Massachusetts. Special Commission Concerning State and County Buildings

Pursuant to Resolves 1978, c 5, a seven-member special commission appointed by the governor and other constitutional officers was established to investigate corrupt practices and maladministration concerning contrac ts relating to construction of state and county buildings as awarded from 1968 onward; conditions permitting such practices; and limitations on powers and functions of those overseeing such contracts and related legal requirements. The investigation has to include circumstances relating to the contract between McKee-Beyer-Mansueto, Inc. and the Commonwealth for construction of buildings at the Boston campus of the University of Massachusett. A final report was to be filed with the General Court by the end of 1979.

Resolves 1979, c 11 extended the commissions purview to design, survey, boring soil exploration, feasibility, and other investigative study contracts relating to construction of state and county buildings. The deadline for a final report was extended to mid-1980, and by St 1980, c 257, to the end of 1980.

The body, chaired by John William Ward, president of the University of Massachusetts, was commonly known as the Ward Commission. Its work resulted in the establishement of the office of Inspector General (St 1980, c 388).