Boston's Fire Department Patronage Scam

The Boston Globe reports:

William Hayhurst III's dream of joining the Boston Fire Department and carrying on a family tradition - his late father was a Boston firefighter for 32 years - appeared to be dashed when he received relatively dismal scores on the civil service exam all three times he took it.

Then, in what critics call an example of the patronage and favoritism lingering in Massachusetts government, the Hayhursts' political connections turned things around.

A special state law passed this year for the benefit of the Hayhurst family vaulted William III from 623d place to the pinnacle of the hiring list. As a result, he is now slated to be the next person hired by the Boston Fire Department. His brothers Marc, who ranked 202d on the list, and Michael, if he passes the test, are also guaranteed head-of-the-line status.

The jumps were made possible in large part by state Senate President Therese Murray, who, said two public officials involved in helping the Hayhursts, told several influential people throughout the process that the Hayhursts were family friends and were deserving of special treatment.

The bill for the Hayhursts gave them the same benefits that are given to survivors of a firefighter who died in the line of duty, even though their father died of eye cancer in 2002, not in the line of duty. The bill flew through two committees and the state Senate in less than two hours in September.

The Hayhursts were also supported by Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the Boston City Council, and Governor Deval Patrick.

A group representing minority firefighters says the political boost that resulted in the preferential treatment of the sons of an Irish firefighter over dozens of nonwhite applicants with higher test scores is "disgraceful."

"It's just another example of the favoritism and nepotism and patronage that exists," said Karen Miller, president of the Boston Society of Vulcans, an organization of black firefighters.

I remember when Deval Patrick was with the Clinton Justice Department and wasn't for favoritism for less qualified whites.I guess times change.I guess the Blue City of Boston really isn't for those without a political connection.Sickening.