Update: 3rd accused North Providence councilman quits

Published May 14, 2010 at 5:12 p.m.

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Raymond L. Douglas III tendered his resignation from the Town Council this morning, following the lead of two other councilmen who have resigned in the face of extortion and bribery charges.

"While I personally feel that I can continue to sit as a productive member of the council, I also must admit that my continued presence on the council will only serve to detract from town business," Douglas wrote in a letter to Mayor Charles A. Lombardi.

Hopefully, the resignation would save taxpayers the expense of paying for a second special election if it's needed, Douglas wrote.

On Thursday, the council called for a special election to fill seats vacated by Douglas's colleagues: former Council President Joseph S. Burchfield and former Councilman John A. "Zam" Zambarano.

Douglas and the other two councilmen are accused of taking bribes in exchange for throwing their support behind the construction of a proposed supermarket off Mineral Spring Avenue.

Burchfield and Zambarano's terms are set to expire this December, while Douglas' term wasn't set to expire until December of 2012.

Lombardi welcomed his resignation.

"I think it's best. hopefully," he said. "He feels it's best for him, but I know it's most certainly best for the taxpayers and residents of our town."

Extra: Read our previous coverage of the North Providence council scandal

The Providence Journal has been following this story today as it develops. Our initial report was posted at 11:36 a.m.

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