate that candidates who engage in any financial campaign activities report them to the state elections board. McGreevy, who ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the South Kingstown School Committee, failed to submit any required finance reports during her campaign, along with a year-end report, despite repeated reminders.

By August 2023, McGreevy had accrued over $2,000 in fines, which continued to accumulate daily. The Board of Elections referred the case to Providence County Superior Court in October 2023. McGreevy did not respond to the court complaint, leading to the $4,700 judgment. She now has 90 days to pay the fine and file all missing financial reports.

In addition to her local campaign, McGreevy is scheduled to represent Rhode Island at the Republican National Convention as one of 19 delegates, having been the top vote-getter in the state's 2nd Congressional District. She also ran for state representative in 2014, during which she complied with all reporting requirements. The Board of Elections declined to comment on the court order.

Low Inventory Continues to Challenge Rhode Island Homebuyers

In April 2024, Rhode Island experienced a notable year-over-year increase in home sales across single-family homes, multi-family homes, and condominiums, according to the Rhode Island Association of Realtors (RIAR). This marks only the second instance since early 2022 where monthly single-family home sales surpassed the figures from the previous year.

Despite the uptick in sales and an increase in listings, the market remains difficult for buyers due to a critically low inventory. The elevated rate of sales has further reduced the already limited supply of available homes. Median home prices also rose, indicating a favorable market for sellers who can quickly sell their properties if priced appropriately.

RIAR's data shows a steady influx of buyers from states like Massachusetts and New York, while many sellers, particularly retirees, are moving south to the Carolinas and Florida due to the increasing cost of living in Rhode Island.

Creative Fundraising Event for Best Buddies on May 22

A creative and fun-filled fundraising event will be held to support Best Buddies International, an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through friendships, employment opportunities, and inclusive living.

This event invites participants to unleash their inner artist while contributing to a meaningful cause. Whether experienced or new to pottery painting, attendees are promised an evening of laughter, camaraderie, and community spirit.

Scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, from 6 to 8 PM, the fundraiser costs $50 per person. This fee includes a $25 donation to Best Buddies, refreshments, studio fees, and a wide selection of pottery pieces to choose from.

Upcoming Local Events

Tuesday - May 21

Wednesday - May 22

Thursday - May 23

Friday - May 24

Saturday - May 25

Sunday - May 26

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