City Councilor Daniel Conley (Hyde Park, Roslindale) is a leading contender in the race for Suffolk County district attorney, despite that several groups have openly criticized the councilor’s voting record.
Conley is bidding to replace former Suffolk DA Ralph Martin, who announced his resignation in September to pursue a private practice. Acting Gov. Jane Swift is expected to deliver a decision on Martin’s successor, who will have a seven-month incumbency before November’s election.
Although Conley has assumed frontrunner status in the race, some have issued concerns with the councilor’s history on certain issues. The Boston Police Patrolman’s Association recently issued Conley a vote of “no confidence” in his ability to perform as district attorney. Conley and the BPPA disagreed in 1995 over legislation that would have extended traffic jurisdiction to college police forces.
Conley said his support of proposal is the primary reason for the organization’s opposition to his current campaign.
“I feel that’s criticism being levied by one or two individuals within that organization over political differences,” Conley said. “It has nothing to do with my qualifications or my ability to perform as district attorney.
“I’ve reached out to the leaders of the BPPA and they are not interested in working it out; at least, they haven’t returned my phone calls,” he said.
Within City Hall, fellow Councilor Chuck Turner (South End, Roxbury) has offered support for Conley opponent Eddie Jenkins, a former Middlesex prosecutor and one-time City Council candidate.
Conley opposed Turner’s redistricting initiatives last year, which Conley said would have divided his district into thirds. Turner said Conley misjudged the lack of diversity within his district, which is 60 percent white.
“I think Conley is somewhat rigid in his thinking, particularly in terms of racial issues,” Turner said. “I’m not sure he would have the level of sensitivity that is needed by person handling such a difficult, sensitive position.”
Conley said he was among a large majority of councilors who opposed Turner’s plan. He said his decision was not influenced by race but was based on the demands of his constituents, who largely opposed redistricting.
“This has nothing to do with race relations here. It to do with creating a district that keeps neighborhoods cohesive and intact while negotiating perhaps a minority district,” Conley said.
“I don’t see how anyone can essentially make any kind of judgment on my ability to be the district attorney based on my opposition to that plan that was offered last year,” Conley continued. “There’s no logic in that.”
Conley said the criticisms are nothing personal, adding he and Turner are friends.
“We’re talking about political differences,” Conley said. “I’m not opposed to creating a new district that may make it easier for a person of color to get elected. I have no problem with that. What he proposed was to essentially eviscerate my district.”
Sarah Magazine, spokeswoman for Swift, said the governor is seriously considering each candidate in her decision. She could not predict when the decision could be expected.
Conley, who has raised $315,000 to date for the campaign, said his focus is the November race and not Swift’s decision.
“I believe I am under consideration for the appointment along with several other candidates. Beyond that, we’re waiting for the governor’s decision,” Conley said.
Conley is not the only city councilor in the race. Councilor Brian Honan (Allston-Brighton) has been conducting his own campaign since Martin’s resignation was announced and has since raised $215,000.
Other candidates include former Suffolk prosecutors Timothy O’Neill of Milton and Michael Pomarole, chairman of the board of parole, as well as former federal prosecutor William Sinnott of Hyde Park.
“I don’t see a frontrunner,” Honan said. “I think everybody’s got a shot at it.”
Honan said he too is focusing on his campaign, rather than Swift’s choice for Martin’s successor.
“It would definitely be a leg up to the person who gets it, but I don’t think it’s tantamount to an election decision in November, no matter who it is,” Honan said.
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