The Antidote For The Apathetic
-------------------------------------------
Charles C. Yancey
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Kenneth Yarbrough - Chief Information Officer
For Release
Councillor Yancey shows support for Chuck Turner
Boston City Hall (December 2, 2010) – Boston City Councillor Charles C. Yancey was the only Councillor to support Chuck Turner during a special City Council hearing yesterday to consider Turner’s removal from the Boston City Council.
The City Council voted 11-1 to oust Turner from his position as District 7 City Councillor, due to his felony conviction last October. Turner allegedly accepted $1,000 from FBI informant, Ron Wilburn, in order to assist Wilburn with obtaining a liquor license, and then he allegedly lied to federal authorities investigating the allegation.
Turner argued that the conviction being used to oust him was the result of a sting operation manufactured by U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan due to Sullivan’s personal vendetta against him. “You know the realty of who I am. There has never been an accusation that I am an inside player. I don’t think any one of you can say I am someone who looked at personal gain,” he said.
Councillor Yancey praised Turner’s integrity and community service, noting that he was the only Councillor to vote against pay raises for City Councillors. “If I had any doubt that Chuck Turner accepted money for political favor, I would not be here supporting him today,” Yancey said.
Councillor Yancey urged City Council President Michael Ross, who introduced the order to expel Turner, to withdraw the order because it violated City Council rule 33: Adoption of Matters on Day Introduced, and rule 47: Suspension of Rules.
Yancey also warned Councillor Ross about the legality of the Council to remove one of its own members, noting that no law exists allowing such action. He challenged
Councillor Ross temporarily recessed the hearing to seek advice from Sinnott. Upon resuming, Councillor Ross told Councillor Yancey that his interpretation of city rules was incorrect.
Councillor Yancey accused Ross and Sinnott of creating law as they go along and he cautioned them to be very careful. “You’re making a complete travesty of the entire City Council. I don’t think it’s proper and I don’t think it’s legal,” he said.
Councillor Turner, before the vote, asked his colleagues to ask themselves this question: “Am I more morally qualified to serve on this City Council than Chuck Turner?”
Councillors Felix Arroyo and Ayanna Pressley, holding back tears, praised Turner’s advocacy for the rights of poor and working class people. “To me, he’s my friend, a man I love, and who I refuse to judge,” said Councillor Arroyo.
Councillor Pressley called Turner, “A man of strong conviction.”
But despite the show of emotional admiration, Councillors Arroyo and Pressley voted to oust Turner from his seat. Others who voted the same included Councillors Ross, Maureen Feeney, Stephen Murphy, Rob Consalvo, Salvatore LaMattina, Bill Linehan, Mark S. Ciommo, John R. Connolly, and newly elected Matt O’Malley.
Ironically, a complaint was filed yesterday with the State Ethics Commission against Council President Michael Ross for alleged violation of state ethics laws. Allegedly, the law firm of McDermott, Quilty & Miller, which dominates the allocation of liquor licenses in the City of
Before leaving the Council Chambers, Councillor Turner reminded his supporters that he was a leader before he was an elected official. “Let’s continue to build our power base within this city and make sure we have people on this council who respect us,” he said.
Councillor Yancey said the City Council’s action has set an historical precedence. “I find it unconscionable that members of the Boston City Council took it upon themselves to disenfranchise people of district 7,” he said.
###
------------------------------------------------------------
-- THE END --
OR, IS IT JUST THE BEGINNING?
YOU DECIDE!
( Stay tuned, as the struggle continues. )
_______________________________________________________________
Occasionally we receive information from people regarding organizations
and businesses. While we share this information with you, it should not
be seen as an endorsement of their services.
_________________________________________________________________
Chuck Turner, District 7
City Hall Office--(617) 635-3510
Chuck.Turner@cityofboston.gov Angela.Yarde@cityofboston.gov Darrin.Howell@cityofboston.gov
Paulette.Tillery@cityofboston.gov Lorraine.Fowlkes@cityofboston.gov Edith.Monroe@cityofboston.gov
ROXBURY: WARD 8, Pcts 3-4, 7; WARD 9, Pcts 3-5; WARD 11, Pcts 1-3, 5; WARD 12, Pcts 1-9
SOUTH END: Ward 4, Pct 4; Ward 9, Pct 2
FENWAY: Ward 4, Pcts 5, 8-9