Mayor Tom Menino calls on Chuck Turner to step down as city councilor
By Dave Wedge | Saturday, November 13, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Local Politics
Mayor Thomas M. Menino called for Chuck Turner’s resignation from the Boston City Council on Friday.
Photo by Herald file
Mayor Thomas M. Menino wants Councilor Chuck Turner booted from City Hall, citing the Roxbury Democrat’s federal corruption rap.
“He worked with Councilor Turner for many years and respects him for his work with constituents and believes he’s done a good job for his constituents. But at this time, he believes he should resign,” Menino spokeswoman Dot Joyce said last night.
The mayor first made the call for Turner to resign Thursday night on NECN, telling host Jim Braude, “I think for Chuck’s best interests he should step down.”
The mayor added that the council should vote to expel Turner if he refuses to resign. Turner could not be reached last night and did not reply to an e-mail.
Turner was convicted Oct. 29 of taking a $1,000 payoff from an FBI informant and lying to federal agents. He is awaiting sentencing but has pledged to appeal and has said he intends to serve out his term.
Despite his conviction, Turner showed up at a regular Nov. 3 council meeting. A hearing has been set for Dec. 1 at which the council could vote to remove Turner. Council President Michael Ross said he’ll be making a motion at next month’s hearing but declined to elaborate.
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