Rhode Island state Sen. Stephen Alves has been a powerful legislator but he seems to have a problem with handling the stress of public life. The latest example: A shouting match last week between Senator Alves and a couple of members of the West Warwick Town Council.

The unpleasant confrontation ended with Mr. Alves being driven home after Police Chief Peter Brousseau escorted the senator from the building. The chief, who had attended the meeting, decided that the legislator was “too upset to drive.” Let us hope that Mr. Alves apologizes for his threatening behavior, which followed a party the senator had attended.