Talking Point Questions

We are concerned that Chuck has been targeted in this investigation because of his political beliefs and effective advocacy. Republican Attorney Sullivan’s main cooperating witness, Ron Wilburn (the wire), said there were lies in the FBI’s affidavit against Chuck. While Sullivan’s case may collapse on its own, we as supporters can help Chuck win in the court of public opinion. We stand with Chuck, not only because he stands fearlessly on the side of the people, but also because the FBI and Attorney Sullivan’s scheme to undermine Turner’s leadership is unconscionable and wrong. As supporters, we are forced to raise some critical questions about the recent events.

Questions

Since it is legal for Councilor Turner to accept small cash contributions for his campaigns, should we automatically believe the FBI’s claim that its picture represents a $1000 bribe being taken from Mr. Ron Wilburn?

What about Councilor Turner’s work over the last 42 years in Boston? Why at the end of such a long and distinguished career of service would he do something so out of character? Do you know Councilor Turner’s lifestyle? Does it seem to be a lifestyle that he would need to support by extorting money from businesspeople?

Soon after Councilor Turner’s arrest, Mr. Wilburn, of the former Deja Vu Restaurant, revealed that he was the US Attorney’s cooperating witness. Mr. Wilburn told the press that the FBI’s claim that he had initially approached the FBI was not true; and that the FBI’s claim that he knew Senator Wilkerson had a history of taking bribes was not true. Instead, Wilburn said the FBI approached him and asked him to cooperate in an investigation of political corruption. Please google the FBI affidavit against Turner, and see if it convinces you.

Stripped of innuendo and speculation, the FBI affidavit itself presents absolutely no case for an extortion or bribery charge. Why is the press calling the released photograph convincing evidence of wrongdoing? Why isn’t the press questioning the glaring weaknesses in the FBI’s case? Why were the FBI pictures flashed around the world before Councilor Turner was even indicted?

Why would the FBI seek someone’s help to set up a sting operation on Councilor Turner?

Many people believe Republican US Attorney Sullivan plans to run for Governor starting next year. Do you think that might have something to do with the fact he conducted these sting operations against Councilor Turner and Senator Wilkerson?

Councilor Turner’s campaign finance report, kept in the Clerk’s office at City Hall, shows that he and his wife, Terri, have invested $120,000 in maintaining a District Office. (This year’s report will show an additional investment of $20,000). Why would he risk not only his reputation, but also their investment in the development of the community, by trying to extort what is a small amount of money compared to what they invested? Why did the press deny Councilor Turner’s right to be presumed innocent until he went on the attack?

Why did Council President Feeney strip him of his committee assignments, including his two chairpersonships three hours before he had even been arraigned?

Why did the FBI take Councilor Turner to a Worcester court rather than one in Boston for arraignment?

Why did Republican appointed US Attorney Sullivan initiate a weak case against Councilor Turner, with less than three months before Sullivan will be replaced by a new US Attorney?

Why isn’t the media asking tough questions about the FBI targeting of Councilor Turner despite his long track record of fighting entrenched and moneyed interests in his community and beyond? Does his advocacy
for communities of color, his civil disobedience and the media portrayal of him as a “radical” have anything to do with it?

If Councilor Turner is guilty, why has he ignored his lawyer’s advice and gone on the community radio and TV as well as held two press conferences/rallies and released press statements every other day? See the “Statements” section of this website.

Why did 500 people show up on Monday, Nov. 24 at City Hall, the day after he was arrested, to support his position that he is innocent?

What impact would the elimination of Turner from the Council have on struggles for equal schools, youth jobs, CORI reform, bilingual access, peace & justice, and other human rights issues?