Reaction: Turner's arrest elicits shock, disbelief in district

i would be shocked if a public official wasn't corrupt...end of story.

Here comes the charges of supporters who will say that Wilkerson and Turner did nothing wrong.

Using your political post to financially benefit through bribary is about as wrong as you can get. It's greed. Pure greed.

I'm sure the race card will be played very soon, but this isn't a matter of color. It's a matter of purely doing wrong.

We’re all human, we all make mistakes," Dotson said. "Don’t punish them for the one wrong they did and not reward them for all the right they’ve done.”

This guy serious? We are talking about taking bribes. No ethical dilemnas here, no grey areas, everyone knows that taking a bribe is a NO NO. Nothing to do with race, with all their accomplishments, anything. They are public offices who control things and if they say give me money and I will take care of you, they should go to jail. Period.

"We’re all human, we all make mistakes," Dotson said. "Don’t punish them for the one wrong they did and not reward them for all the right they’ve done.”

HAHAHAH dont punish them??? Listen dummy, they get rewarded for the right they've done its called a paycheck.
It is this liberal thinking that will detroy this country. no accountablitly, no responsibility. I get you voted for Obama too?

Dont punish them for one wrong? now I have heard it all.

"Asked whether Turner should resign, Menino said, “That’s somebody else’s decision, not my decision.” The mayor talked about the need to "restore the public trust" in government. "

We need leadership on this ethics issue and clearly Menino lacks it just by his statement today. I think he has contributed to this void. We need new leadership.

[In Turner's district in Dudley Square, Shirley Spinkston, 44, digested the news as she walked to her job as a bank clerk. “I feel everyone is innocent until proven guilty," Spinkston said. "There’s always two sides to the story. He ought to be heard out. We have to see the proof.”]

Oh i'm dying to hear his side of the story... And why does the Boston Globe only keeps interviewing people who are clearly pro-Wilkerson/Turner. Not all of us support these guys who have been blocking the young politicians from making a headway. The Globe can surely find the silent majority of Black folks like me who totally reject the politics of grievance and entitlement that some of the older Black politicians have been practicing for so long. and don't even bring up the race card as an issue in thsi case.

[In Turner's district in Dudley Square, Shirley Spinkston, 44, digested the news as she walked to her job as a bank clerk. “I feel everyone is innocent until proven guilty," Spinkston said. "There’s always two sides to the story. He ought to be heard out. We have to see the proof.”]

Oh i'm dying to hear his side of the story... And why does the Boston Globe only keeps interviewing people who are clearly pro-Wilkerson/Turner. Not all of us support these guys who have been blocking the young politicians from making a headway. The Globe can surely find the silent majority of Black folks like me who totally reject the politics of grievance and entitlement that some of the older Black politicians have been practicing for so long. and don't even bring up the race card as an issue in thsi case.

If you think that only two persons in the Boston City Government are accepting bribes, I've got a bridge to sell you right in Downtown Boston...

Really? shock and disbelief? who was shocked and who doesn't believe? Everyone knew CT was a huge Wilkerson crony.... and the nightclub license issue was Roxbury related. hard to make the connections? Yes... if you have your head stuck in the sand....

Give them their day in court but restore public trust. There are plenty of capable community leaders who are not corrupt. This is an opportunity for someone with a little more humility and sense of right and wrong.

These people are public servants.
They violated our trust
They should be punished like criminals because THEY ARE.

It is because of things like this that people want higher taxes for those who are wealthy. While everyone who is wealthy is not involved in this type of activity, I bet a fairly high percent of government officials as well as company executives are doing things of this nature....

Oops, I spilt a glass of milk! Oops I took a bribe while in office! One is a mistake, one is not. Unbelievable how moronic some people are.

Oops, I spilt a glass of milk! Oops I took a bribe while in office! One is a mistake, one is not. Unbelievable how moronic some people are.

Hey Mayor, the Boston Globe asked for your opinion of whether Turner should resign. Your opinion influences you everyday with every decision you make in this City. What a cop-out statement. I agree with the commenter of new leadership..some one who is willing to send a stern message on corruption. 2008 is the year CHANGE!!! I say clean house all the corrupt politicians. Citizens have blood on their hands; we're all tired of the B.S. that has turned a blind eye for so many years. Each and every one of their faces should be posted for the world to see and shame them. Don't forget financial restitution.

Perhaps the reason Menino stated "it's someone else's decision" is because soon or eventually his head will be in the chopping block as well. So all BRA and pocket developers beware.

What happens if or should I say "when" Chuck quits. How do they decide who will take that seat? There was a young candidate named Carlos Henriquez that was a new face that ran against Chuck in the last election. We need new blood in some of those positions. Some politicians get into these seats and get comfortable and get TOO CONNECTED and that's when the favors and brides come into play.

Innocent until proven guilty. If innocent, the one who wrongly accuses needs to be chastized. If guilty, jail time is needed. In any case, it needs to be quickly resolved.

While I make no excuses for the behavior of this liberal politician, if guily,I wonder how zealously the powers that be pursue white collar business criminals in Boston. Is it possible that folks are being targeted for their political views? If we're going to entrap folks, lets entrap everyone without regard to race, color, creed or sexual orientation.

Simple statistics will eventually prove whether a disproportionate number of anti-establishment figures are being targeted. This has been going on in Russia and China for years, where you're more likely to be found guilty if you confront the state. Not saying this is the case in America, just saying civil libertarians need to evaluate this issue.

"SHOCKED! Shocked I tell you..." What a disgrace of a state MA has become.

Ok Domenic - let me see if I have your logic straight. Because Chuck Turner is accused of taking a bribe, we should raise taxes on the wealthy? Thank you for taking time out from your MIT classes to share that with us.

"It is because of things like this that people want higher taxes for those who are wealthy."
Domenic- What?! Unfortunately, I highly doubt that corrupt bribe takers like Wilkerson and Turner report their bribe income on their tax returns.

I agree, there is no place for this in government, or anywhere. However, I think JimmytheGreek’s statement that the race card will be pulled very soon, is a very ignorant one. It’s very ignorant to assume that those of the same race as Chuck Turner and Diane Wilkerson can’t or will not choose to see a situation for what it is as the facts come out. It was a totally unnecessary, and very telling statement. I thought Bostonians were making progress.

Aurum79 -- Selective targeting is one thing, taking envelopes full of cash another. Whether or not more needs to be done about whichever "white collar business criminals in Boston" you may suspect exist, certainly in this case they seem to have nabbed the right guy.

It's a shame no one has come up with the smoking gun on DiMasi yet. He seems to have engaged in more or less the same shenanigans, but with much larger sums involved (and after all, one liquor license is not exactly the equivalent of a multi-million dollar state contract). He just seems to have been smart enough to insulate himself better... for now.

Race card? Corruption is colorblind. Character will always be the litmus test for public service, not color. The arrests of Wilkerson and Turner are not indictments against the Black community. These two politicians have played the public like so many others of similar ilk. Regardless of the good things these officials have done they have betrayed public trust and must stand accountable. Time to clean up our political communities and set term limits.

Wilkerson had $1.000.00 in her left bra cup- and Chuck Turner in the right one.
What a pair.

What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Has our society move to a point where we encourage a virtual angry mob mentality on the internet?

It's frustrating to see politicians like Turner and Wilkerson betray people's trust, even though they have also done a lot of positive things for their communities and people. But that is not an excuse for their bribe-taking actions.

What I'd like to see is have other politicians higher up the food chain be convicted, because I refuse to believe that this is where the rot ends, and that other politicians like Menino, Sal diMasi and Therese Murray are not involved.

I also cannot help but compare this to Thomas Finneran - the previous House Speaker who ruled with an iron fist, and was never once indicted. I find it hard to believe that Finneran never took any bribe during his career. If Wilkerson and Turner have any senses, they should plea bargain, avoid sentence, and then come back to head some organization that lobbies the Massachusetts Senate/House, just like Finneran landed a plum job as President of Mass Biotechnology Council.

Learn from the whiteys on how to beat the system.

Domenic............What?

"Shock"??????? - Right; the only "shock" is that it wasn't more money. When are you people going to realize this is every day practice for 90% of your elected officials and about as many of their support staff.

We want to pretend that we are better when it comes to how government operates as compared to 3rd world countries but we're not. If you listen to the retirement speeches given on behalf of Ted Stevens, the message is clearly – “Hey this wasn't too bad and the only difference between you and us is that you happened to get caught.”

I will not let this shake my faith in my politicians. :) I am only surprised that they are finally getting caught.
As Eric said, corruption is colorblind, but that will not stop the supporters of Turner, (as with Wilkerson and others) from using that as a defense. Corruption stands on it's own.

Now, who's next? Wilkerson is going to have some company, that much is certain. I cannot wait to see the next few names she drops in order to lighten her sentence.

Menino is a pansy!! We need some strong government personnel for a change!! Some people who will take a stance against corruption and work towards cleaning it up. Vote all these useless incumbents and hacks out of office!!!! Increase our taxes so these bozos can have more cash to play with.

I'm embarrased to admit that I am part of this district. There is a photo of him taking money, just as there was a photo of Diane sticking money in her bra. How could anybody not denounce him immediately. If they caught him once, probability says he has done it before. We need new representation in this district and people, stop supporting proven criminals! The color of their skin doesn't mean they get more chances!

When you have only one party running the state supported by a liberal newspaper, corruption flurishes. The Globe is still writing articles about Romney rather than scrutinizing the political hacks on Beacon Hill. Instead of protecting its party of choice, the Globe ought to try some legit journalism for a change.

The people were stupid enough to vote for these morons - They got what they wanted -

Take them all down. Being a politician is a job and if you don't do your job or cheat, then you should be held accountable.

Those accused of actions that undermine democracy should be tried for TREASON.

I figure any colleague that is supportive of somebody caught so redhanded should be investigated. I would be furious if a colleague of mine were acting so poorly while I was working so hard. Look how mad the public got about Manny when they didn't think he was giving an honest effort? Why are politicians allowed to act this way?

Nate,
Are you going to believe Turner or those lying eyes of yours?

"What happened to innocent until proven guilty?" - Nate Kreese (aka Al Sharpton)

Did you see the pictures? What was he taking if it wasn't money? A Tootsie Pop?

These corrupt scumbags Chuck and Dianne are the best Roxbury can do for a leader? Seriously, raise your damn standards. They are not good people. Wilkerson is a known crook who has stolen from the government (tax fraud) and stolen from her own campaign. She is a disgusting lying crook!

And Chuck Turner is just as bad. HE ACCEPTED BRIBES. ITS ON VIDEO. What more evidence do you need?

Trust me, that I don't think that it's right to pull the race card here, but there's no way that there won't be some public outcry of the fact that the first two people (and I'm sure there will be more) charged in this case are black. I hope it's not the case and everyone - black, white or otherwise - looks at this for what it is: pure greed by people in whom the public places their trust.

"If you think that only two persons in the Boston City Government are accepting bribes, I've got a bridge to sell you right in Downtown Boston..."

First, there is 1 person accused of accepting bribes in City government - Chuck Turner. Diane Wilkerson is in state government.

Further, that statement is inflammatory and ignorant. If you have any knowledge of something like that (which I doubt you do), report it to the proper authorities rather than posting it here.

Poltics and corruption. Isn't that a bit like peanut butter and jelly? The question here is why the FBI is focusing on Boston. Me thinks similar probes in other major cities and towns would find similar events. Maybe I am wrong here - but I think "bribes" and "favors" on any captial hill - regrettably is the norm. The story here is why Boston? What led to the tip? How deep will they go?

In regards to taxes, maybe instituionalizing the practice of seeking preferred treatment is a why to increase collections without increasing taxes on everyone.

After all if the bribers are willing to pay the money to get ahead in the line maybe we should take it. If you want extra service you pay for it. That way the state/city/town collects it and not an individual to line their pockets.

The government has a system like that for passports already. You want it sometime, hear is the standard fee. You want to jump to the head of the line than here is the accelerate fee.

Fairness VS money? If they are paying why shouldn't we benefit?

Nate - people are offended and are starting to see evidence of what they have suspected or others have been telling them for a long time.

They will get their day in court for certain; however, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to see the corruption and suspect this is only the tip of the iceberg.

What is further frustrating is to ask the question "are these the only ones?" Answer that and consider the impending toll hike in conjunction with a 9.5 cent gas tax hike - we can only hope this serves as a catalyst for people to wake up, look around, and decide we deserve better.

If people can break out of the victim cycle and smell the coffee here, we can make a difference by our intelligent vote - only if people decide they have had enough though.

We'll see, but I'm fairly resigned now that the MA approach is to cry about it on the Globe's blog and then go ahead and either not vote or vote the same no-integrity bozos back in. We're a state of voter inaction and status quo.

Those are strong words robt and I find that personally insulting. I worked as support staff for a state senator for 2 years and never saw or engaged in any such activity. Not all politicians are criminals. As far as comparing this to white collar crime, I don't pay their salaries to represent me...but I do pay Turner's and Wilkerson's.

"whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty"? Umm, whatever happened to education??? Innocent until proven guilty is a matter of criminal law, and applies. Applying it to forming an opinion is idiotic.

Seeing pictures of turner grabbing the cash makes it hard not to form a reasonable opinion.

And what good have Turner and Wilkinson done for their community? They seem to mostly be doing good for themselves. "Progressive" politicians talk a mean and righteous game, but their only contribution seems to be to add to the general level of self righteousness.

It would be racist to think the white politicians in Massachusetts aren't equally guilty. Its equally racist to think there aren't new faces in those districts who aren't capable of being good new leaders of the community. Its time to let those new faces in.

All over the state, really.

Emotionally extorting "cooperation", the Boston City Council staff director threatens to take citizens off the Council public mailing lists for public meetings notices. If you want to stay on the lists or get on the lists they've demanded you not make further enquiries about Council proceedings.

Menino is frustrated? Well, so too are those who are looking for some leadership from so-called leaders. This is not leadership:

"Asked whether Turner should resign, Menino said, 'That’s somebody else’s decision, not my decision.'”

No one asked you to make a decision - God forbid we ask that. You opinion was asked. Clearly, every idiot has an opinion on this - just look at our comments. Should he resign is a yes/no question Menino! And the answer is "of course!" Your unwillingness to state an opinion is indicative of the problem with the bunch of you. Answer yes, no, or just say what you believe "I have to check to see what is the best political answer for me to give. I'll release a vague statement later in the day.

Wilkerson and Turner happen to be 2 politicians who got caught taking bribes. What about all the others who are still getting away with it and why is it their misdeeds are being dealt with swiftly yet DiMasi's is still pending? What needs to be done is a thorough cleaning top to bottom and not merely dust around a few objects.

Typical Globe pandering and reporting a partial story........could they possibly find one person who subscribes to a no tolerance appraoch? Or maybe "rules are rules"?

First off it is not entrapment when the politician requests the bribe/kickback

Second, grab your popcorn folks this is going to get entertaining. Just wait until Turner and Wilkerson start flipping their "friends" as plea bargains to reduce their sentences’. They are not going down quietly with pride (or whatever that word means to them).

Now that Turner has fallen we will see the state senate and city council get torn apart. This is fascinating stuff and will provide lots of entertaining stories for many months ahead. Santa entertainment came early this year!

One Party Problems couldn't be more right. There is nothing more damaging to the public than granting one party or group total control. When will the people of this state wake up and stop voting for whichever nitwit has the "D" next to his or her name for that reason alone? And when are we going to get some term limits legislation that brooms these clowns out when they've been in government too long?

Give him a zebra suit. I will not mind paying for his rent...LOOSER!

Emotionally extorting "cooperation", the Boston City Council staff director threatens to take citizens off the Council public mailing list for public meetings notices. If you want to stay on the list or get on the list they demand you not make further enquiries about Council proceedings.

When Menino was asked whether Turner should resign, he said, “That’s somebody else’s decision, not my decision.”
The reporter should have asked "Who's decision is it?"
Let's get to the bottom of this.

Will Turner end up saying he has no $$ for an attorney? and the state will end up paying for one to defend him? He's caught on film. Enough is enough.

Ahhh, but who's next?

To KP :

How is what someone said about pulling the race card ignorant? It was pulled when Wilkerson was caught taking bribes! I am sure it will be pulled with Turners' allegations as well...its always pulled when a black person is alleged of a crime. A third of the prison system is filled with blacks and its becuase they are black, not because they actually did something wrong...its f'ing ridiculous and I am tired of the blacks in this country deflecting on the rest of society thier irresponsibilties in life! I am tired of it! When people start taking responsibilities for their actions and stop making excuses..we will be better off as a society!

"'Shock'??????? - Right; the only 'shock' is that it wasn't more money. When are you people going to realize this is every day practice for 90% of your elected officials and about as many of their support staff.

"We want to pretend that we are better when it comes to how government operates as compared to 3rd world countries but we're not"

Interesting point, and don't forget how the private sector operates where government doesn't operate. In Mogadishu there's no city government or cops to demand bribes, but that just means warlords' armed minions are free to set up roadblocks wherever they want (there aren't any cops to stop them) and demand bribes for letting drivers pass. What we need is good government and good business, both with integrity instead of bribery.

"I hope it's not the case and everyone - black, white or otherwise - looks at this for what it is: pure greed by people in whom the public places their trust."

No doubt.

RE: "people of color... for years, have looked up to Chuck Turner and Dianne Wilkerson as role models."

So is that why there's so much crime in the "communities of color" ?? Sounds like you need to choose better role-models.

lock 'em up and throw away the key

Time for new, young vibrant leaders at the hill who care about changing the community!!!! Please someone that community step up, please!

To all that say "Innocent before proven guilty". The pictures of them taking the money speak volumes! Both caught on film.
I guess the lesson is: if you are going to take bribes, send one of your peons to collect the money on your behalf, so you aren't caught on film. Easier to deny, right?!

There's CORRUPTION in CIty Hall and MENINO passes the buck????? Was he too busy with his environmental crap to handle the more pressing issue of CORRUPTION??

People, it is TIME for a NEW MAYOR too!
November 2009 will be a TIME FOR CHANGE in BOSTON!!

VOTE FLAHERTY!!!

These are the people in local government that the citizens of MA voted for to disburse our 5% income tax. Until we change the idea that government will solve all of our problems we're going to contiue to get what we deserve in the Commonwealth. Career politicians who think it's their birthright to live on our dime and spend our hard earned money. Wake up people.

Our Mass. politicians are making Edwin Edwards of Louisiana look honest!

These types of investigations should be on going and remain secret. Very necessary in the public service sector, clearly.
You just know there are several others out there that are very nervous and wondering "Am I next?" "Do they have me on tape?"

Menino is SELFISH! He promotes himself non-stop. Have you ever seen or heard a major city mayor like this guy? What a turd.

I find the term "WHITE" collar crime offensive

Dan Dotson looks up to Wilkerson and Turner as role models...hahaha...what have they ever done beside get morons like Dan Dotson to think they are role models and STEAL money for the taxpayers. Anyone that ever voted for them has gotten what they deserved and then some. Hey Dan Dotson...look around...things aren't going so good in the district.

The Globe and The Herald have both been sitting on corruption stories for years. When this finally busts wide open people will see how truly corrupt this city is. This runs from government to the press.
Menino knows time is running out for him. His only hope is that Obama has the Feds back off. With Holder as AG that is very possibly.

This is the man that said Wilkerson was only caught because she was black.now we find out he was doing it too..Talk about crying wolf..This race baiter and others like him are the ones that set raccial relations back.Scumbags come in all colors...

Re: Post #37 "Those accused of actions that undermine democracy should be tried for TREASON."

While I'm not 100% convinced that taking a grand to push for someone's liquor license amounts to treason, I'm quite certain that what the current junta in D.C.
has done over the past 8 years certainly amounts to treason by the "undermining democracy" definition, so I'm hoping the treason/war crimes/crimes against humanity trail starts immediately after inauguration.

Chuck Turner has been an embarrassment since he claimed a porno movie spoof of American soldiers having sex Iraqui women was proof of abuses by the US army. This was swallowed whole by the newspapers
I am CERTAIN he and Diane Wilkerson are not he only criminals makin g laws in Massachusetts. I hope they all are caught and ousted. I am from Dorchester and we don't need fake and disreputable leaders in the community.
Whatever good Turner has done is tainted by this allegation, which apparently is documented on camera.

Menino should step down. The city of Boston needs real leadership.

Welcome to the land of Moonbats!

Conservatives from this state should secede and start our own colony somewhere. This state is an embarassment.

And don't forget about Senator Marzilli; or the state workers who were selling copper from bridges for scrap metal; or that Register of Probate who was stealing quarters from copy machines! "Massachusetts--It's all here!".

I love how he says the decision is someone elses! COWARD! Like he has never manipulated the Boston City Council for his own purposes. So to be clear, the only time he will meddle with the City Council is when he needs something for himself, like his inflated budget passed. Forget protecting the public eh Tommy? This investigation isn't over. Who did Diane and Chuck call to pull the trigger once they pocketed the cash? It will be interetrsing to see how far this mess reaches into his corrupt adminstration. This city needs a leader that it can trust not a hypoctire coward. Next up, the Boston Licensing Board. Stay tuned.

Menino's next and that will make my day
a world class city does not deserve a worse class mayor

this indictment smacks of racism

We need to start at the top with Menino and get out a big broom. He should be very nervous right now. I cannot believe he said it was not his job to decide if Turner should resign. Is he not supposed to be the Mayor!!!! Term limits for everybody starting right now!! We were forced to live in this city because of residency requirements. Now this city and this state is the laughing stock of the country. Since his ship is sinking, the honorable thing for Menino to do would be resign. For years the people at city hall have done just what they please and I am sick of it. We are hardworking, bill paying people and don't deserve this

Menino wants to restore the public trust in city government. In this case, Menino himself is the problem; the people should not "trust" their government. People should have a healthy skepticism of government. When people trust government too much, then government becomes too powerful. Government officials gain a sense of entitlement to their power, and forget that they are just temporary employees.