Home » News » Politics
July 27. 2012 12:00AM
After state representative's arrest, calls for him to resign
CONCORD — Several key Republican lawmakers Thursday called on Manchester Rep. Patrick Garrity to resign after his arrest for allegedly assaulting his ex-wife and a man at a Manchester social club.
House Majority Leader Pete Silva and Manchester Republican Committee Chair Rep. Mike Ball Thursday said Garrity should step down.
“While we realize that Rep. Garrity is innocent until proven guilty, the voters of Manchester are owed an explanation for this raucous behavior,” Ball said.
The charges stem from an incident Sunday afternoon in the Fish & Game Club, 50 Massabesic St. Garrity, a city firefighter, allegedly pushed his ex-wife, Wendy Garrity, in the chest and punched Joseph Garvey, pushing him off a bar stool, according to city police.
Garrity denied the charges Wednesday night, saying: “There’s no truth to it.”
Garrity’s charges were the second in a week for Manchester elected officials. Ward 11 Alderman Russ Ouellette resigned Wednesday after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman in his pickup truck. He was arrested again Thursday for violating bail conditions.
“It is unfortunate that there seems to be a trend forming among Manchester Democratic law makers who appear to be unable to hold themselves to the high standards we ask of all elected officials,” Ball said.
He said Garrity should resign, as Ouellette did.
“I am deeply disappointed to hear of the allegations surrounding Rep.
Patrick Garrity. These charges, along with his poor legislative attendance record and inability to sponsor a single piece of legislation in the 2012 session suggest a disinterest in being a serious legislator,” Silva said. “Minority Leader Norelli should use this time to ensure that Rep. Garrity’s focus is in the best interest of his constituents by promptly asking him to resign in order to allow the residents of his district the opportunity to elect a more effective and responsible representative.”
The Legislature is not expected to meet again until organization day in December.
Garrity could not be reached for comment, nor could Minority Leader Terie Norelli.
Garrity was involved in another altercation at the same social club three years ago with his brother, former alderman Michael Garrity, and former mayor and current U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta. Guinta was mayor at the time and Michael Garrity was Ward 9 alderman.
In that incident, Thomas English Jr. of Manchester suffered a broken leg after he supposedly attacked Michael Garrity and was subdued by Patrick Garrity. English was charged with simple assault, but neither Garrity brother was charged.
A trial is set for Oct. 29 in Circuit Court-Manchester District Division for Garrity on the July 22 assault charges.
Garrity is free on $1,000 personal recognizance bail, but is prohibited from using alcohol or contacting the victims, and may not go to the victims’ residences or the Fish & Game Club.
Garrity is serving his fourth term in the House and is seeking the Democratic nomination to one of the two Hillsborough District 14 seats representing Ward 7 in Manchester. Three candidates are running for the two seats in the Democratic primary.
Garry Rayno may be reached at grayno@unionleader.com.
House Majority Leader Pete Silva and Manchester Republican Committee Chair Rep. Mike Ball Thursday said Garrity should step down.
“While we realize that Rep. Garrity is innocent until proven guilty, the voters of Manchester are owed an explanation for this raucous behavior,” Ball said.
The charges stem from an incident Sunday afternoon in the Fish & Game Club, 50 Massabesic St. Garrity, a city firefighter, allegedly pushed his ex-wife, Wendy Garrity, in the chest and punched Joseph Garvey, pushing him off a bar stool, according to city police.
Garrity denied the charges Wednesday night, saying: “There’s no truth to it.”
Garrity’s charges were the second in a week for Manchester elected officials. Ward 11 Alderman Russ Ouellette resigned Wednesday after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman in his pickup truck. He was arrested again Thursday for violating bail conditions.
“It is unfortunate that there seems to be a trend forming among Manchester Democratic law makers who appear to be unable to hold themselves to the high standards we ask of all elected officials,” Ball said.
He said Garrity should resign, as Ouellette did.
“I am deeply disappointed to hear of the allegations surrounding Rep.
Patrick Garrity. These charges, along with his poor legislative attendance record and inability to sponsor a single piece of legislation in the 2012 session suggest a disinterest in being a serious legislator,” Silva said. “Minority Leader Norelli should use this time to ensure that Rep. Garrity’s focus is in the best interest of his constituents by promptly asking him to resign in order to allow the residents of his district the opportunity to elect a more effective and responsible representative.”
The Legislature is not expected to meet again until organization day in December.
Garrity could not be reached for comment, nor could Minority Leader Terie Norelli.
Garrity was involved in another altercation at the same social club three years ago with his brother, former alderman Michael Garrity, and former mayor and current U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta. Guinta was mayor at the time and Michael Garrity was Ward 9 alderman.
In that incident, Thomas English Jr. of Manchester suffered a broken leg after he supposedly attacked Michael Garrity and was subdued by Patrick Garrity. English was charged with simple assault, but neither Garrity brother was charged.
A trial is set for Oct. 29 in Circuit Court-Manchester District Division for Garrity on the July 22 assault charges.
Garrity is free on $1,000 personal recognizance bail, but is prohibited from using alcohol or contacting the victims, and may not go to the victims’ residences or the Fish & Game Club.
Garrity is serving his fourth term in the House and is seeking the Democratic nomination to one of the two Hillsborough District 14 seats representing Ward 7 in Manchester. Three candidates are running for the two seats in the Democratic primary.
- - - - - - - -
Garry Rayno may be reached at grayno@unionleader.com.