POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: TROOPER scandal grows — CAPUANO pays well — WARREN overseas

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TROOPER scandal grows — CAPUANO pays well — WARREN overseas

07/05/2018 07:09 AM EDT
By Stephanie Murray (smurray@politico.com; @StephMurr_Jour) and Brent D. Griffiths (bgriffiths@politico.com; @BrentGriffiths)
GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. It's Thursday — and time to head back to reality. Hope you had a safe and happy Fourth of July.


CHARLIE BAKER " is looking into an outside consultant ????? 
FINALLY?  

THIS IS NOT LEADERSHIP! 
CHARLIE BAKER INHERITED THIS SCANDAL, FAILED TO CALL FOR AN AUDIT, FAILED TO MAKE SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES..... 

AS ALWAYS DAY LATE CHARLIE AFTER ARTICLES ARE PUBLISHED BECAUSE HE HAS SURROUNDED HIMSELF WITH POLITICAL HACKS. 


CULTURE SHOCK — The chips are starting to fall in a federal investigation into Massachusetts State Police overtime pay practices. A handful of state troopers have already been indicted. And almost a dozen more indictments are on the way,MassLive reported Wednesday.

As troopers brace for the latest probe to shake out, it looks like the overtime fraud that cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in 2016 alone wasn't just the work of a few bad apples. The looming indictments raise questions as to whether there's a culture problem in the law enforcement agency. And if that's true, who should fix it?

Earlier this week, the Boston Globe called for an "experienced reformer" with "no ties" to take over State Police, especially after last year's so-called Troopergate scandal. But for that to happen, Massachusetts would have to scrap a requirement that Gov. Charlie Baker promote a leader from within State Police. For his part, Baker's administration outlined a reform package for the agency and is looking into an outside consultant to check into management issues.

Though it seems lawmakers haven't moved to change the promotion rule, several attempts to shift agency culture can be found in the proposed House and Senate budgets. It's unclear whether the proposals will pan out as a conference committee meets behind closed doors. (Massachusetts is the last state in the country without a fiscal 2019 budget.)

On the House side, the proposed budget includes language to establish a special commission to review "the hiring and promotion policies and practices" of State Police and recommend ways to increase accountability.

On the Senate side, state Sen. Michael Moore — who co-chairs the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security — filed a budget amendment calling on State Police to participate in a national or state accreditation process. His amendment would let the Inspector General or another designee keep tabs on the implementation of best practices.

State Sen. William Brownsberger, a member of the public safety committee, said he suspects lawmakers will file legislation to address issues within State Police next session.

"I'm sure there will be legislation filed. I personally am not sure what that legislation should be yet. I think that we have a governor and a secretary of public safety who are taking the situation extremely seriously," Brownsberger told POLITICO. "A lot of this really is management and culture. Let's see how they do at changing culture."

Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: ldezenski@politico.com.
TODAY — Boston Mayor Marty Walsh makes an announcement at Local 338 Bagels. Former Rep. Barney Frank is a special guest at a fundraiser for Democratic lieutenant governor hopeful Jimmy Tingle. Republican Senate candidate Beth Lindstrom's fundraiser features a concert from Ayla Brown, the daughter of Scott Brown, the U.S. ambassador to New Zealand.

DATELINE BEACON HILL —
- "Charlie Baker signs 'red flag' bill," by Brian Dowling, Boston Herald: "Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law a "red flag" measure that will let household members seek a court order to take guns from people posing a risk to themselves or others. The bill strengthening the state's already restrictive gun laws allows family or household members to petition a judge for an extreme risk protection order to remove guns from a person at risk of harming themselves or others and bar them from possessing firearms for up to a year."

- "State lawmakers aim to ensure abortion remains legal in Mass.," by Joshua Miller, Boston Globe: "Abortion-rights advocates and Massachusetts legislative leaders are moving to repeal a 19th-century state law that criminalizes abortion, acting out of concern that the US Supreme Court may overturn its Roe v. Wade ruling. 'The threat is there,' said Senate President Harriette L. Chandler, who led a successful charge to pass the legislation in her chamber."

- "Here's where applicants for recreational marijuana licenses are in Massachusetts," by Dan Adams and Saurabh Datar, Boston Globe: "According to new data released by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, 32 companies and individuals have filed 63 completed applications for recreational marijuana licenses. The map and table below — based on a list of applications submitted to the commission and released following a public record request from the Globe — show where in the state these prospective operators hope to set up shop and grow, process, or retail cannabis for consumers."

DATELINE DC —
- "Sen. Ed Markey Joins Calls To Abolish ICE," by Tori Bedford, WGBH: "Sen. Edward Markey joined the growing chorus of Senate Democrats calling to abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, after a visit to detention centers at the border in Southern Texas. According to Markey, agents from ICE and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) said they have not yet begun the process of reuniting parents with children."


WITH ALL OF THE IMPORTANT ISSUES SWIRLING, THIS IS THE BEST WGBH CAN DO?

- "Capuano Has Highest Paid Staff In Congress," by Paul Singer, WGBH: "Rep. Michael Capuano pays his employees very well. In fact, the 10-term Somerville Democrat has the highest average staff salary of any lawmaker in the United States Congress, either House or Senate."

- "Sens. Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren describe 'inhumane' conditions at border detention facilities," by Shira Schoenberg, MassLive.com: "Both of Massachusetts' U.S. senators returned from the southern border with heart-wrenching stories about migrants being held in cages and children being separated from their families. 'My trip to the border for two days will stay with me for a lifetime,' said U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts. 'Rarely have I been more ashamed of what an administration has done in the name of the United States.'"

- "Michael Capuano denies push to abolish ICE," by Dan Atkinson, Boston Herald: "U.S. Rep. Michael E. Capuano says reports that indicated he wants to dismantle the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency were false — the Somerville Democrat said he is not joining the push by other members of his party, including his primary opponent. Capuano was cited as one of the pols looking to abolish ICE in a report in The Hill, a Washington, D.C., political news publication, and in a Herald column."

THE WARREN REPORT —
- "On Mideast trip, Elizabeth Warren polishes her credentials," by Matt Viser and Liz Goodwin, Boston Globe:"Senator Elizabeth Warren wrapped up a trip to the Middle East on Wednesday, a fact-finding mission aimed at more closely evaluating both the ongoing political turmoil in Iraq as well as the continued fight with the Islamic State. Amid continued speculation about a possible presidential run in 2020, Warren stopped in Kuwait for breakfast at Camp Arifjan with about 25 troops from a Reading-based unit of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, and then traveled to Iraq, where she joined Senator Lindsey Graham, t he South Carolina Republican."
- "Elizabeth Warren worried Trump will nominate an 'extremist' judge to Supreme Court," by Anna Giaritelli, Washington Examiner: "Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who has been floated as a possible Democratic contender to challenge President Trump in the 2020 election, urged the public on Independence Day to help Democrats ensure the Senate does not approve an 'extremist' nominee to the Supreme Court. Warren said Trump's ability to nominate a new justice to the highest court following Justice Anthony Kennedy's decision to retire gives him the ability to 'remake" the court "for a generation,' leaving abortion and gay rights decisions 'at risk.'
ON THE STUMP —
- "'It's kind of simple,' Mike Capuano responds when asked about Ocasio-Cortez," by Michael Levenson, Boston Globe: "Representative Michael E. Capuano got a little testy Monday when asked about two of the biggest topics in Democratic politics this week: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's win in New York and calls to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement. First, he batted down questions about Ocasio-Cortez, a 28-year-old Latina activist from the Bronx, who shocked party leaders by ousting US Representative Joe Crowley, a 20-year incumbent and the No. 4 Democrat in the House."
- "Michael Capuano swims against the tide," by Michael Graham, Boston Herald: "Congressman Capuano, call your office — while you still have one. The 10-term representative is toast. Stick a fork in him, he's done. All because he can't answer the question, 'Why not?'"
- "Amherst's David Morin drops write-in campaign for state Senate seat," by Dusty Christensen, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "David Morin has dropped out of the race for the Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District seat in the state Senate. Morin was running a write-in campaign to fill the vacant seat left by former Senate president Stanley C. Rosenberg of Amherst, a 27-year incumbent who resigned from the post in early May."
- "Baker leaves Franklin 1st race, throws support behind Blais," by Recorder staff, Greenfield Recorder: "Shelburne Selectman Andrew Baker announced Wednesday that he is withdrawing from the race for the First Franklin District state representative's seat being vacated by Stephen Kulik."I'm declaring my independence," he wrote in a statement sent to news organizations late in the evening July Fourth."

TSONGAS ARENA —
- "How we became Americans," by Juana B. Matias and various authors: "I came to this country with my parents from the Dominican Republic in search of a better life. The memory of boarding a plane from Santo Domingo to Boston when I was 5 years old feels like it was just yesterday. Although I had my family at my side, it was pretty scary at first. Leaving behind friends, family and a familiar home for a sea of unfamiliar faces speaking a language I couldn't understand was daunting."

THE KENNEDY COMPOUND —
- "JOE KENNEDY III," by Bruce A. Percelay, Nantucket Magazine: "Joseph P. Kennedy III is the son of former Congressman Joe Kennedy and grandson to the late Robert Kennedy. Grounded, approachable, yet measured, Kennedy lacks the airs one might expect from the product of arguably America's most famous political dynasty. Time will tell where his future will lead, but he is clearly one of the brightest lights in the Democratic party and a person to watch. N Magazine sat down with Kennedy who shared with us his thoughts on Washington, his family and the future of the country."

WOOD WAR — Herald: "TAKING LIBERTIES," "STIRRING THE POT SMOKERS" — Globe: "Scorch of July," "Groups act to delete old abortion ban in Mass.," "On Middle East trip, Warren polishes her credentials," "US shields data requests to detain immigrants," "Online, that hair is still laughable," "T looks at barriers as crowd control option"

THE LOCAL ANGLE —

- "At least 10 more Massachusetts State Police troopers to be indicted in overtime scandal," by Scott J. Croteau, MassLive.com: "Indictments against at least 10 more Massachusetts State Police troopers accused of stealing overtime money by writing phony tickets and skipping shifts are expected in the near future, MassLive has learned. A source told MassLive at least 10 more troopers will be indicted. This is in addition to the four troopers already facing federal charges."

- "Prison likely for former state trooper," by Chris Lisinski, Lowell Sun: "A former Massachusetts State Police trooper pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $50,000 in pay for overtime he did not work, authorities said, making him the fourth trooper implicated in a wide-ranging investigation into alleged overtime abuse at the agency. Gregory Raftery, 47, of Westwood pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to one count of embezzling funds from a state agency receiving federal funds, according to a press release from the office of U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling."

- "Boston NAACP head slams closed-door call on Laura Perille," by Kathleen McKiernan, Boston Herald: "The president of Boston's NAACP chapter wants the city to reconsider the structure of the School Committee after it unanimously approved Mayor Martin J. Walsh's interim superintendent pick despite criticism of a closed-door process. 'I believe this situation coupled with so many other examples highlights our need to have an honest conversation about the efficacy of our current School Committee structure,' NAACP Boston president Tanisha Sullivan told the Herald."

- "585 join ranks of U.S. citizens," by Kori Tuitt, Lowell Sun: "More than 500 candidates for United States citizenship excitedly sat in the Lowell Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday. They waved miniature American flags, looked up to family and friends sitting in the balcony above them and loudly applauded and cheered during the naturalization ceremony. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani said there were 585 new citizens in the auditorium from more than 70 countries."

THE BOARDING PROCESS IS UNRULY BECAUSE THERE AREN'T ENOUGH TRAINS, THEY'RE OVERCROWDED, NOT RUN FREQUENTLY ENOUGH..... SOLVE THE PROBLEM BY SOLVING THE PROBLEM! TRAINS ARE OVERCROWDED. 

INEXPERIENCED INCOMPETENTS ARE RUNNING THE MBTA! 

- "MBTA wants to put barriers, doors on subway platforms," by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "The boarding process on Boston subway platforms can be so unruly that transit officials have tried taping lines on the platforms to keep new passengers from blocking departing riders. Now the T might borrow a much higher-tech idea from the other side of the world: building a wall to separate riders from arriving trains."


- "The Martha's Vineyard crowd strikes back at Alan Dershowitz," by Mark Shanahan, Boston Globe: "For years, former Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz and some of his high-profile pals have spent summer afternoons opining on the porch at the Chilmark General Store on Martha's Vineyard. Not this summer, and maybe never again. As a result of Dershowitz's vocal opposition to the appointment of a special counsel to investigate President Trump's ties to Russia, the coffee klatch has turned combative."

- "Trump backer Ernie Boch Jr. welcomes Vineyard outcast Alan Dershowitz," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "Trump-backing car mogul Ernie Boch Jr. is extending the warm hand of friendship to liberal scholar Alan Dershowitz — who says he's been ostracized on Martha's Vineyard by lefty friends for his legal arguments defending President Trump. 'Tell Alan if he needs a friend, he can call me,' Boch told the Herald with a chuckle [Tuesday] from the Vineyard, where both are summering."

MAZEL! to Elisa Massimino, formerly the president of Human Rights First. Massimino is now a senior fellow at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at the Kennedy School of Government.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Ben Binswanger, executive director of the Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation and a Kennedy alum, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission manager of communications and public engagement Pat Beaudryand former Boston.com scribe Chris Caesar.
DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes! The Red Sox beat the Nationals 3-0.
DO NOT MISS THIS - THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE HORSE RACE: State Senate President Harriette Chandler joins us for a special extended edition of The Horse Race. We ask her about the Grand Bargain, legislation vs. ballot questions, the fallout from Stan Rosenberg, and what she has learned in her time at the top. Then WBUR's Shannon Dooling discusses what the immigration debate means for Massachusetts. Plus, what the NY-14 result means for the Pressley-Capuano matchup. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud

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