This wasn't quite the beginning, but a start:
Crooked and Crookeder
Governor Deval Patrick’s attempt to install state Senator Marian Walsh in a $175,000 patronage job, and the revelation that state Treasurer Timothy Cahill awarded a $21 million contract to a company that also was paying one of his top fund-raisers.
From:
Massachusetts: House Cleaning Required #1
DeLeo was one of several top lawmakers named in the Ware report, conducted by an independent investigator, which revealed widespread patronage in the beleaguered department. It found 58 percent of the 12 candidates DeLeo backed for jobs were ultimately hired, placing him amid legislators with the most success. He’s mentioned 41 times in the report by name.
Not to miss out on the public gravy train, the son of state Representative John Binienda filled a Hack job in the Alcoholic Beverage Commission that has already cost the Commonwealth $324,000 in settlement costs.
When Republicans proposed Reforms that would have included a requirement that LOBBYISTS wear badges, this was Rep, Binienda's response:
From: Massachusetts Corruption
On Wednesday, Binienda, who heads the House Rules Committee, called the proposal revolting and went on to make the historical analogy.
Hitler, during the concentration camps, tattooed all of the Jewish people so he would know who was a Jew and who wasn't, and that's something that I just don't go along with, Binienda told State House News Service for an article posted yesterday.
His subsequent apology:
Rep. John Binienda issues apology for comparing name badge proposal to 'Nazis'
One must wonder if Rep. Binienda doesn't want the LOBBYISTS flooding his office to be noticed.
It should be noted that House Speaker "Racino" DeLeo rewarded obedience with Chairmenships - extra pay, larger offices, bigger staffs.
Rep. Binienda wasn't alone is obtaining Hack jobs.
the son of state Representative John Binienda and the brother of then-Representative Paul Kujawski.
From: Massachusetts: House Cleaning Required #2
another hack job:
the brother of then-Representative Paul Kujawski.
For the second time in six years, state Rep. Paul Kujawski ..., D-Webster, has admitted violating state campaign finance laws, and has agreed to pay $16,782 and change his record-keeping and spending practices to avoid future violations, according to the state attorney general and campaign finance officials.
Among other alleged infractions, Mr. Kujawski, 53, in 2003 improperly used campaign funds for a trip to Texas, where he attended two football games with a Massachusetts political consultant and fundraiser, in-laws of his brother.
From: Beacon Hill Mired in Scandals
He soon got the job and contributed a total of $1,600 to Mr. DiMasi's committees through December 2005, according to the Ware report.
From: Massachusetts: Beacon Hill Deafness Prevails
Former Rep. Brian P. Wallace and casino supporter indicted.
A Suffolk County grand jury yesterday filed criminal campaign finance charges against former state Representative Brian P. Wallace....
Wallace is the fifth elected official from Boston to face criminal charges since 2005, a list that includes two House speakers, a state senator, and a city councilor.Pamela Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts, a good government watchdog. “But we have a very, very cynical electorate, and we keep giving them food to feed that cynicism.’’
Of the Alcoholic Beverage Commission:
Relatives Hired - Another Beacon Hill Hack-O-Rama
The defense: The two available slots had to go to relatives of lawmakers, or the Legislature would not fund the positions, according to legal documents.
In addition, an agency investigator is scheduled to be tried this fall on charges he accepted a $3,000 bribe to help a convicted felon obtain a liquor license. The worker, Arthur Hitchman, a former Melrose alderman and aide to Senator Richard R. Tisei, who has since left office, pleaded not guilty to the charges, but lost his job in December.
And I must wonder why no one is asking why Senator Richard T. "Debt Collector" Moore was so concerned about wealthy Gambling Investors collecting their debts.
For more:
The real “culture of corruption”
Massachusetts: Where Business Is Conducted BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Massachusetts Corruption
From: Alice's Rabbit Hole and Senator Menard
Daughter:
University of Massachusetts, Menard Jennifer J., Director of Economic Develop, 37.50 hours, 2008 -$67,291.40, 2009 - $73,348.77
Daughter:
Trial Court Menard-Parece Jody M, Acting Clerk Magistrate, 37.50 hours, 2008 - $110,221.00, 20009 - $110,051.18
Son-in-law
Lottery Commission, Preble Sean S, Field Technician MSLC, 40.00 hours, 2008- $48,418.80, 2009 - $49,477.67
and then the Governor lied: http://wampaleaks.blogspot.com/
It's time for House Cleaning and it shouldn't stop at the Alcoholic Beverage Commission.