Turner: My Work Has Not Focused On 'Personal Interest And Gain'

The Boston City Council is expected to expel Chuck Turner from its ranks Wednesday afternoon, following Turner's October conviction for accepting a $1,000 bribe.

City Council President Michael Ross and five other councilors have said publicly that they will vote to oust Turner, and several others have said privately they'll do the same. It will take eight votes for Turner to be expelled.

Among those voting is the council's newest member, Matt O'Malley, who was sworn in Tuesday.

"He was found guilty of a very serious breach of the public trust. He has said that he will not appeal the verdict, so I will be voting to remove him," O'Malley says.

Turner disagrees with that rationale.

"My perspective is that the councilors understand that my work with them during the last 11 years on the council has reflected a work that has been principled, and not focused on personal interest and gain, or work for others who were not moving properly," Turner says.

Turner has fought to keep his job, claiming it would be a "moral mistake" to expel him from the council.

"My constituents elected me despite the fact that I was indicted, and since I've been convicted, they have continued to give me strong support," he says. "I think my constituents have a right to have me continue in my service."

Turner says he is innocent of his court convictions and has no regrets for his actions.

He joined WBUR's Bob Oakes during Wednesday's Morning Edition to make his case for keeping his post.

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