Mass. Leaders Fill Probation-Legislation Committee

The top three Massachusetts political leaders have filled out a committee developing legislation to overhaul hiring practices within the Massachusetts Probation Department.

Public Safety Counsel Gregory Massing, Finance Counsel David Sullivan and assistant gubernatorial counsel Abim Thomas will represent Gov. Deval Patrick.

Sens. Cynthia Creem of Newton, Brian Joyce of Milton and Michael Knapik of Westfield will represent the Senate. Creem and Joyce are Democrats; Knapik is a Republican.

Reps. Patricia A. Haddad of Somerset, Byron Rushing of Boston and Jay Barrows of Mansfield will represent the House. Haddad and Rushing are Democrats; Barrows is a Republican.

Newspaper stories and an independent report have suggested the department has hired politically connected people in exchange for expanded state budgets.