Forgotten, however not gone.
That’s how ex-pols are sometimes described on the State House after they go away elective workplace. But after testing the most recent Beacon Hill lobbying studies, that previous noticed must be up to date.
Forgotten, however not gone – and filthy wealthy!
It is astonishing to see how a lot a few of these historical shiftless hacks are grabbing, particularly when you think about how lengthy it’s been since any of them ever gained an election.
Let’s begin with 79-year-old ex-Lt. Gov. Tommy O’Neill – “Thomas P. O’Neill da Turd” because the sergeant-at-arms used to explain him when he entered the House chambers for the annual State of the State handle.
Da Turd is the son of ex-House speaker Tip O’Neill, and he was dragged into workplace twice on the underside of the Democrat gubernatorial ticket. But on his personal Tipleet gained only a single election – as a state rep in Cambridge, in 1972.
No downside, although. For the primary six months of the yr, his agency, O’Neill and Associates, collected $1.89 million from 59 purchasers. And right here I used to be questioning how he was paying for that swell new waterside mansion in Harwich Port, with the sensible Mercedes sports activities coupe parked outdoors. Hi Tommy – see ya subsequent summer time, pal!
State House hacks normally make their thousands and thousands the old school means – with the kiss within the mail. Like Billy Bulger, the Corrupt Midget. Now 89, the CM has been pocketing a pension that’s now $273,759 a yr for greater than 20 years.
At the State House, one in all Bulger’s stooges was Chester Greenough Atkins – “Billy Bulger’s butler,” as he was identified. Fat and entitled (he was born in Switzerland) Chet served briefly in Congress till he retired on account of sick well being – the voters received sick of him.
A four-term incumbent, he misplaced the Democrat main in 1992, with a depressing 35 p.c of the vote. It could have been the worst Congressional main drubbing ever till Liz Cheney final yr in Wyoming.
But no downside – at age 75, Billy Bulger’s butler is now a “partner” in one thing referred to as Tremont Strategies. According to the State House News Service, Atkins’ crew took in $2.04 million within the first six months of the yr.
Another lobbyist in that outfit is one Jason Aluia. He was a coat holder for Sal DiMasi, the previous House speaker, convicted felon and jailbird.
Given the truth that Sal can record his Bureau of Prisons quantity – 27371-038 – as a resume enhancer, you’d assume he too can be making the massive bucks in his post-prison profession as a lobbyist. But Sal, at age 78, is just not rolling within the dough, possibly as a result of his former road troopers are slicing in on the take.
Not simply Aluia, however Aaron Michlewitz, who went from skipper of Sal’s employees to being present Speaker Ron Mariano’s elected consigliere as Ways and Means chairman. Poor Sal – his payroll Charlies are placing him to disgrace within the lobbying grift.
Speaking of the Boston boys, how in regards to the East Boston crew? Bobby Travaglini, who’s a younger whippersnapper on this mob at a mere 71 years previous, made his bones within the Seventies as a precinct captain working for guys named Dee Dee Coviello and Sonny Buttiglieri.
Now Trav, who turned Senate president, paid himself $445,000 within the first six months of the yr. Trav, you’ve come a good distance from Junior’s Trolley!
According to Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s data, Trav is tied for highest-paid lobbyist with one other Ward 1 ward heeler – Carlo Basile, the ex-state rep who went to work for then-Gov. Charlie Parker as patronage boss. Now Carlo made slightly below half one million a yr within the first six months of the yr.
It’s superb how effectively these Eastie guys are doing, particularly contemplating the ruination of Ward 1. In the previous days, Eastie pols have been strictly small timers, like Pixie Palladino, who undoubtedly wasn’t a pixie, or James Coffey, who was often called “I’ll Take a Buck.” The title mentioned all of it.
Carlo is in the identical agency with ex-Rep. Mike Costello. Costello is a second-generation State House hack. His father was one other Bulger stooge within the Senate – Nick Costello. Now the son has found out the racket, and their agency raked in $2.72 million within the first six months of the yr. Costello pocketed $335,000 within the first six months of the yr.
Another erstwhile Eastie pol residing giant in his golden years is Dennis Kearney. He final gained an election in 1982, and is now 74 years previous. Kearney’s lobbying agency collected $1.42 million within the first six months of 2023.
Obviously, even a dunce could make huge bucks within the lobbying racket. Consider ex-Rep. Brian Dempsey. He received his B.A. from UMass – Lowell – at age 32.
Like Sal DiMasi, he has what you’ll contemplate a stellar State House curriculum vitae. Not solely has he been lugged for drunk driving, however Dempsey was additionally taken into protecting custody by the native cops for getting right into a brawl along with his brother in his mother’s parlor – on Mother’s Day.
Dempsey now has the third highest-grossing lobbying agency within the hackerama. He personally made $300,000 within the first six months of the yr.
Then there’s Phil Johnston – discuss forgotten however not gone. He was first elected to the legislature again within the days of the previous 240-member House, which was abolished in 1978. Mike Dukakis gave him a hack job in 1984, and Bill Delahunt stole a US House seat from him in a main recount – in 1996.
But residing effectively is one of the best revenge, and now, on the ripe previous age of 79, Phil Johnston simply pocketed $269,600 from his lobbying agency. That is what his previous boss Mike Dukakis used to name a “good job at a good wage.”
How ecstatic do you assume all of the above have been final week when Ron Mariano introduced he’d run for one more time period as Speaker subsequent yr?
He’s from Quincy, which so many of those glad-handers have ties as effectively. So the gravy practice will carry on trucking for some time longer.
And why can’t Mr. Speaker simply hold working and working and working? After all, he’s nonetheless a younger man. Ron doesn’t flip 77 till Tuesday – Halloween.
No marvel he will get alongside so splendidly with all his fellow historical hacks.
They’ve all spent a lifetime collectively – slurping fortunately on the public trough.
Trick or deal with, taxpayers!
(Order Howie’s new e-book, “Paper Boy: Read All About It!” at howiecarrshow.com or amazon.com.)
Source: www.bostonherald.com”