It takes a lot to shock most Rhode Islanders. Yet, the most recent antics by East Providence Councilmen Brian J. Faria, Joseph A. Botelho, Jr. and Councilwoman Anna M. Sousa truly make one gasp. It seems that by fiat they have decided that they need not run for reelection in 2018 notwithstanding that a 2016 ballot question stated explicitly that voters were choosing council members for two year terms. The most galling aspect of their putative claim that they are allowed to stay in office until 2020 is their trotting out the old chestnut that their position “isn’t about politics. It is about the will of the people” (Faria).

Assuming that these Councilpersons cannot read as the reason why they have misinterpreted the 2016 ballot language, any right-thinking person would ask a court of competent jurisdiction to resolve the supposed “ambiguity” through a declaratory judgement action. Such matters go on a short calendar and are decided promptly. Enter the Rhode Island Board of Elections. Former Judge Stephen Erickson, a member of the state elections board, has called for a meeting forthwith to decide whether the City of East Providence should hold elections this fall. Kudos for his getting this matter off its standstill.

Now, you might think that I think this column will have a salutary effect on the politicians in question and that they will be sorry and reverse their position. I don’t think that at all. A long time ago I concluded that self-centered politicians are incapable of repentance. They very much share a common trait with mugging mutts. Dogs have no sense of guilt either. As the Atlantic (March 2018) recently reported, dogs have no shame. Research abounds that dogs do not self-punish. They merely are reacting submissively to the scolder because it is advantageous for the dog to reduce conflict between it and the human hand that feeds Rover. Similarly, some politicians have learned to feign regret solely as a defense mechanism to avoid being ousted from office.

So, why should anybody who votes outside of East Providence even care about what is going on there? The answer isn’t just that self-serving decisions occur far too often around the state, although that is true. I think the lesson lies with the voter. Just as in the case of canines, the dog will empty the bag of treats or devour an extra-large pepperoni pizza, somebody left the treats out. Voters who reward negative political behavior by returning malefactors back to office are complicit in the erring behavior. Just as dog owners are cautioned about putting the lid on the trash, voters have to be very clear about what messages they send to errant politicians. Far too often they are treated as likable rogues.

It is a pretty sad day in Rhode Island when the elected start dictating how long they are going to stay in office. How does that differ from totalitarian states? There is a major coup brewing in East Providence by these 3 office holders who form the majority on the council. The harm should not be underestimated by anyone. It is corrosive of democracy. It’s far past time to put a lid on it.

Arlene Violet is an attorney and former Rhode Island Attorney General.