Salvatore DiMasi faces fraud rap

Photo by Angela Rowlings

Ex-Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi is facing up to 20 years in prison for allegedly taking kickbacks in yet another State House corruption scandal that has cast a pall over Beacon Hill and sent the onetime iron-fisted leader’s former colleagues scrambling for cover.

DiMasi was hit with fraud and conspiracy charges yesterday in a scathing indictment that painted him as the “coach” of a team of conspirators who cut lucrative deals in backrooms and on golf courses from Boston to Florida, lining his own pocket to the tune of $60,000, federal agents alleged.

Prosecutors said DiMasi used his legislative might to steer $20 million in taxpayer-funded software contracts to Cognos in 2007. In exchange, the Canadian firm funneled payments to an unnamed lawyer in DiMasi’s law office, who in turn cut the then-speaker checks ranging from $4,000 to $25,000, authorities alleged.

At one point during the alleged scheme, DiMasi boasted to a pal, “It’s about time we got business like this,” according to acting U.S. Attorney Michael Loucks.

Also charged yesterday were DiMasi’s friend and former accountant Richard Vitale, Cognos lobbyist Richard McDonough and former Cognos executive Joseph Lally Jr. All four were released on $10,000 surety and are due back in federal court Monday.

DiMasi, who became the third consecutive speaker to land in the defendant’s chair in federal court, had tears in his eyes as he addressed a crush of media outside Moakley Federal Courthouse.

“Every decision that I have ever made as the speaker or as a state representative was always made in the best interests of my constituents and the people of the commonwealth of Massachusetts,” DiMasi said, clutching the hand of his wife, Debbie. He brushed off media questions and left in a black Jaguar driven by his lawyer.

Meanwhile, Speaker Robert DeLeo, a longtime DiMasi ally, and his leadership team went into bunker mode yesterday. They discussed beefing up ethics rules in a bid to rebuild shattered public trust, including giving in to a proposal by Gov. Deval Patrick to ban gifts to politicians and give prosecutors power to tap crooked lawmakers’ phones, sources said.

One lawmaker said news of DiMasi’s indictment “sucked all the air out of the room” during the DeLeo leadership meeting.

DeLeo, who oversaw the key legislative committee that ushered through the Cognos legislation, said he was “saddened and disappointed” by the charges.

His attorney, Robert Popeo, sought to distance the speaker from the scandal, saying he has fully complied with investigators.

“He is not a subject, target or person of interest in any of the investigation that is taking place,” Popeo said. “People from his office produced records (to the grand jury). He was never in front of the grand jury.”

Patrick last night said the indictment was “deeply disturbing,” while one lawmaker called the charges “a huge distraction and a huge blow to the House.”

DiMasi’s indictment comes just two years after former Speaker Thomas M. Finneran was convicted of obstruction of justice and was put on 18 months’ probation. Finneran’s predecessor, Charles Flaherty, resigned from the Legislature in 1996 after pleading guilty to tax evasion and ethics violations. It also comes months after former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson was charged with taking bribes.

McDonough’s attorney, Thomas Drechsler, proclaimed his client’s innocence and called the allegations “an attack on the lobbying profession.”

“What he is accused of is doing what he has done honorably and honestly for over 30 years and that is to lobby on behalf of his client,” Drechsler said. “He advocated for language in legislation. That’s what lobbyists are paid to do.”

Edward Mason contributed to this report.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1176446

CLICK HERE – Article Courtesy of MASS LIVE

Love Triangle Assault – Susan Dawson

Agawam mayor Susan Dawson attacked at Max’s Tavern in Springfield

Posted by mbrault April 08, 2009 22:19PM

Susan R. Dawson

By PATRICK JOHNSON
pjohnson@repub.com

SPRINGFIELD – Agawam Mayor Susan R. Dawson was attacked by another woman Wednesday night as she left the ladies’ room at Max’s Tavern by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, police said.

Police were called to the restaurant at about 9 p.m for a report of an injured woman. Dawson told police she was thrown to the ground and struck her head. She also told police that while she was on the ground she was kicked more than once.

Police said there were no visible signs of injury, and Dawson was taken by ambulance to Baystate Medical Center.

A 61-year-old Longmeadow woman was identified as the assailant. Police have not charged the woman, whose identity was not disclosed. Dawson can file an assault and battery complaint in District Court.

Police said Wednesday night it was unclear what prompted the attack. The two women know one another, police said.

The Longmeadow woman fled the scene before police arrived.

Categories: Agawam, Crime, Springfield

From the Howie Carr Show:

When Scorned Women Attack!!!

• Pair Tumbles out of lady’s room screaming expletives.
  
• Cougar Cat Fight Puts Agawam Animal Control Over Budget
• Susan says : “I will not Confirm or Deny what the public is saying.”
  


Howie Carr

A fight –apparently over a man, spilled over into a popular Massachusetts Springfield eatery on the Riverfront last night. Springfield Police have not commented, but the mayor of Agawam Susan Dawson became involved with a fight with a 61 year old woman from nearby Longmeadow. Onlookers tell us the fight was over a man. Is this the state of local politics today?

Mayor Dawson before and after extreme makeover…

CLICK HERE – Article Courtesy of MASS LIVE

Agawam Mayor Susan Dawson seeks complaint against Longmeadow woman she says attacked her at Max’s Tavern in Springfield

Posted by dbshepar April 09, 2009 15:31PM

File photo by Bob Stern / The RepublicanAgawam Mayor Susan R. Dawson is seen giving a speech following her swearing-in ceremony last year.

By BUFFY SPENCER
bspencer@repub.com

SPRINGFIELD – Agawam Mayor Susan R. Dawson filed an application for a complaint Thursday afternoon against a 61-year-old Longmeadow woman who allegedly attacked her as she left the ladies’ room at Max’s Tavern in Springfield Wednesday night.

Dawson and West Springfield lawyer Charles Sclafani went to the Springfield District Court Clerk’s office at about 2:30 p.m. and filed a request for a criminal complaint against Celeste Benoit, the two said as they left the building.

The filing of requests for complaints by individuals is not public information, nor is the complaint.

It could not be immediately determined if Benoit, of Blokland Drive, had filed a request for a complaint, too.

Sclafani said Dawson is requesting that Benoit be charged with assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, a shoe.

Police were called to the restaurant in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame building at about 9 p.m. Wednesday for a report of an injured woman. Dawson told police she was thrown to the ground and struck her head. She also told police that while she was on the ground she was kicked more than once.

Police said there were no visible signs of injury, and Dawson was taken by ambulance to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

Police said Wednesday night it was unclear what prompted the attack. The two women know one another, police said.

Police said Benoit fled the scene before police arrived.

More details in The Republican tomorrow.

Categories: Agawam, Crime, Longmeadow, Springfield

Comments

QueenMaryJ says…

You GO Girl!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 4:46PM

travelbuddy says…

On 22 news Dawson just said there was “maybe 1 reason” she could think of that would provoke such a confrontation. Wonder if that reason is Dawson has been living with that woman’s husband for the past year?

Posted on 04/09/09 at 5:18PM

rukidding75 says…

Of course she’s going to face it head on. She’s a strong woman!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 5:18PM

travelbuddy says…

On 22 news Dawson just said there was “maybe 1 reason” she could think this woman would target her. Maybe that reason is because Dawson has been living with this womans husband for the past year. Convenient she forgot that details during the interview.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 5:19PM

dgotbooted says…

This is such a funny story. fortunately no one was injured, but if a 61 yr old lady whooped me, i’d go home with my tail between my legs and keep quiet!!!! lmao

I hope when i am 61 i will still be i a$$ whooping shape, you go granny

Posted on 04/09/09 at 5:34PM

waltersd says…

Still cant believe this women won the race for mayor.. Very funny story yes indeed. Women like her always seem to come out smelling like roses.

Susan by the way you really haven’t done anything for special needs kids in this town… So stop saying you have…

Posted on 04/09/09 at 5:49PM

joesa92 says…

If the mayor is living with this womans husband,so what!They are probably getting divorced anyway.She should have dropped the soon to be ex,but once again another scorned b***h!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 5:52PM

liza01 says…

Why would the mayor stoop to accepting someone elses baggage.She is fairly attractive for her age.There are plenty of men her age that dont carry with them a 61 year old ex that can obviously kick some butt.I wouldnt feel too sorry for the granny,she lives in Longmeadow,how bad is that?Im sure shes getting the house car and everything else of his.BOO_HOO_HOO!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 5:58PM

rukidding75 says…

I love how everyone focuses on the fact that the “61 year old woman won the fight”, however, how much abuse would you be giving Mayor Dawson if she was in a bar brawl as an active participant? Give me a break, people. She has endured more than most and still comes out on top. People always want to trample the strong women, but here she is – facing it and she’s going to get through it as she always has.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 6:00PM

swinger469 says…

I can tell you this if a 61 year old hag attacks you,you “DON’T” fight back !!! You can’t win. This would have looked much worse if she ponded the slot out of grandma !!! Grandma is CRAZY !!!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 6:05PM

northside9 says…

I wish these people from Agawam and Longmeadow would stop bringing their violence to Springfield.

And what’s with the people from other towns burning their cars and themselves in Springfield. Do it in your own town!

There’s not a crime problem in Springfield, there’s a crime problem in the suburbs that keeps coming into Springfield!!!!!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 6:49PM Footer

Comments

brende58 says…

Sounds like 2 white rich women fighting over a worthless man. Heard Jerry Springer show was coming to CT guess they’ll be his 1st guest.

Posted on 04/08/09 at 10:45PM

homesick27 says…

that was my 1st thought. over a man. who cheated on who? They were probably drunk.

Posted on 04/08/09 at 11:11PM

tranquil says…

61 year old woman can kick a$$. Gives women everywhere hope.

No visible injuries? Maybe it didn’t really happen.

Posted on 04/08/09 at 11:14PM

QueenMaryJ says…

Mrs. Six?

Posted on 04/08/09 at 11:17PM

NoPol says…

Why isn’t the residence of the attacker in the headline? Following past practices at Masslive, the headline should read “Agawam mayor Susan Dawson attacked by Longmeadow Woman at Max’s Tavern in Springfield”.

Masslive seems eager to point it out when a Springfield resident commits a crime in another community.

Posted on 04/08/09 at 11:24PM

hellfish says…

Stay classy Agawam

Posted on 04/08/09 at 11:38PM

cozy77 says…

Poor thing,thrown to the ground,hit in the head and just for good measure she was kicked more than once.I’m not a Dr.but I do know that white people who have things like this happen to them their skin is red.Sounds like maybe a little “white” lie.

Posted on 04/08/09 at 11:42PM

letsgossip says…

I’ve seen the Honorable Mayor in action, I’m not impressed perhaps her head is getting to big to fit through the door…. it’s call EGO! Madamme Mayor, stop the MMA (mixed martial arts) fighting skits and start fighting for the people that elected you! Only an observation.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 12:03AM

noncrazy says…

Mayor said she was attacked when she left the ladies room,hum? A 61 yr old Longmeadow woman is the suspect.No marks on the Mayor well seems to me that is an elbow problem.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 12:32AM

SPFLDDAD says…

Agree with NoPol. Guaranteed if a Spfld resident attacked the Agawam Mayor the headlines would read
“Springfield resident attacks mayor” or if a Spfld resident did this in a surrounding community the Spfld part would be pointed out. We have enough troubles here without the republican adding more fuel to the fire.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 12:39AM

parkperson says…

It was over a man she fell to the ground pleading for her to stop it was not even a good cat fight.. she think’s she can crap on everyone now thats she’s Mayor..woo hoo.. stop trying to pick up other womens rich men there Miss Dawson.. and have another bottle of wine..

Posted on 04/09/09 at 1:59AM

snookered1 says…

Hmm… I wonder if alcohol was involved?

Posted on 04/09/09 at 5:07AM

Nichobi says…

Yes, I think they were trying to impersonate MMArtists! But, seeing how there were no visible signs of any altercation I would lean towards “to drunk to stay verticle” CRASH!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 6:03AM

derek1824 says…

Taking bets on whether or not the mayor privately sues the woman for this altercation.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 6:36AM

iknowall19 says…

Seeing this ladies husband.. also going with a married man from chicopee.. She is a real class act.. No lie..

Posted on 04/09/09 at 7:39AM

nicholz12 says…

….if a Spfld resident attacked the Agawam Mayor the headlines would read
“Springfield resident attacks mayor”

if the shoe fits wear it….

Posted on 04/09/09 at 7:41AM

IrishGirl79 says…

Does anybody know who the Longmeadow woman was? I grew up there. It could be somebody’s mom that I went to school with. That would be hilarious!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 7:56AM

skyjack2 says…

mussure there not from chicopee

Posted on 04/09/09 at 7:58AM

asprin says…

all re the headline issue rite on, before i got to the story i assumed that it was a parking lot assault and would include a name or description of a hispanic perp, happy to see neither. now, if the 61 yo perp squeeze from longmortgage turns out to be hispanic, well, i’ll just have to start over…

Posted on 04/09/09 at 8:19AM

tjmnrccske says…

I am caucasion and do not live in springfield but i can certainly see the injustice in reporting practices. if the attacker was an hispanic or african-american i believe they would have released and printed her name. she enjoys anonimity because of her social status and ethnicity. shame on the republican. just my opinion!!!!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 8:23AM

cmb1957 says…

You can bet that if the attacker was a woman from Springfield her name and address would have prominently displayed in the article. What a joke this paper is with their double standards

Posted on 04/09/09 at 9:01AM

russ888 says…

Eh, she probably just took cuts in the “ladies” room or didn’t hand tissue to the stall with an empty roll. MEOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 9:10AM

TeaParty says…

cmb1957, Maybe Dawson did not give the name of her attacker to the police. Since the Longmeadow woman was not arrested, it would not be wise for the Republican or the police to release the womans name. I will agree the Republican is pretty cautious how they report stories about crime in other towns. No town want’s a bad reputation so the police will not release much information about the crime. No information, no story.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 9:22AM

vupt says…

The Republican needs to come clean on the Longmeadow woman’s identity. Inquiring minds want to know!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 9:27AM

rukidding75 says…

I’m sorry, but hasn’t she been a huge improvement over the last Mayor? Has she made promises and kept them? You guys sit here and criticize and make assumptions and judgments about her personal life, but how many of you love Bill Clinton and what he did with his administration?

I love the double standards between women and men. Sure, Bill was publicly criticized, but most would agree he did a lot for his country. Similarly, Mayor Dawson is doing a lot for Agawam.

I also want to agree that if the attacker was African American or Hispanic, that fact would have definitely been mentioned. Are we supposed to assume that the attacker is white because of the lack of mention – apparently so. So, in that case, “white” is understood. Wrong – so wrong! We need to call out white people who break the law, and if we are going to report items of interest such as this, all races, since we are clearly still defining people according to race and ethnicity should be mentioned…or not at all.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 9:32AM

BUCKYKATT says…

This mayor goes out drinking EVERY night and sometimes during the day. She is an elected official and should be working like everyone else.
I have witnessed her pompous behavior while having dinner and was appalled that she appeared to have no problem who saw her downing that extra bottle of wine. Nice job picking that gem of a lady Agawam!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 9:37AM

QueenMaryJ says…

Admit it, you just want to see her standing in front of “the wall”.

I know I do.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 9:37AM

roxy1954 says…

Maybe she should stay away from someone else husband and get a Man of her owen

Posted on 04/09/09 at 9:40AM

rukidding75 says…

Does it take forever for a comment to post – or is masslive only posting comments that are negative about the Mayor? I’m new to this…

Posted on 04/09/09 at 9:41AM

ahsmom says…

Everyone who lives in Agawam knmows who this women who attacked Ms. Dawson is. She is the wife of Ms. Dawson’s live in boyfriend. Dawson will NOT press charges its too messy as it is.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 9:48AM

Lgriffin says…

Mrs. Longmeadow,

“That’s so ghetto.”

Posted on 04/09/09 at 9:50AM

agresser says…

Everyone in this thread, including the two brawling chicks are idiots.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 10:06AM

CitySlicker2 says…

I agree the double standards used in reporting on Masslive, Republican and all local news stations are injust. Sensationalism is what they subscribe to and in the interim they tip the scales against Springfield. Very irresponsible! Oh, and it had happened accross the river it would have been “in the Greater Springfield area”.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 10:16AM

sfieldres says…

I think it’s pretty sad that the majority of the posters on here are so small and are extremely quick to judge. No one knows what all of the circumstances are- of the incident or of the relationships these people have with one another, or all of the facts. It’s no one’s business but their own.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 10:18AM

mustluvkats says…

What’s wrong aggresser you’re not getting the attention at home that you craved? Mommy smoking meth again? So now you want feedback from us? well, not from me your not worth my time FOOL!!!!!!! You probably one of those idiots that keep checking the thread for a response to your idiotic comment. GO GET YOUR ATTENTION FIX SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 10:33AM

WhyGoHome says…

That’ll depend on an arrest being made. That’s journalism 101.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 10:39AM

fazoot says…

Does Max’s Tavern have an entertainment license for the Cat Fights?

Posted on 04/09/09 at 10:45AM

tjmnrccske says…

if they wanted privacy perhaps they should not have been brawling in a public place. if they kept their argument between the two of them and fought in a private venue, this story would never have been printed. since it was printed the reader deserves to know the names of the parties involved. the article states that a 61 year old longmeadow woman was identified, so obviously the reporter knows her identity.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 10:50AM

shelsby says…

Well perhaps if she didnt FREQUENT the bar and embarress herself on a regular basis, she wouldnt incite patrons whether they know her or not!!!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 10:56AM

spfldsux says…

Despite this issue being about an “Agawam Mayor” and a resident of “Longmeadow”; a meteor still should hit Springfield and wipe it out.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 10:56AM

rukidding75 says…

Nice, spfldsux. Hate much?

Posted on 04/09/09 at 11:11AM

spfldsux says…

I hate the gangs, violence, crime. I hate what Springfield has become. A cesspool.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 11:15AM

thecynic77 says…

Something is wrong here!!! If a regualr everyday citizen assulted someone, the police will arrest the person, regardsless if the victim presses charges or not. Looks like Sprinfield PD have a double standard. Rich and politcal/famous people get a second chance, while regular citizens get arrested in the same situation. Its good to know that police corruption is still alive and well in MA, it would be a shame for the police to actually follow the rules/laws for everybody equally.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 11:16AM

spfldsux says…

Exactly. Springfield = corruption; therefore, gangs, crime, violence. nuf said.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 11:18AM

sfieldres says…

Mayor Dawson was the one that was attacked- not the other way around- the other woman is the one who should have been arrested! You would know if you had been there!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 11:24AM

rukidding75 says…

Not all the people who live in Springfield participate in criminal activity. There are many of us law-abiding citizens who live here and want to make a difference. Do you want to wipe us out too – or do you have a suggestion on how we can improve the economy and therefore the financial means to move out of the city before it is wiped out?

Posted on 04/09/09 at 11:27AM

hellfish says…

Mayor McDrunk needs to step down

Posted on 04/09/09 at 11:33AM

thecynic77 says…

I realize the Mayor is the Victim, regardless of who the victim is, nobody was arrested. The 61 year old longmeadow woman is and the mayor know eachother, thats why her name isn’t in the paper and thats why whe hasn’t been arrested. Thats favoritism, and its wrong. A law has been broken, regardless of who broke it proper action should have been taken.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 11:49AM

foodjunky101 says…

I used to see Dawson at Maxs every thursday – each and everytime getting polluted out of her mind. The week before she was elected mayor she was in Maxs making out with a guy in the middle of the bar. Maybe thats how she was elected?? Well anyways she was caught on wednesday night having an affair with the 61 year old ladies husband! They dont tell you that in the paper but she was sleeping with another womans man. Thats why the altercation occurred.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 11:49AM

ComedyGold says…

The story goes: the 61 year old attacker is the husband of the man that the mayor is in a “relationship” with. She’s the jilted wife.

Apparently this relationship has been going on for months. Everyone knows the mayor goes to Max’s all the time. The wife probably followed them there and confronted the mayor. My guess is the guy probably just asked her for a divorce and she snapped.

This information is hearsay that I’ve heard from many different sources.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 11:53AM

moxie2 says…

If she looks like a pig; smells like a pig; and acts like a pig; she’s probably a pig.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 12:10PM

NoPol says…

Telling only half the story makes the city and Max’s look bad. If I was the owner of Max’s, I would be on the phone with Masslive and the Republican for their sensational headlines. The headlines make it sound like this was a random attack, that Max’s is a dangerous place.

That apparently is very far from the truth.

I don’t know why the attacker hasn’t been arrested.

A lot of the Springfield assaults written about in the Republican are committed under similar circumstances to what other posters are alleging here. I guess that when a Springfield woman assaults another woman over a man, that’s an immediate arrest, no questions asked, but if it is a Longmeadow woman doing the assault, the police give the option?

Seems not right to me.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 12:16PM

nissan195 says…

Let if be known, Dawson will be referred to MAYOR McDrunk until she steps down.

The lettering on her door will need to change. Guess some people think they can just do whatever they want.

Agawam started off right with Johnson, then Cohen now this POS. How can she face the residents and officials and expect them to respect her?

STEP DOWN MAYOR McDrunk!!!!!!!!!!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 12:42PM

whoknows1 says…

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone – Time to grow up people!If you are so brave – use your full name!!————- Thought so

Posted on 04/09/09 at 12:58PM

jeccaxoxo says…

she was attacked by the wife of the man that she was having an affair with for the past few years.

funny how that part was left out.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 1:47PM

40thieves says…

Cozy77 – Wow you really sound like an idiot. Why would you have to bring race into this? Obviously you are not a doctor….”When this happens to white people their skin turns red..” Well, Dr. Cozy77 idiot…How come we can’t tell when you black people get black eyes? You are an idiot. You must have a PHD in being a really stupid idiot

Posted on 04/09/09 at 1:52PM

hedoes says…

Maybe you should get your facts straight. The guy left his wife a year ago. The woman from Longmeadow is a bitter lady and yes she was that way when they were married…that’s why he left her. I have seen this woman first hand in action at a comedy night where she heckled the comedian to the point where he asked her to leave. None ever deserves to be beat on!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 2:02PM

ahsgrad21 says…

she was probably never attacked…she mostlikely was drunk and fell when she was walking out of the bathroom

Posted on 04/09/09 at 2:08PM

wantstruth says…

thecynic77 – This is a simple assault & Battery, no bodily injury. It was not comitted in the presence of a police officer, there is NO power of arrest for this crime.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 2:14PM

wmasscalper says…

The Mayor is perpetuating the stereotype of all Agawam whores… drinking in Springfield and doing every guy that crosses their paths I know cause I’ve had em all I think Eve and Jezebel were probably from Agawam Beware of Agawam chicks! Run away!

Posted on 04/09/09 at 4:49PM

cozy77 says…

40 thieves,I didn’t bring race into it .I made the comment that white people skin turns red when it’s hit by anything,follow me so far….therefore if there was NO TRAMUA to skin if the wasn’t ANY phsyical tramua as reported NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF INJURY.This has nothing to do with race just common sense.When writting comments about stories I wish people take the time to understand what’s being written.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 5:26PM

waltersd says…

This women has done nothing for agawam and never will, Way to go agawam you really picked a class act.

All because you didn’t want to pay for a parking permit so people can park on your lawn to head to the Big E and Six Flags. You can make money but the town cant.

Posted on 04/09/09 at 6:01PM

Woman accused of attacking Agawam mayor issues statement

AGAWAM — A woman accused of assaulting Agawam Mayor Susan Dawson in April says she witnessed her husband passionately kissing Dawson a year earlier.

Celeste Benoit released a statement through her attorney on Tuesday. A hearing is scheduled on Thursday to determine whether Benoit should face criminal charges for allegedly throwing Dawson to the ground and kicking her outside the ladies room of a Springfield restaurant.

The first-term mayor has claimed that she began dating real estate developer Mark Benoit only after he and his wife split up. But Celeste Benoit disputes that in her statement, saying the couple separated only after she confronted her husband about the romantic encounter with Dawson.

Dawson’s lawyer would not confirm or deny the March 2008 incident, but told The Republican newspaper that his client was still the victim of an “unprovoked attack.”

___

Information from: The Springfield Republican, http://www.masslive.com/news/

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1175073

Walsh pulls out amid uproar

Senator will not pursue $120,000-a-year state post

By Frank Phillips, Globe Staff  |  April 1, 2009

State Senator Marian Walsh abandoned her appointment yesterday to a $120,000-a-year position at a state authority, a decision that follows two tumultuous weeks for Governor Deval Patrick and was made amid what Walsh described as a “tsunami” of public outrage.

“I feel I have become the issue,” said Walsh, appearing at Patrick’s side after meeting privately with the governor in his office.

Walsh said she reached the decision to decline the job as assistant executive director at the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority on her own, with no push from the governor or his aides. She said she called Patrick’s chief of staff, Doug Rubin, on Monday night and informed him of the choice.

“This is my decision,” said Walsh, a six-term West Roxbury Democrat and one of Patrick’s earliest political supporters.

“This was not going any place that was healthy. I feel this is the best outcome,” she said. “I don’t want to be a distraction. I want to be a leader.”

Patrick’s push to get Walsh hired at the authority would have faced another potential hurdle, and fur ther media scrutiny and public anger, when the agency’s board meets April 17 to confirm the details of her employment.

Patrick said he had “mixed feelings” about the lawmaker’s decision and said, “I wish we had handled it differently.”

The governor has endured intense criticism from the public and political foes alike, and the administration’s repeated attempts at damage control have only added to the negative fallout.

Walsh said last week that she would accept $120,000 a year for the job, instead of the originally planned $175,000, a concession that spurred more anger and criticism. The administration absorbed more criticism over the last three days after a Globe story, quoting internal e-mails, showed Walsh’s appointment had been carefully orchestrated by Patrick’s top aides – despite the administration’s denials.

“I am relieved because we’ve been hammered,” Patrick said yesterday, speaking to reporters. “I also feel disappointed about the harm that has come to the senator, who is a wonderful and capable person and, I am absolutely convinced, was the right person for this assignment.”

He then put his arm around Walsh to demonstrate his support for her. “It’s been painful for me, the senator, for a whole lot of people.”

After the announcement, Patrick escorted Walsh back to the Senate, where a debate was taking place on pension reform.

The assistant executive director job at the authority had been vacant for 12 years, and Patrick and Walsh were never able to put forth an argument that convinced critics that it needed to be filled now, at a time when the state and Massachusetts residents are reeling from the recession.

Walsh insisted yesterday that she had wanted the position in order to work on the governor’s plans for reorganizing the authority and other quasi-public authorities by, among other things, “changing the culture so we can be more open.”

“There’s a whole theme here, which is why the reorganization was so central to having more economic development that is more fruitful in the near future and not waiting,” Walsh said.

But the way the appointment was handled belied her call for open government. The position had not been advertised and no search firm had been hired to compile a list of candidates. It was also not listed on an agenda for the March 12 meeting where it was unanimously approved.

Walsh’s appointment was immediately slammed by opponents as a behind-the-scenes patronage move by Patrick to force the board of an independent authority to hire a political ally with very little notice.

The state’s Republican Party said yesterday that the episode undercut Patrick’s claim to be a reformer.

“Senator Walsh has done the right thing by refusing the appointment,” said Jennifer Nassour, GOP chairwoman. “This absurd process has taught us, once again, that we cannot rely on the Patrick administration to seek real, meaningful reform on Beacon Hill.”

Patrick continued yesterday to press the issue of reform, however. He insisted that Walsh was the right person to make his case that the authority’s operations should merge some of its operations with the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, contending that their duplicate efforts cost taxpayers “millions of dollars.”

He warned the authority that he would intervene again if it did not implement the changes he is seeking.

“If they don’t, we will be right back at it, inserting a change agent in there,” Patrick said.

The authority, however, released a statement rebutting the governor’s portrayal that it is inefficient. The agency issues government bonds to raise money for hospital and education construction projects in Massachusetts.

“A true model of efficiency, last year HEFA’s dedicated team worked to provide more than $4.4 billion in low-cost financing for important projects by nonprofit organizations across Massachusetts – becoming the largest issuer of tax-exempt bonds in the state and sixth largest in the nation,” the statement said. 

BUSTED- $23k stuffed in her bra- SENATOR DIANE WILKERSON

“Vote For Dianne Wilkerson”

State Senator Dianne Wilkerson was arrested for Corruption Charges. Deval Patrick supported her campaign even though she has had prior problems with the law.

State Senator Diane Wilkerson Arrested

U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, Michael Sullivan, announces charges against State Senator Diane Wilkerson.

Dianne Wilkerson Asked to Leave

Massachusetts State Senators asked fellow senator, Dianne Wilkerson, to resign after she’s charged with violating federal law.

So how much bribe money will a legislator’s bra hold anyway?

Here’s an important state political story we almost missed given all the sound and fury surrounding the climax of the 2008 presidential election race between Barack Obama and John McCain and their trusty sidekicks, Joe Biden and Sarah Palin.

For a brief change of pace we’re going to tell you about Massachusetts state senator Dianne Wilkerson. She’s a Democrat who’s in some more legal trouble now because, it seems, an FBI sting operation caught her on videotape stuffing numerous $100 bills into her bra as alleged bribe payments during a meeting in a fancy Boston restaurant.

According to U.S. Atty. Michael Sullivan and a 32-page affidavit filed in federal court Tuesday, Wilkerson is charged with accepting $23,500 in eight different bribes over an 18-month period in return for her legislative influence on behalf of a developer and bar owner, among others.

The embattled legislator has represented the Roxbury area since her first election in 1992 as the state’s only black state senator. Wilkerson, who’s been supported by Gov. Deval Patrick, lost the Democratic primary but is seeking reelection through a sticker writein campaign next week.

Max Stern, Wilkerson’s attorney, maintains her innocence and accused federal authorities of trying to “character assassinate” her by bringing up past legal troubles, including a tax-cheating conviction and campaign finance violations.

The state bar has begun proceedings to disbar Wilkerson for perjury during state court testimony on behalf of a nephew convicted of murder.

And now back to your regularly-scheduled presidential campaign.

–Andrew Malcolm

Not a fan, felonious Tom Finneran? Well pardon me!

Photo by Nancy Lane

Are you talkin’ to me, Felon Finneran?

I quote now from the letter that four bust-out ex-governors of Massachusetts have written to President Bush, begging them to pardon former House speaker Tommy Taxes Finneran, a man so crooked he needs a corkscrew to get into his pants in the morning.

“He has suffered daily taunts and ridicule of those who believe that every elected official is the equivalent of a common thief.”

That’s me they’re talking about. When it comes to Felon Finneran, I’m in charge of daily taunts and ridicule. But despite what the Four Stooges wrote, I don’t believe every elected official is a thief. Finneran, on the other hand, was the House speaker – a job title that lately has a higher recidivism rate than godfather of the Gambino Crime Family.

As for Tommy Taxes being a “common thief” – I would never say that. Common thieves who do the crime do the time. Finneran committed multiple counts of perjury in the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals, but was convicted of one count of obstruction of justice, and didn’t do an hour, let alone a day, in durance vile.

And he still refuses to take responsibility for his sordid life of crime. So far, he’s Alibi Ike.

First excuse: he lied under oath because he was in a hurry to drive his wife to Mass General.

Second excuse: he’d been “gulping” Advil. No joke – Tommy Taxes claimed he was “Advil-addled.”

New excuse: I’ve ruined everything for him. Yeah, and tonight I’m going to make it snow.

The Four Stooges said Felon Finneran has been “severely punished.” Really? He’s still making big money for his wretched radio show, which we call “Sweet Sixteen,” because that’s generally about where it finishes in the ratings. The Felon usually runs neck and neck with “The River,” and sometimes he even edges the Manchester N.H. soft-rock station. Sometimes. His show is so compelling it now goes off the air at 9 instead of 10, and they’re trying to prop him up with a co-host.

Finneran should be breakin’ rocks in the hot sun. He fought the law and the law won. Although I still remember the day he was “sentenced,” and how Judge Rick Stearns was almost apologizing for having to ask him the questions every convicted felon has to answer.

Are you on drugs this morning, wiseguy? You do know you can’t own a firearm anymore, maggot. But no, it was all “Mistah Speakah” this and “I know this is a silly question but . . .” I was there in the courtroom hoping to make a victim-impact statement. See, I was at the courthouse the day Felon Finneran told his string of incredible whoppers about his racist gerrymandering scheme in the city of Boston.

I was shocked, shocked, I tell you. I tried not to let it destroy my faith in the integrity of the Massachusetts Legislature. But I can’t get over it. Then last year, the Felon speculated to Gov. Patrick that I should be taken for a one-way ride in the trunk of the governor’s Coupe Deval.

You can take the felon out of the State House, but you can’t take the State House out of the felon. President Bush, don’t enough people hate you already? You don’t need your own Marc Rich.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1144332

Tom Finneran Felon Finneran

Former House speaker Thomas M. Finneran, arriving at his Mattapan home Monday. (Globe Staff Photo / Justine Hunt)
The Boston Globe

Finneran’s gathering storm

Ex-speaker’s strongest traits may have hastened his fall

By Don Aucoin, Globe Staff | June 9, 2005

It was a spring night in 2001, and the hottest question on Beacon Hill was whether the state budget proposal about to be released by the House Ways and Means Committee would contain adequate funds for the Clean Elections Law.

The law to provide public financing of campaigns had been overwhelmingly approved by voters several years earlier, but House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran had made no secret of his hostility to it, and that had spelled doom for many a measure in the State House over the years.

That made Finneran’s response all the more surprising when a reporter asked how much money would be in the Ways and Means budget for Clean Elections. ”I literally have no idea,” Finneran said. He went on to explain that he had been so busy with other legislative matters that he had left it in the hands of Ways and Means chairman John Rogers.

The notion of a hands-off approach on something Finneran cared about so deeply ran counter to everything that was known about the controlling, detail-oriented man who ran the House. But for the eight years Finneran presided as a speaker of unchallenged power, he seldom felt the need to agonize over his words or his image. Indeed, he was every inch the happy warrior, a sharp-tongued figure who freely expressed his opinions.

Yet in the aftermath of his indictment Monday on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, some wonder whether the very traits that propelled Finneran’s rise to power — a self-confidence bordering on the cocksure, a reflexive refusal to yield on points large or small, an eager appetite for political combat — may have worked together to hasten his fall.

”Hubris,” said Pamela Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause of Massachusetts, speculating on why Finneran denied any involvement in the redistricting process. ”There would have been no consequences to him had he told the truth: ‘Yes, I met with lawmakers and talked about this; yes, I met with the chairman of the committee.’ There would have been no repercussions. People would have said, ‘Look, there’s Finneran controlling the process again, but that would been, ‘Yawn, yawn, what’s new?’ ”

Finneran has vigorously maintained his innocence. Moreover, he has done so with the unambiguous force that characterized his eight years as House speaker, issuing a statement saying, ”My response to the charges brought against me today is NOT GUILTY,” and telling reporters: ”I’m not going to lose any sleep over it.”

If that is true, that would mean Finneran is less bothered by the indictment than are some of his admirers. Former House speaker David Bartley contended that the indictment is ”just outrageous,” and that Finneran is called arrogant simply for exerting strong leadership and for being unyielding in his beliefs.

Such support is a testament to the charisma and brainpower Finneran brought to the post of House speaker, along with an iron-fisted approach that made dissidents an endangered species. Critics say Finneran’s belief that he was smarter than most — an opinion honed and to an extent affirmed in the State House — contributed to his current legal predicament. In this view, the commanding — critics called it arrogant — demeanor that defined his leadership in the House simply boomeranged on the witness stand.

”He was just daring the attorneys to challenge him, to doubt him,” remarked Representative James J. Marzilli, a Democrat from Arlington who was often at loggerheads with Finneran during the decade-plus they served together in the House. ”You carry that outside this chamber, this institution, and people are a lot less willing to live by the rules he’s trying to force upon them.”

His will was so fierce, his talents so outsized, that Finneran grew used to getting his way on Beacon Hill. Often, his word literally was law. Now a jury will decide whether he broke the law with a few words of emphatic denial when he was asked, under oath, whether he knew the contents of a legislative redistricting plan before it was made public.

Lou DiNatale, director of the Center for Economic and Civic Opinion at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, said it was clear from the former speaker’s testimony that he found it ”outrageous he had to testify before a federal jury over something that speakers have done over time immemorial in every state in the country . . . to protect his party members, Democrats, and his leadership. He made a mistake. He assumed this wasn’t going to be as explosive a public issue as it became.”

Whatever the outcome, the indictment has refocused the spotlight on a figure as compelling as he is contradictory. Finneran is a student of history who loves Edward Gibbon’s ”The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” and Winston Churchill’s ”The Gathering Storm,” but he didn’t seem to see the storm gathering around him or to apprehend that his own pride and power might lead to a fall. In interviews with admirers and detractors of the former speaker, it was striking how often the twin themes of ambition and tragedy were sounded.

”Tom Finneran thought he was going to be either mayor of Boston or a United States senator,” said John McDonough, a former legislator and now executive director of Health Care for All, a consumer advocacy group. ”He clearly saw the speakership not as a terminal position but as a launching pad for something bigger. Given his ambitions, there’s a note of tragedy in it, that someone so gifted and talented was not able to capitalize on his position to achieve that bigger goal.”

Barbara Anderson, head of Citizens for Limited Taxation, considered Finneran to have ”a very thin skin stretched over a very big ego” from the day in 1991 when he ignored her outstretched hand and stalked away from her after the two did battle over Proposition 2 1/2, the tax-limiting measure that was her brainchild. Nonetheless, Anderson said, she now views Finneran as ”a tragic figure who had tremendous potential for leadership but instead he got lost in his own hubris.”

Over time, Finneran became known for what he said as much as for what he did. In the middle of the 1998 debate over how much public financing should be given to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to build a new stadium, Finneran at a dinner in Peabody dismissed the idea of a tax break for the project with a vulgarity.

In 1998, at a post-primary unity breakfast after Scott Harshbarger had won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, the facade of unity crumbled in a hurry when Finneran floated the notion that Harshbarger might drift toward ”the loony left,” a blow to a nominee who hoped and needed to appeal to moderate voters.

But for all of his swagger, the depictions of Finneran as a cartoon tyrant miss the mark, insist many who served with him, including some who lined up against him on issues or on leadership style. Most describe a man who was unfailingly cordial, who invariably recalled the names of members’ spouses and children, and who would blink back tears while discussing the challenges facing the mentally retarded.

Representative Michael Festa, a Melrose Democrat who emerged as one of Finneran’s leading critics, said, ”It’s a rare member of the House that would say they didn’t like Tom Finneran.”

Even though Festa often spoke out against Finneran’s tight control of the House, the two enjoyed a friendly relationship based on a shared love of gardening, and Festa had Finneran and his wife as a guest at his house several times. ”The man is sufficiently complex for everyone to understand he’s not that one-dimensional as a person,” Festa said.

Yet the image that came through to the outside world sometimes lacked those other dimensions. Having entered the Legislature in his late 20s, Finneran perhaps inevitably leaned on the instincts and style of a State House insider. But that very style may have worked against him on the witness stand, in the view of DiNatale, who believes that the indictment is unfair.

”Finneran got popped for the wink and the nod,” DiNatale contended. ”Because the culture of the [State House] building is ‘I know and you don’t know what’s really going on,’ the wink and the nod is the dominant form of being in the know. . . . You can play these winking games with the press, you can even play them with the Legislature. You can’t play them under oath.”

Rick Klein and Jonathan Saltzman of the Globe staff contributed to this report.

By John C. Drake, Globe Staff

State lawmakers are lining up today to reject the 5.5 percent automatic pay raise that Governor Deval Patrick set in motion, saying that with local communities facing drastic budget cuts and families facing job losses, they could not pad their own pockets at taxpayer expense.

Representative Viriato deMacedo

Representative Viriato deMacedo, the ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, said he would donate the raise of $3,203 to a Plymouth food pantry, which lost $150,000 in funding in the last round of budget cuts.”The pressure on them is that much greater, and they have a lot more people visiting them,” deMacedo said today of the food pantry. “It is an opportunity for me to assist the people in my community who have been hardest hit in this economic downturn.”

DeMacedo, who said he also donated his 2003 raise because it came during an economic downturn, was not the only lawmaker refusing to take the money. A spokeswoman for House Minority Leader Bradley Jones said he would not accept the pay hike. Representatives Karyn Polito, a Republican from Shrewsbury, and Democrat Garrett Bradley of Hingham are also planning to reject the raise, according to State House News Service.

Representative Harriet L. Stanley, a West Newbury Democrat, said she, too, would donate her raise to charity.

“I’m going to make sure the money stays in the seven communities I represent,” Stanley said. “Times are tough out there. They are really tough. And I’m just shocked that any index would give us a 5.5 percent increase. I thought we might actually take a cut.”

House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi defended the increase today in a statement, saying it was the product of a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1998 designed to remove legislative pay decisions from the political process. Lawmakers receive a pay raise or cut every two years that is equal to the fluctuation in the state’s median household income as determined by the governor.

“This year, it will increase modestly,” DiMasi said of legislative pay. “Next term, we have already been told to expect a pay cut.”

Early Wednesday evening, Patrick sent a letter to state Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill asserting that the state’s median income increased 5.5 percent, setting in motion a pay hike of that amount. Lawmakers will see their base pay increase from $58,237 to $61,440.

The state Republican Party blasted the increase in pay, with GOP spokesman Barney Keller saying in a statement that “it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to calculate … that the amount of the raise should be exactly zero.”

Patrick sidestepped any comment on the pay raise on WTKK-FM’s “Ask the Governor” show this afternoon, saying he didn’t want to be “high-handed” in his treatment of lawmakers.

Asked what he would tell a lawmaker who wanted to know whether to accept the pay raise, he said, “My answer to him or her is to him or her and not to the general public.”

He said he could see both sides of the issue, noting that he and Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray had said “not now” to a proposed pay raise in June. “I also appreciate that legislators don’t make very much money,” Patrick said.

Michael Levenson, Martin Finucane, and Andrew Ryan of the Globe staff contributed to this report.

75 comments so far…

wow – I’m impressed …

Posted by cm January 8, 09 02:29 PM

“I also appreciate that legislators don’t make very much money,” Patrick said.

All they do is represent people, why do they need to make twice as much as the people they claim to represent? Tie the pay to the average income.

Posted by CarltonFisk January 8, 09 02:33 PM

Can we see a list of lawmakers that rejected the raise and the ones that took the raise, so we can contact our Reps and Senators to reprimand them about it?

Posted by Mikey “Insane” Monkeypants January 8, 09 02:39 PM

Can we see a list of lawmakers that rejected the raise and the ones that took the raise, so we can contact our Reps and Senators to reprimand them about it?

Posted by Mikey “Insane” Monkeypants January 8, 09 02:40 PM

Why should they get 5.5% when most people–if they are lucky–are getting 3%??? Is it because they are that much “better” than the average worker in this state?

Posted by Kittie Shroeder January 8, 09 02:42 PM

** Asked what he would tell a lawmaker who wanted to know whether to accept the pay raise, he said, “My answer to him or her is to him or her and not to the general public.” **
Everything HE does, he has to answer to the public. Shame on him for not asking the law makers whether they want to raise, which will make him look good to the general public…

Posted by Ryan January 8, 09 02:43 PM

as we prepare for job cuts to teachers, firefighters, police officers due to cuts in local aid, as state mental health workers are laid off, we are told that the state legislators are getting a raise, the governor refurnishes his limo, nice…time to do the right thing – turn down the raise this year by legislation.

Posted by Dave January 8, 09 02:49 PM

Just goes to show you, the Democratic Party is the party of the selfish and greedy.

Posted by myco1 January 8, 09 02:49 PM

“I also appreciate that legislators don’t make very much money,” Patrick said.
By what standards? What abot the per diem? What about extra $$$ for committee work? What about envelopes stuffed with cash?

Posted by ThomB January 8, 09 02:53 PM

WOW….Everywhere else in the world the average raise ( if any ) is 1-3 percent usually averaged at 2 … AND THAT’S FOR PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY WORK..But of course DiMasi would stick by the law on this one…too bad he is not as good sticking to the law elswhere. Why they would get anything now with massive layoffs and cutbacks everywhere is a trip…………only in Massachusetts !!!! I say in view of the declining economy if they must get a raise and that’s another subject, then it SHOULD be lowered accordingly.

Posted by whendoesitend January 8, 09 02:56 PM

Dimasi, you are a disgrace. I thought Bulger & Finneran were the last of the corrupt leadership, but you seem to want to take the flag. Leave it to you to try & justify a raise in these economic times when people whom have worked hard for a living actually putting in 40 hours or more per week have lost their jobs, & are facing the threat of losing their homes as well. Meanwhile you and the members of the State House of Reps have barely ever worked more than 10 hours a week for the constituents, never mind even considering doing something meaningful to work on the economic problems facing the taxpayers of this state. What a bunch of cowards we have elected, that dared not stand up to you when it came time to vote for the House Leader. Do the Taxpayers of this state a big favor & resign before the entire state goes to hell under your corrupt leadership

Posted by Dave January 8, 09 02:59 PM

Kudos to them! It’s about time you see a politician or group of politicians that do not want to line their pockets and give to the community! I hope this inspires more politicians to do the same!!

Posted by Melissa January 8, 09 02:59 PM

This isn’t clear. Donating a pay raise to charity is not rejecting a pay raise.

Posted by Sean January 8, 09 03:01 PM

don’t make much money? is their job any more challenging or important than anyone else’s? no. we are all equal. at least they make enough to pay rent in mass. enough so they don’t have to work two, three jobs to make ends meet.

Posted by sarah zappa January 8, 09 03:08 PM

PAY RAISES NOW IS A SLAP IN THE FACE TO EVERY LAID OFF WORKER IN THE STATE.IT WILL BE REMEMBERED IN THE POLES.

Posted by RON MCDONALD January 8, 09 03:14 PM

They don’t make very much money? Is this guy so out of touch that he actually thinks that $58,000, plus a stipend for being a committe chair or in leadership, and a per diem is not a lot of money?? I cannot believe these people are this politically tone deaf. Today I heard that 100 mental health workers are being laid off. But, the state legislature will receive a pay raise. This is surreal.

Posted by Brian Flaherty January 8, 09 03:15 PM

And you wonder why MA towns and cities are bankrupt?!! Thank you, Mr. Cadillac….

Posted by R. B. Williams January 8, 09 03:17 PM

What is wrong with these people? Raise the tolls, get a raise, Hey is it me or has anyone noticed that great press the House has been getting these days?
I would think mumbles the Mayor might take a stand, like the song says ”

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi defended the increase today in a statement:
He must feel great to get reelected and not have the common sense to say
How the people of Massachusetss are hurting, now let’s hurt them some more.

Gred Greed Greed

Posted by JG January 8, 09 03:26 PM

Politicians doing good things? Am I in Bizarro Land?

Posted by DI$CO January 8, 09 03:27 PM

Congratulations to these folks. I’d like to see more of this at the top levels.

Posted by N.Spivey January 8, 09 03:28 PM

ok, help me out here….so they “reject” the raise, but then will “donate” it to a charity. so are they “rejecting” it or “donating” it, which is it?
because the last time i checked my accounting degree, the person who “donates” it gets credit for it against their taxes. i would not have a problem “donating” $3000 if you gave me $3000 to “donate”.

Posted by doug January 8, 09 03:29 PM

donating to charity is not the same as refusing the raise, since if they donate it to charity, it will still count towards their pension and towards future salary (are they donating that raise forever and future % raises based on the salary with the raise, even if they give it to charity. While it is cute that a few are giving the increase away (this year) it is disingenuous and deceitful to say they are refusing the raise if they are in fact donating the money to their favorite charity.

Posted by john January 8, 09 03:31 PM

I think this is silly for some lawmakers to make this into a public issue. WE THE VOTERS AGREED TO THIS! And if you don’t want to take it now, donate it like some are, but keep it quiet. What’s the use of being charitable if you’re only doing it to gain points or favor? Thats gamesmanship, not charity.

Posted by krystyn January 8, 09 03:32 PM

House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi defended the increase today in a statement, saying it was the product of a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1998 designed. Of Course he defended the pay increase, Dimasi is a CROOK.

Posted by HATETHEDEMS January 8, 09 03:32 PM

I can’t understand how this even got this far, Patrick should be ashamed of himself and this auto pay raise stunt. People are struggling with this tanking economy, real estate taxes are up this year (even though values are sinking) local benefits are just about gone, unemployment is up and all we hear about it this auto pay raise and the floor cheering iton. Wwhat a slap in the face to the people of MA.

Posted by Jim D. January 8, 09 03:32 PM

If the Republicans were smart… they would all forfeit their “raises.”

Posted by oscarbozach January 8, 09 03:35 PM

People are getting raises in the MA state government when there are tons of people getting laid off everyday?? You have got to be kidding me!! How about stuffing it!! My husband got laid off on Tuesday and went to the unemployment office on Tuesday the man working there pointed to a sign which read ” we can not take anymore claims due to the high volume until after 1 pm” My husband went back this morning and was there just after 8 am. The line must have had about 200 people in it and they only allowed 30!!! What is going on?? You are luck to have a job never mind getting a pay raise. I will not vote for anyone that acpets the pay raise!!

Posted by Joe Smo January 8, 09 03:41 PM

Democrats are such phonie’s , their job is a partime job and deval saying they dont make much just like he said anyone who is cynical is dumb . It looks like he’s the dumb one and a liars also, property tax relief remember that.

Posted by redzone300 January 8, 09 03:47 PM

This looks noble, but we put automatic raises in there for a reason. They used to get no raises for a long time, then had to take a huge increase to make up for years of stagnant wages. Having regular raises, tied to an index, so we wouldn’t have to discuss this issue again.

In reality, these raises are nothing compared to the larger overall issues. But now we’re going to have a few weeks of posturing and back and forth and ‘lets change this law’ and all kinds of other distractions about a process we put in place to avoid future distractions. sigh

Posted by John Mc January 8, 09 03:47 PM

“My answer to him or her is to him or her and not to the general public.” – that’s some quote by the governor. Unforutantely Deval Patrick is devoid of political courage, so much so that he won’t even state an opinion. Perhaps if the legislators refused this pay increase then some of the 100 mental health case managers would not have to be laid off by the state.

Posted by Dotman33 January 8, 09 03:50 PM

5.5 is pretty high. If there was no layoffs going on within the state or country the going rate is 2.5% Why did Deval go so high? I applaud those politicians that are giving the money back to their communities and am not surprised with our beloved House Speaker DiMasi

Posted by Joe January 8, 09 03:51 PM

woo hoo we do have some decent ppl in the goverment

Posted by donna simmons January 8, 09 03:51 PM

Deval Patrick should be ashamed of himself putting this increase in salary in motion, for the do nothing legislature. With all of the cuts being made in the budget and the suffering of people in this state, he has the audacity to set up a pay raise. Perhaps we should all remember this the next time he runs for public office.

Posted by L146 January 8, 09 03:53 PM

So, the state is facing budget crunches, yet more pay raises?? I’m not following the logic.

Posted by Bob Beltran January 8, 09 04:00 PM

“I also appreciate that legislators don’t make very much money,” Patrick said.
Are you kidding me!? $58k a year is not very much money? I wonder how many hours they actually put in. My wife and I work 60 hour work weeks and with the overtime we don’t even make that much a piece. We own a home in the burbs and are paying crazy property and state income taxes. Our health insurance premiums go up every year and the benefits go down. Tell the lawmakers to make do with what they get just like everyone else that has to actually work for a living. Deval is used to hanging around millionaires and is out of touch.

Posted by Tommy T January 8, 09 04:02 PM

“House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi defended the increase today in a statement, saying it was the product of a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1998 designed to remove legislative pay decisions from the political process.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How about putting it to the voters AGAIN, Speaker DiMasi? I’d bet those voters would disagree with it and repeal that “constitutional amendment” you claim we approved!

Yeah, can’t see that happening anytime soon!

Posted by Linda January 8, 09 04:06 PM

I am not sure who provided infonation to say salaries went up last year but that should be looked into with great detail. I think if that data was manipulated then
we should have some dismisals.

It was ridiculous to hand out raises when the state is short 5 billion dollars
and laying off people.

Posted by ghadi January 8, 09 04:06 PM

Operative word – SOME

Posted by justducky January 8, 09 04:08 PM

This raise should settle the debate once and for all on whether or not elected officals in Mass (or anywhere for that mater) really give a crap about anything or if they just keep inundating us wuith LIP SERVICE and then do whatever they want. DISGUSTING GREED in a time of reform…..Pathetic

Posted by david January 8, 09 04:10 PM

Where do they get the stats that state’s median income increased 5.5%? Did magic fairies deliver that on a golden scroll?

Posted by politicsasusual January 8, 09 04:14 PM

THE MONEY IS TAKEN OUT OF OUR TAXES…..AND WHERE MOST COMPANIES AREN’T GETTING RAISES, WHY SHOULD THEY? I AM APPALLED AT THE GREED…AND AT LEAST HAPPY THAT SOME LAWMAKERS HAVE THE GOOD JUDGEMENT TO REJECT THIS YEAR.

“House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi defended the increase today in a statement, saying it was the product of a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1998 designed to remove legislative pay decisions from the political process. Lawmakers receive a pay raise or cut every two years that is equal to the fluctuation in the state’s median household income as determined by the governor. ”

WHY DOES HE KEEP GETTING ELECTED?…..THIS IS NOT 1998…AND THESE ARE TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES….WHAT A JERK.

Posted by CAR January 8, 09 04:15 PM

“I also appreciate that legislators don’t make very much money,” Patrick said. I would say that $61,440 is pretty good money…….for a part time job, which is what being a state legislator is. They all have real jobs they spend most of their time working at. A pay raise? I don’t think so.

Posted by BillyRay January 8, 09 04:24 PM

How big of Patrick since he now must be enjoying days off in his 10,000 sq ft (2nd) home in the Berkshires while he proposes to cut $200,000.00 out of the budget for Tufts Dental which gives fantastic services to severely disabled people. Real leadership.

Thanks to those who see that forgoing the raise or donating it to those in need is a very nice thing to do in these tough times.

Posted by jack January 8, 09 04:25 PM

Good ole Sal Dimasi.. Mr Entitlment.

Posted by Paul January 8, 09 04:29 PM

I would really be interested in seeing this formula that Governor Patrick came up with that calculates the state’s median income increased by 5.5 percent. Barney Keller said it best, “it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to calculate … that the amount of the raise should be exactly zero.” I commend those that have donated their raises to charity in these times of economic hardship.

Posted by Katie hankard January 8, 09 04:41 PM

…hah… they don’t make very much money…… I make about 2/3 of what they made before the increase and I have to suffer through a 4% pay decrease…

Posted by kf January 8, 09 04:42 PM

These pay increases should not even be on the table, I knew this would happen that’s why a yes vote on question one was needed. Same old crap in this state.

Posted by Red January 8, 09 04:45 PM

These pay increases should not even be on the table, I knew this would happen that’s why a yes vote on question one was needed. Same old crap in this state.

Posted by Red January 8, 09 04:46 PM

“My answer to him or her is to him or her and not to the general public.”

ARE YOU KIDDING DEVOLVE?? YOU work FOR the General PUBLIC!!!!
Can we get this quote in your JOKE of a book “Leadership” ????
Why didnt Obama take him away from us???

Please ..2010 cant come soon enough!!!!

Posted by Agentfostergrant January 8, 09 04:53 PM

Good for them. And Deval’s “Legislator’s dont make much” comment on WTKK today is just a blatant lie. Most of them are attorneys and accountants that do this for part-time work.

Anybody for impeaching Deval? We need this guy out of MA – and out of government.

Posted by impeachdeval January 8, 09 05:04 PM

Deval “appreciates that legislators don’t make very much money?” I made 20% less than they made before their pay increase, and that was before my 20% pay cut due to the economy and I have a bachelors degree and work in a professional office! WTF!

Posted by Smahtguy January 8, 09 05:10 PM

While laudable on the surface, it seems to me that if the lawmakers are rejecting a raise triggered by a rise in median income, then they are in fact politicizing the pay raise by rejecting it. Nobody’s tax bill is going to change one cent on account of these “selfless” legislators. They’re taking a short break from padding their pockets and greasing their friends’ palms for show.

If they want to impress me in these trying economic times, they can quit wasting half the state’s budget while looking for clever, progressive ways to waste even more (*cough* Public Health Council *cough*).

Posted by Troy C January 8, 09 05:11 PM

DiMasi defended the raises, wow, that is shocking…..

Posted by Jenn January 8, 09 05:18 PM

great mr demacedo will donate his raise…. which gives him a tax break…and of course their pension still gets an increase…so big deal.

Posted by steveh January 8, 09 05:20 PM

The point is that the lawmakers’ incomes are tied to the state economy rather than the political process and that is wise ! This year they get a raise and next year very likely not. Just like the rest of us. If some want to donate that extra to charity that’s great and if not, it is their pay.

Posted by EC January 8, 09 05:21 PM

When they take this money and donate to charity, the politician still wins and we lose. The pension gets bumped up and the politician gets the write off.

Posted by Steve January 8, 09 05:25 PM

Can they legally do this?
Here’s why I ask:
Here in Illinois, a county official made a public spectable about rejecting her pay raise, and then publicly demanded that other county elected officials do the same.
After the media circus, it was quietly leaked that she, by law, cannot refuse the raise – more to the point cannot change her base pay – in the year prior to or following an election (something like that, anyway).
Turns out that she knew before she made her public spectacle that she could not refuse her raise.
So, Globe reporters, I ask: Can the state lawmakers legally refuse the raise?

Posted by Chris in Illinois January 8, 09 05:26 PM

shame on Massachusetts. Politician’s greed is unquenchable. You WILL be found out and you WILL be VOTED out.

Posted by Deval Patrick the hat trick January 8, 09 05:35 PM

MASS. VOTERS GET EXACTLY WHAT THEY DESERVE AND HERE IT COMES!

Posted by w4846 January 8, 09 05:46 PM

Thank you, with much respect and honor to our Mass. constituents who truly have our best interest in mind. Here are representatives that truly are invested in their communities and districts and state of Mass.: Representatives Viriato deMacedo (R), Karyn Polito (R) Shrewsbury, House Minority Leader (R) Bradley Jones, Garrett Bradley (D) Hingham, and Harriet L. Stanley(D) W Newbury.

Posted by karen W January 8, 09 05:47 PM

I don’t know of anyone in the private sector who has received a raise during this time of economic crisis, I do know many who have lost their homes and jobs though. I for one am struggling to pay my bills and feed my family as I watch the government stick their greedy hands into my paycheck every week and pay for ridiculous items such as a $46,000 Cadillac or $10,000 curtains. I’d be curious to add up the total of the 5.5% pay increase and see how many mouths could be fed…

Posted by Kelli January 8, 09 05:58 PM

Massachusetts is a disgrace. These people who take this are pigs and those who do not vote them out are as stupid as they get. Or, is everyone in the State on the take? Have they no clue? Look at the other states, just in New England they are 50% higher already. This is THE problem, they think this is a real job they are a disgrace,

Posted by Scott January 8, 09 06:09 PM

Did anyone see the President-Elect’s comments today when he said “Government at every level will have to tighten its belt….”. (if you didn’t, its in another front page Globe article). He must have been talking about the other 49 states. Why do our pols think they are exempt from this?
Our elected officials are too busy working for themselves or on their re-elections. Unfortunately our own state’s ethics laws are too weak and outdated to keep up with everything that’s going on. We already have taxation without representation – its time for another tea party!!!

Posted by bogie January 8, 09 06:23 PM

When the next election comes around, let your representative know how you feel about him/ her taking a 5.5 % increase while you may have been looking at a cut. Send them down the road, to look for a REAL job.

Posted by Bruce Warner January 8, 09 06:38 PM

No matter I still say DUMP THE INCUMBENTS. Clean out the House and Senate. Time for a big time do over!

Posted by XENOPHON January 8, 09 06:45 PM

Last resident to move out of MA, remember to turn off the lights- or better yet, switch the billing to the MA legislators…..

Posted by R. B. Williams January 8, 09 07:15 PM

I think Sal DiMasi is a disgrace, but running a close second is Republican Party spokesman Barney Keller. The voters approved a constitutional amendment tying legislators’ raises to the median income. A constitutional amendment has to pass two successive legislative sessions and gain a gubernatorial signature. In 1996 the governor was a Republican, Bill Weld. In 1998, the governor was also a Republican, Paul Cellucci. If you’re going to attack the Legislature on this one, you should attack all the legislators during the 1996 and 1998 sessions — and the two Republican governors! You’re a fraud, Barney, just like DiMasi. The two of you have more in common than you know!

Posted by TellTheTruth January 8, 09 07:29 PM

Isn’t that nice, another pay raise for a bunch of useless and corrupted public officials. Don’t any of you think that they don’t make much $$$, they ALL have a perk somewhere such as a chairmanship etc. That all adds into their pay but no one is talking about it.
What did I hear the other day that politicians can ask for a raise in their pension if they don’t get re-elected, another perk! Try that if you lose your job to the recession which all these useless individuals created.
TERM LIMITATIONS is the only solution to their very lucrative positions in government and I don’t mean just at the state level!

Posted by concerned individual January 8, 09 07:35 PM

Most of you seem to be missing something. This was approved by voters in 1998, NOT something legislators voted on themselves. That said, they make plenty for what is largely a part-time job. I know at least one state senator (Scott Brown) and one state Rep. (Ross) who have other full time jobs–Ross has a funeral home, and Brown is a lawyer and a Reservist (or National Guard). I am sure others have similar positions. They should give the money to the towns in the districts they represent.

Posted by mhc90 January 8, 09 09:20 PM

5.5% is a modest raise? What world does Sal live in?

Posted by ME January 8, 09 09:30 PM

“I also appreciate that legislators don’t make very much money,” Patrick said. Before their 5.5% pay increase they make 20% more than I do, and that is before my 20% pay cut I got a month ago….I have a bachelors degree and work for a profesional company! Government is supposed to make the world a better place, not get rich! WTF!

Posted by smahtguy January 8, 09 10:10 PM

I’ve got a great idea — why don’t we get rid of at least half of the state representatives in Massachusetts. We don’t need 160 reps. for a state with only 6 million people. California, with a population of 33 million, only has 80 state reps. We could save a lot of money by getting rid of at least 80 of those state reps — at least $8 million. Then we can slash the salaries of the remaining 80 by at least 50%. We could easily save $10 million by doing these two things.

Posted by Joe Buck January 8, 09 10:26 PM

You (the Massachusetts voters) voted back in 1998 to allow the legislators pay to be raised by this amount.

Why are you so angry about something you voted on? You sound like contradictory morons.

Stop voting like idiots and maybe this state won’t be such a laughing stock!

Posted by Mikey “Insane” Monkeypants January 8, 09 11:25 PM

I don’t get what everyone’s problem is. Seriously, their wages are tied to the house median income, they get raises AND cuts according to the median income. So if they get a 5.5% increase now (to reflect the economy a year ago), then next pay change they will have a double digit decrease. They don’t set their own pay rates, the state of the economy does (albeit on a time delay)

Posted by dt January 9, 09 12:29 AM

In true Deval Patrick fashion; in retrospect of the continued debacle called Mass State Government, Deval offers us full transparency with an internal task force designed to increase the illusion of public integrity.

This is a true bitchslap to the citizens of this state.

Once regarded as left wing edu snobs we certainly must be the laughing stock of the free world to have to adhere to, let alone have to  establish this sure to be blundering task force.  Talk about a snowball heading downhill…

Gov Patrick’s goal of a sweeping overhaul of the state’s ethics and lobbying laws by empowering his Ethics Commission an increase in power.

The Ethics Commission would get greater enforcement authority and attorney general’s ability to investigate and enforce the laws would be strengthened, including wire-tapping ability and the power to convene statewide grand juries.

What the hell is going on here?

Who is getting appointed and elected?

The last two speakers of the House Tom Finneran and Charles Flaherty committed and were convicted felons.   No Time Served.

The  governors 13 member Task Force on Public Integrity  all signed the report  which can be found by clicking here.

Without getting to high up on the soap box so no one can actually hear me. do any of you really think this can be fixed by the inside out?  There will never be full transparency people this is Massachusetts politics and it stinks to the highest of heavens.

Question is when are we going to follow our forefathers and stop this madness.

Sal DiMasi easily re-elected House speaker

By Hillary Chabot |   Wednesday, January 7, 2009  |  http://www.bostonherald.com |  Local Politics

Photo by Angela Rowlings

Rep. Salvatore DiMasi was overwhelmingly re-elected Speaker of the House this morning with 135 out of 159 votes, an impressive showing of support for the embattled politician.

“I want to thank my fellow members for your overwhelming vote of confidence today,” DiMasi said.

Fourteen representatives, including seven GOP legislators, voted “present.”

Earlier in the day, a Democratic caucus took an informal voice vote supporting DiMasi’s reelection, which was a largely ceremonial pledge preceding the official House vote.

The North End Democrat – who has been dogged by an ethics scandal and whose former accountant is under criminal investigation – became emotional after a unanimous Democratic caucus gave him the nod, ensuring he’d win the formal vote.

“I found out I have a lot of friends, and that is important in this job because you need a lot of friends,” he said, his voice wavering.

Legislators including Rep. Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston) and Rep. Jay R. Kaufman (D-Lexington) delivered the nominating speeches, rather than House leadership members, who typically play that ceremonial role.

DiMasi dismissed speculation that he changed nominating speakers because of waning support, saying he wanted to show the diversity of support he has.

Jessica Fargen contributed to this report.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1143707

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