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It's been Sam Yoon's chorus for some time, and now the Globe is joining in to ask whether Boston Mayor Thomas Menino may have too much power. In a detailed article today, the paper proclaims that "Menino has assembled the most extensive political operation in modern Boston history over his 16 years in office, rivaling that of legendary mayor James Michael Curley." According to the Globe, Menino's machine is based on the Office of Neighborhood Services, which in theory uses local liaisons to respond to neighborhood concerns but in practice may be planting the mayor's agenda locally. From Menino moles at challenger rallies to Facebook messages harassing folks who join opponents' groups, there are a variety of questionable activities that the Globe uncovers. Gems include statements “We have the permit... Put me on your fundraiser list,’’ from folks who've received favors that were clearly more than capable of winning them over to the Menino camp.
Ironically enough, the Globe points out, Menino himself opposed the Office of Neighborhood Services when he was a city councilman under Ray Flynn. Now it's one of his strongest sources of support. Makes you wonder: will Menino's challengers end up adopting the tools they currently criticize?
The Globe also uncovers a scandal in which Menino staffers—specifically Michael Kineavy, head of the ONS—were caught deleting emails, seemingly in violation of state records laws. Michael Flaherty and Yoon have both called for further investigation into the deletions.
At least all of this answers the question of why the mayor's desk is empty in his advertisements: his presence isn't needed, thanks to the ONS.
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Still basking in the afterglow of the beer Sam Yoon bought you last week?
Unfortunately I have been on the receiving end of the Dept of Neighborhood Services when Inspectional Services shows up for no reason, when permits have been "slowed down" just to prove a point, and know others who have had liquor licenses threatened. The machine is real and hopefully will not make it to 20 years. Ever ask anyone in Neighborhood Services how they are measured every year? That's right, no measurements at all. What a great investment of $2mill a year of our tax dollars(1.3 on the books and then all that retirement money that doesn't show up on the books). I wish I had $2mill of taxpayer money to work on my reelection all year long. Oh, and look at the qualifications of these moles, interesting ties to Menino. Please, no more.