Corruption, Massachusetts Style
Massachusetts has a long, proud history of Crime and Corruption, Ethics violations and patronage that the process of Gambling legislation revealed that even this neophyte recognized.
Both Senator Petrucelli and Boston Mayor Tom Menino have charities to which an owner of Suffolk Downs contributed. The charities avoid public disclosure and campaign contribution limits, as well as providing a tax-deductible contribution. What else don't we know? Who else contributed? What else did they receive in return?
Suffolk Downs is a run-down horse racing track that is dying, like the rest of the horse racing industry and they fantasized an elegant Slot Barn to suck discretionary dollars from the local economy.
Horse racing as pretense to Predatory Gambling!
Charities? Legal? Yes! Does it pass the smell test? Not in your sleep!
In Massachusetts, the arrogance of power and isolation allows elected officials to believe they are immune from scrutiny and have exempted themselves from the Open Meeting Law and the Public Records Law.
You will note that our arrogant Governor Slot Barns Patrick recently refused to provide records even after his phony campaign promises of transparency.
What's he hiding? More lies?
There are honest, hard-working politicians attempting to change this who become discourage or don't continue to run for office out of frustration.
It's time for change! And it's time for voters to support ethical candidates.
And it comes as no surprise to 97% Massachusetts voters that another bunch of politicians will end up in prison for their arrogance.
Independent Investigator Expects ‘Significant Indictments’ In Probation Hiring Probes
BOSTON — The independent investigator who found pervasive fraud in hiring practices at the Massachusetts Probation Department said he expects additional “significant indictments” in the ongoing state and federal probes of alleged patronage.
Following Paul Ware’s 2010 report, which focused on the department and not on the role of legislators, the 20-month-long investigation has resulted in indictments of certain probation employees, including former Commissioner John O’Brien. Additionally, several lawmakers have testified before grand juries.
“In my personal view, there certainly will be significant, highly placed individuals who will be formally charged,” Ware, of Boston law firm Goodwin Procter, told WBUR Morning Edition host Deborah Becker. “I’d be very surprised if we’re not in for some significant indictments.”
This week, officials confirmed that two of O’Brien’s former aides are cooperating with federal and state prosecutors in exchange for immunity. Could O’Brien himself get the same deal?
“I would not assume that it has not happened,” Ware said. “I’d be very surprised if he hasn’t been given the opportunity to give substantive information to the United States attorney.”
Click the player above for Deb’s full conversation with Ware.
http://www.wbur.org/2012/07/19/probation-aids-granted-immunity
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