Results tagged “officeofneighborhoodservices”

Mayor Thomas Menino issued a press release minutes ago about the arrest this morning of Boston Neighborhood Coordinator John Forbes by the U.S. Attorney's office. The release did not specify the charges that Forbes faces, simply calling them "extremely serious," and he has been placed on unpaid administrative leave from his position in the Office of Neighborhood Services. More as it develops. more ›

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. more ›