James H. Kelly
James H. Kelly (October 15, 1919 – July 13, 1984) was an American politician who served as Boston Fire Commissioner and a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Early life[edit]
Kelly was born on October 15, 1919, in Boston. He graduated from Mission High School and Northeastern University and worked as an insurance broker.[1]
Political career[edit]
Kelly was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1953 to 1967.[1] He was an unsuccessful candidate for state auditor in 1966, losing to incumbent Thaddeus M. Buczko 60% to 40% in the Democratic primary.[2] After leaving the legislature, Kelly served as deputy state treasurer under Robert Q. Crane.[3] In November 1968 he was named Boston Fire Commissioner by Mayor Kevin White.[4] He retired on July 11, 1975, while under investigation for allegedly violating state law by pressuring members of the department into contributing to White's 1971 campaign.[5] He would be the last civilian commissioner of the department until 2006.[6] On August 15, 1975, he and deputy chief Leslie Magoon were indicted on charges of conspiracy and violating three of the state's election laws.[7] According to the indictment, the two and others promised to promote BFD personnel in exchange for contributions to White's mayoral campaign. On July 1, 1976, Kelly and Magoon were acquitted of the conspiracy charge.[8]
Kelly died on July 13, 1984, at his home in Hyannis, Massachusetts.[9]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Public Officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1965-66. 1965. p. 199. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
- ^ Massachusetts Election Statistics 1966. p. 155.
- ^ "Firefighters say Kelly collected funds for White campaigns". The Boston Globe. May 3, 1975.
- ^ "Kelly to Direct Boston Fire Dept". The Boston Globe. November 23, 1968.
- ^ Wood, John (July 12, 1975). "Fire Comr. Kelly quits amid probe of fund raising". The Boston Globe.
- ^ Viser, Matt (August 30, 2006). "Menino Appoints Fire Commissioner". The Boston Globe.
- ^ Sheehan, Alan (August 16, 1975). "Ex-Comr. Kelly, deputy chief indicted in White fund raising". The Boston Globe.
- ^ Hudson, Richard (July 2, 1976). "Kelly, Magoon acquitted of conspiracy charge". The Boston Globe.
- ^ "James H. Kelly". The Boston Globe. July 14, 1984.