The Boston Globe reports:
The state’s high court yesterday rejected a bid by state Representative Thomas M. Petrolati to avoid answering questions about his efforts to place friends, relatives, and political supporters in state probation jobs.
There's more:
Petrolati, a Ludlow Democrat, is viewed by many legislators as the “king of patronage’’ in Western Massachusetts because of his record of getting friends and supporters probation jobs during the tenure of Probation Commissioner John J. O’Brien, who is on paid administrative leave pending Ware’s inquiry.
Petrolati’s wife, a former aide, the husband of a current aide, and more than 90 of his financial backers were hired or promoted while O’Brien headed the agency. Petrolati has refused requests for interviews, but in written responses denied having undue influence over the agency and said he recommends only people who are qualified.
A political entrepreneur.
