On Brookline

Question: It’s been a week since it was first reported that two Brookline officials - Jennifer Dopazo and Frank Hitchcock - were involved in a seemingly fabricated report to police during the May 24th Brawl at Town Hall, why hasn’t anything happened?

Answer:  Bless you child, but nothing is going to happen.  We’re talking about the Brookline Selectmen taking action, and your question presumes that they serve to advance the public interest.  The reality is, save one member, these selectmen serve to advance their own interests (and those of their cronies).  In fact, if it’s in their interest to make Hitchcock the Brookline building commissioner that’s what they’ll do.

Question: Why are you always on Dopazo’s case?

Answer: Are you asking why I call her office, “in service to hacks but paid by the property tax?”  Are you wondering why I say Dopazo is nothing more than a tool for the Selectmen?  Is that what you’re asking?

Question:  Uhm, I quess so.

Answer:  Look, every day that Jennifer Dopazo takes the reins of Brookline’s legal carriage is a day when the public trust is trampled.  Look at the record - a $3 million loss on the Lawrence School renovation because of a poor opinion on contractor bidding, a whitewash on the DPW fiasco over the Carlton St. Footbridge grant, zoning enforcement out of control, an expensive lawsuit over the St. Aidan’s project, a horrible deal on a ground lease at 2 Brookline Place, the list goes on and on.

Question: So why does Dopazo keep her job?

Answer: Because she does what is expected of her by the Brookline Selectmen and the town administration.  Do you think they want a crisp legal mind and passionate advocate for the public interest in that job?  Please.  The mistake is in thinking that she works for the people of Brookline.