Posts with the tag 'Dianne Wilkerson'
The dominos keep falling… Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner is next.
In a second alleged bribery bombshell, City Councilor Chuck Turner was arrested this morning at City Hall on federal charges he took a $1,000 cash bribe to help secure a liquor license for a Roxbury nightclub, according to a federal affidavit.
The arrest is in connection with the expanding federal case against disgraced state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, who was indicted this week on charges that she accepted $23,500 in cash bribes to help the Dejavu club secure the same liquor license, which was to be located in Turner and Wilkerson’s districts.
Turner is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon on one count of attempted extortion and two counts of making false statements.
We all know Chuck Turner has a history of false statements.
According to an affidavit in Worcester Federal Court, Turner was snared in the same FBI undercover sting operation that brought down Wilkerson and the illegal bribe was caught on tape.
During an August 2007 meeting at Turner’s Roxbury district office, a witness cooperating with the FBI in the sting who was pushing for Turner’s help to secure the Dejavu license, allegedly handed Turner $1,000 in cash in exchange for Turner’s support and back-room dealing at City Hall.
“The (witness) handed Turner $1,000 in cash and said, “you take the wife to dinner and … have some fun,” according to the 12-page affidavit.
Turner accepted the bribe, “while smiling and nodding his head and responded, “okay,” according to the affidavit. The entire transaction was videotaped and caught on audio, according to the affidavit.
At the time, Turner was working to set up a city council hearing on the Dejavu liquor license. Turner scheduled the hearing, but later canceled it because, through Wilkerson’s efforts, Dejavu had received its liquor license, according to the affidavit.
Despite the investigation into Wilkerson, Turner said he was standing behind her. We can see why… but I think he’ll be standing next to her in court now.
Shall we start taking bets on who will be the next to fall victim in this case?
Or better yet, how long before Turner alleges racism?
Tags: Boston City Council, Chuck Turner, Dianne Wilkerson
November 21st, 2008
Former State Senator Dianne Wilkerson…finally.
Disgraced state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, who was indicted yesterday on eight counts of attempted extortion, resigned today from her 2nd Suffolk seat.
The eight-term senator from Roxbury stated in a handwritten letter to Senate President Therese Murray that she quits as of today:
“Please accept this communication as formal notice of my intention to resign my position as the State Senator from the Second Suffolk District in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This resignation shall be effective today, November 19, 2008. Regards, Dianne Wilkerson.”
Wilkerson’s resignation comes as the Senate Ethics Committee was poised to release their report on her tomorrow.
“Everybody is breathing a sigh of relief,” said state Sen. Richard Tisie, who said the ethics report may not be unveiled tomorrow now that Wilkerson has quit.
“She had a lot of chances,” the Wakefield Republican added.
For more remarks by state Senator Tisei, check out Scaling The Hill.
Tags: Dianne Wilkerson, Richard Tisei
November 19th, 2008
As if losing the primary wasn’t enough, or being arrested by the FBI, or a unanimous senate resolution urging her to step down… soon-to-be former Senator Dianne Wilkerson is finally, at the very least, suspending her reelection campaign.
A solemn state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson announced today she is ending her reelection campaign following a chorus of calls for her to resign.
Her decision comes after a morning meeting with members of the city’s Ten Point Coalition and Black Ministerial Alliance who were asking the eight-term state senator to quit as she confronts corruption charges levied against her.
The clergy groups even gave Wilkerson a 15-minute deadline today to either side with them in a joint statement or face them walking out on the talks. Wilkerson ultimately agreed to end her defiant run for reelection.
“I am withdrawing from the race. We will not be doing any work on the sticker campaign,” said Wilkerson outside the Charles Street AME Church in Roxbury at about noon.
Wilkerson refused to answer any questions from the media.
Her campaign manager, Boyce Slayman, said the decision was reached for the good of the Roxbury community Wilkerson represents and for the 53-year-old senator’s family.
“This is a very difficult time for her. The decision was made … primarily for the community,” Slayman told the dozens of media members outside the church.
Primarily for the community.
It wasn’t long ago Wilkerson vowed to stick around because she is “committed to do what is in the best interest of the residents of this district.” Today, she suspends her campaign, effectively ending her career in the senate, “for the community.”
What a change of heart.
Tags: corruption, Dianne Wilkerson
October 31st, 2008
The State Senate wants Dianne Wilkerson to resign…today.
The state Senate passed a unanimous resolution this afternoon asking Democratic Senator Dianne Wilkerson to resign immediately following her arrest on charges she accepted eight bribes worth $23,500.
Lawmakers also stripped Wilkerson of her chairmanship of the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and her committee assignments and asked the Senate Ethics Committee to explore the accusations made by the FBI after an 18-month corruption probe.
This morning before the vote, Wilkerson sent a letter to Senate President Therese Murray saying she would follow the will of the Senate. Wilkerson has not issued a public statement today, but on Wednesday she vowed to continue her write-in campaign to save the seat she has held for 15 years.
“These are very serious allegations against the senator,” Murray told reporters after the vote. “We are all upset about the taint and shadow of doubt cast upon the Senate and its members based on the allegations of one person. I want to assure the people of the Commonwealth that we are fully cooperating with law enforcement in this ongoing investigation. I’m comfortable and confident that the integrity of the senate, and my own integrity, will remain intact at the end of this ordeal.”
Fair enough, or is it?
The Massachusetts Republican Party is wondering why Jim Marzilli still gets to keep his job, and keeps receiving a paycheck.
“Today, the taxpayers of Massachusetts paid Jim Marzilli $180.10,” said MassGOP Executive Director Rob Willington.
Note: The MassGOP Called on the State Senate to expel Jim Marzilli on July 1st.
Days elapsed since Marzilli’s indictment: 121
Days until Marzilli’s pension increases: 63
Cost of Senator Marzilli per day: $180.10
Total taxpayer cost since indictment: $21,792.10
For More information, visit MarzilliWatch.com
Tags: corruption, Dianne Wilkerson, Jim Marzilli, Massachusetts Republican Party, MassGOP, Rob Willington, Senate Ethics Committee, Therese Murray
October 30th, 2008
Senator Dianne Wilkerson is still fighting for her state senate seat, meanwhile, senators are getting together to decide if she should keep her chairmanship, or kick her out of the senate all together.
Senators caucused this morning and examined whether to strip Sen. Dianne Wilkerson of her chairmanship and possibly oust her from the Senate.
Meanwhile, Gov. Deval Patrick said today Wilkerson should resign, “if the allegations are true.”
Patrick said he’s “deeply troubled” by the corruption charges levied against the eight-term state senator. “I feel personally betrayed,” he added.
Wilkerson was arrested earlier this week and charged with accepting $23,500 in bribes in exchange for passing legislation.
Sen. Michael Morrissey (D-Quincy) could move to expel Wilkerson from the Senate at today’s caucus, according to a Senate source.
Senate Ways and Means Chairman Steven Panagiotakos (D-Lowell), who also sits on the Ethics Committee, said he wasn’t sure if members will be able to force Wilkerson from the Senate.
“I think you can request her to do it, but I think you have to wait until the charges against her are settled in court to remove her from the Senate,” Panagiotakos said.
Wilkerson says this is a “test to the limit the notion of innocent until proven guilty.” Well, we are talking proven guilty, or proven guilty in a court of law? It looks pretty clear you are quite guilty, we’re just waiting for the formality of it being proven in the halls of justice.
In the court of public opinion, the verdict is in.
How’s that sticker campaign going, Ms. Wilkerson?
Tags: corruption, Deval Patrick, Dianne Wilkerson
October 30th, 2008
State Senator Dianne Wilkerson is in a bit of pickle…now having been arrested for accepting bribes.
State Senator Dianne Wilkerson was arrested this morning after an 18-month undercover investigation by Boston Police and the FBI in which she allegedly accepted eight bribes worth $23,500.
The 15-year Democratic lawmaker allegedly accepted cash payoffs that ranged from $500 to $10,000 to help a nightclub secure a liquor license and to assist a private developer who wanted to build on state land. Wilkerson allegedly tried to influence legislation in the state Senate as recently as last week to help the developer in the Crosstown section of Roxbury, near the intersection of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue.
The probe included one cooperating witness and at least two undercover FBI agents. Investigators made audio and video recordings and took still photographs of Wilkerson allegedly accepting cash payoffs starting in June 2007 and continuing through this month.
One series of photographs displayed by federal authorities at a press conference this morning show Wilkerson allegedly stuffing a $1,000 payoff into her bra during a meeting with an informant at No. 9 Park restaurant that was surreptitiously recorded with audio and video. The 10 $100 bills were not in an envelope and clearly visible in the photograph dated June 18, 2007.
According to a 32-page affidavit, Wilkerson also brought along a grandchild when she accepted a $1,000 kickback on Aug. 31, 2007, at the Fill-A-Buster restaurant, which is directly across the street from the State House.
“Public service is a privilege. Voters and taxpayers expect that elected officials will do what is right for their constituents, not what is financially best for themselves,” US Attorney Michael J. Sullivan said this morning at the press conference. “Citizens place extraordinary trust in those it gives the greatest authority. And with that authority comes the obligation to act with fairness and honesty.”
Wilkerson is expected to be arraigned this afternoon in US District Court in Boston. She faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted with more potential charges pending.
Wilkerson’s campaign manager Boyce Slayman confirmed that Wilkerson was led away in handcuffs.
The Massachusetts Republican Party issued the following statement in response to Wilkerson’s arrest. “The Massachusetts Democratic party has become a haven for criminals and corruption,” said MassGOP Executive Director Robert Willington. “This is not the Government that the people of Massachusetts deserve, and it is certainly not what the people want. Beacon Hill is broken, and full of lawmakers who simply want to tax and spend, when they’re not taking bribes or getting sweetheart deals from their friends. The choice for voters is clear: throw the corrupt Democrats out. Only then can we restore confidence in our Government.”
PolitickerMA.com is keeping an eye on this story.
Tags: corruption, Dianne Wilkerson, Massachusetts Republican Party, Robert Willington
October 28th, 2008
Things are getting nasty in the Chang-Diaz/Wilkerson state senate race.
Chang-Diaz upset Sen. Wilkerson in the primary by a narrow 228 votes. Wilkerson asked for a recount, but the total remained the same in the predominantly black and Hispanic voting district.
Some of Wilkerson’s most outspoken supporters, including City Councilor Chuck Turner, are questioning Chang-Diaz’s race and her commitment to the community.
Turner told local blog PolitickerMA.com that Chang-Diaz’s support comes from liberal white women, saying the base is “part of the national group that thought Barack Obama getting the nomination was depriving white women everywhere of something they deserve to have.”
Turner also said that Chang-Diaz replacing Wilkerson means the district is losing a “treasured resource” and the district “needs someone in the Senate that really understands what our needs are.” Translation: they need a black representative.
Why is it that whenever a black politician loses, the reason behind loss becomes a racial issue? And who can we thank for that? Racists like Chuck Turner, of course. Could you imagine the uproar if a white person won over Wilkerson? Chuck Turner needs to realize that the district that, as he puts it, is losing a “treasured [black] resource,” is the same district that voted out that “treasured [black] resource”–the same treasured resource who has had problems with paying taxes.
Another Dianne Wilkerson supporter, METCO Dir. Jean McGuire told a Dorchester reporter, “This is the first time in a long time we will not have a senator who is a person of color. There are white Hispanics and black Hispanics and she is not a person of color.”
Chang-Diaz’s campaign manager says it’s a shame the race has become an issue in the campaign, adding that there’s no question about the candidate’s Latina heritage.
I guess it is official…the METCO director is saying that race is a qualification for political office. Only candidates who truly represent the constituents based on their race deserve–no–they are entitled to be elected…
…if they are a black, of course.
Tags: Barack Obama, Chuck Turner, Dianne Wilkerson, Sonia Chang-Diaz
October 3rd, 2008
Sen. Dianne Wilkerson is fighting for dear life to hold on to her state senate seat, but I think its time she just let it go.
As she fights to retain her seat, state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson has tapped community activist and longtime political operative Boyce Slayman to run her sticker campaign against Democratic Party nominee Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Slayman ran Wilkerson’s first state Senate campaign in 1992 and traces his political roots to Mel King’s 1982 mayoral bid. He replaces Mukiya Baker-Gomez, who’s returning to the Patrick administration post she left to run Wilkerson’s re-election bid.
Baker-Gomez said she wasn’t fired after the disappointing primary defeat. A source close to the campaign confirmed her leave of absence from the state Executive Office of Transportation, where she directs the civil rights division, had ended.
Wilkerson lost to Chang-Diaz by 213 votes following Saturday’s recount.
Perhaps she needs a seasons community organizer like Barack Obama? But, I digress…
Not enough people voted for you when your name was on the ballot, even less will take the time write in your corrupt. Just let it go, and do what the rest of us do when we find out our job will soon be gone: go find another one.
Tags: Barack Obama, Dianne Wilkerson
September 30th, 2008
