Election roundup: Diversity dilemmas

Bill Walczak today called for the state to loosen civil-service rules to let BPD Commissioner Ed Davis elevate more minority and women officer to senior ranks (although the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers, which wants Davis cashiered, says that's not good enough, because even with equal scores, Davis goes white).

Walczak says he wrote Gov. Deval Patrick seeking action, adds:

I have spoken with Police Commissioner Ed Davis about the problems related to building a senior leadership team with archaic civil service rules. Who is able to be promoted to senior ranks should not be determined almost solely by standardized exams. We need a system that allows us to hire highly qualified leaders who are able to work together as a team and reflect the communities served by the Police Department.

Globe columnist Larry Harmon went to a candidate forum in Grove Hall and says he watched Dan Conley melt down (action begins around 4:00):

GoogieBaba, who won't vote for Conley because of his position on charter schools (he wants lots of them; she's a BPS fan), watches the video and doesn't know what Harmon is talking about:

Don't tell me a candidate had a temper tantrum unless someone has flipped a chair. OK? I got angrier at my kids this morning for throwing a Pez. ... Jesus Mary and Joseph. A lot of pearl clutching over nothing.

The Dorchester Reporter has started a video series contrasting the mayoral candidates' positions on different issues, starting with crime and public safety.

Charlotte Golar Richie and Connolly tell the Herald why they have to raise money outside Boston.

The Globe reports John Connolly would keep an appointed school committee but vows to shake up Court Street.

At-large candidate Philip Frattaroli's campaign says his campaign raised $21,175 in July, which it says is more than any other candidate.

David Bernstein chats with at-large candidates Michelle Wu and Gareth Saunders and incumbent at-large Councilor Steve Murphy.