May 1, 2025 • 40 mins
Former Massachusetts Representative David Nangle hit rock bottom when his gambling addiction spiraled out of control, and he went into personal debt. The former Rep. pleaded guilty to illegally using campaign funds to fund his personal debts and was sent to prison for that as well as bank fraud and tax fraud. Former MA Rep. Dave Nangle joined us to discuss his story including his federal conviction, his redemption, and he shared insight into the world of gambling addiction and how it can happen to anyone…
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
It's Night Side with Dan Ray on WBZ Boston's Radio.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
All right, welcome back everyone. It is now a little
bit after nine o'clock. Thanks very much, Stan Watkins, and
we have taken a break here and we're going to
now go to the postion of the program where callers
are invited to join the conversation, and I think we're
about to have a fascinating conversation. My guest is David Nangele,
(00:27):
former Massachusetts state representative representative. Welcome to Nightside. How are
you tonight? David?
Speaker 3 (00:35):
I'm going to find Dan and thank you for having
me on this evening.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Well delighted to have you. I think people are going
to be gratified to hear what you have to say.
You did end up in federal prison for some matters
that did not involve the u of public funds. These
(01:02):
were your own political campaign funds, and I know that's
sort of the end of the story and we will
get to that. But you have a message that you
want to impart to people because I think it's fair
to say that all of your legal problems began as
a consequence of an addiction.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
Fair statement, Absolutely correct.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Okay, why did you explain in your own words, how
you got to the point that you were serving in
the legislature for twenty two years. You the assistant majority leader,
You were known as the constituent service guy. You probably
could have stayed and someday been speak with the House
of Massachusetts. You're represented amongst other communities at different times, Lowell, Chelmsford,
(01:52):
Tewkesbury and andover. You were very popular in your district
and it all came apart kind of quickly. So give
us your perspective, and then you're not backing away from
You admitted, you played guilty, you served your time, You've
paid your debt to society, all of which is good.
But beyond that, now you're not coming back and hiding.
(02:15):
You're putting your story out there tonight publicly, and I
hope people will listen to it because I think it
is one a cautionary tale, and it's also a story
of someone who wants to get up off the mat
and be a participant, and if not in public life,
but certainly be a participant publicly in the cormwealth of Massachusetts.
(02:38):
Be a person who walks with his head up, go
right ahead.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Well, thank you, Dan for the opportunity to speak this evening,
and I'm glad that you have me on here tonight,
and I'll tell my story and a little bit about
where I am today and what I'm looking to do,
and hopefully they can help some individuals. So, as I said,
I was a kid, probably thirteen fourteen years old when
UH started betting with football cards and playing a game
(03:05):
of CODs called forty five. Then it led to betting
with the local bookies at the age of sixteen seventeen,
eighteen years old. Coming from the city of old there
were a lot of bookies at the time. I might
rat and it just got ahead of me. You know,
I was seventeen years old and I owed a bookie
eight hundred dollars. I was working in my uncle sub
(03:27):
shop making probably two dollars and twenty cents an hour
at the time, So that was.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
A lot of stubs to pay off that debt. How
did you get in so deep so quickly that.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
I really don't know, Dan, I really don't I guess
I was chasing my losses at that point in time.
I have to think back, you know, that's forty seven
years ago, and so we just got ahead of me.
And then through a friend and a friend. I was
able to get bailed out, as we say, and it
was probably a good thing at the time, but unfortunately
(04:04):
it wasn't a good thing at forty four years later
with the outcome of what happened to me. So I
was able to get out of that situation. But the
game went continued as I continued into my twenties until
my mid twenties, I got married, and you know, at
that point, the game we kept going on and on,
and I hit it from everybody, hit it from my siblings,
(04:24):
from my closest friends, from other people. Some of them
may have known, maybe they didn't know, but I hit it.
I thought I did anyways, So at that point I'm
going along and I ended up costing me my marriage.
And that's what bothers me the most is the fact
of what I've done to my family, to my daughter
in particular, the embarrassment is shame that she went through
(04:47):
at the same time that I did. But my family
is just unbelievable. I have the best family in the world,
and they all supported me throughout the darkest time of
my life. My close friend were there for me as well,
and it all came crashing down on February twentieth of
twenty twenty, when I had eleven agents, if you will
(05:11):
come to retrieve me out of my house and take
me down to the Mocley Courthouse Federal courthouse in Boston,
and ruined me that day, charged me with a whole
host of different charges, misuse of campaign dollars, some tax issues,
some alleged bank fraud, and so on and so forth.
(05:32):
So I'll never forget coming out of there that day,
and you being a former news reporter on the street,
then you know, we walked out into a sea of reporters.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
And was not one of them. I was not one
of them.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
No, No, not that, not that day. I know that.
But you know the humiliation that I brought upon myself,
but more importantly to me personally, the humiliation I brought
upon to my family.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
I would just ask you questions. Just wanted to ask
a couple a question here. So you had a problem
when you're young. In the meantime, you get elected to
the State House of Representatives and you're working a way
up to the leadership rank, sure the assistant majority leader.
You were on a path to become eventually Speaker of
(06:19):
the House. I think that most people would have assumed
that in that period from the time when you first
got addicted to it, that covers a span of like
forty years, there must have been before forty four years.
There must have been some days during that time you
(06:42):
weren't losing every bet. I'm sure that you must have
had some days that you won and you probably said, hey,
you know, this isn't so bad after all, but you
were still hurtling toward that cliff. Is that an accurate
metaphorical characterization.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
That's very accurate.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
Dan.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
As a matter of fact, any problem gambler will tell
you the worst thing that can happen is having a
big win, because once you have a big win, you
go back, you think you're invincible and you're going to
always win. That's the worst thing that can happen to
a gambling individual that has a gambling problem. So yes,
I served for twenty two years. I represented Bowl and
(07:21):
some surrounding towns. I moved up in leadership. I appreciate
that comment, but I don't think I ever would have
been speaker. But I thoroughly enjoyed it twenty two years
with just helping people. As you mentioned earlier, I was
the constituent service representative known for that sort of thing.
But yes, from my colleagues, hit it from anybody, so
(07:44):
I thought maybe some new some have told me they
sensed it. Since everything to be But yeah, I had
a great career. I mean, there's no doubt about it.
I lost my career, I lost my reputation. I was
lili needed all because of a gambling addiction. I paid
the price varmit daily.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
You pled guilty. There wasn't a trial in the classic
sense of a trial. You pled out. You were sentenced
to fifteen months. Again, this was all happening in the
context of the arrival of COVID, just to kind of
put it in some perspective. And you spent some time,
especially difficult time when they were concerned about the spread
(08:26):
of COVID, up at the Fort Devons prison where you
served your time, and actually COVID got you out of
You completed your sentence a little earlier as a result
of COVID. Ironically one of the few people that maybe
had to believe it or not a benefit from COVID.
(08:48):
So you came home and in the time you were away,
the world that you knew in the world you represented
had changed dramatic.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
Absolutely, what absolutely.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
What hit you the most when when you finally you know,
walked to freedom. I mean you you weren't busting rocks
and you know, on a chain gang, you a white
collar sort of prison circumstance, but you're still in prison.
It's no fun.
Speaker 3 (09:16):
No, I don't care where you go. If you go
to prison, if you're incarcerated at any time, it's not fun.
Once that door closes, you know, you lose your freedom
and most importantly, contact with your loved ones. But you do.
You did what you had to do there. You know
it was I worked every day, I truthfully didned. I
(09:38):
was in an office's quarters. I was cleaning the bathrooms
and mopping the floors and empty and waste baskets. I
was very humble, and during the time there, it was
very difficult to be away from my loved ones. That
was the most important thing that bought to me. I
was just as concerned about them as they were about me.
But we got through it. And like I say, it
(10:00):
was faith, family and friends that got me through that
most difficult time in my life. And I have to
say it was my faith that tould me through. I
have a dear friend up here in Rowland. I will
say his name, A great guy from a state Senator,
Steve Panjatakas. And the day before I had to report,
I always remember him. He put his hands on my
shoulders and said, don't lose your faith, and I didn't, okay,
(10:25):
And that's two of the most difficult time.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
When we come back, I got to take a break.
We come back, I want to talk about what is
your message. I know you were at the State House
sort an ironic return. It was late March. If I'm
not mistaken when I read the story, and my respect
for you grew no having known you while you were
in the legislature, not having known about your gambling addiction.
(10:51):
But to come back and to go back to the
place where you were always welcome, I'm sure that must
have been a kind of kind of a day of
nervous nerves as to how you would be received. I
want to talk about that reception. I want to and
I want to talk about the message that you have,
and will also take some phone calls if you'd let
(11:12):
anyone like to join the conversation. As always, I say,
let's be respectful to my guests. If you want to
ask a tough question. That's fine, just do it respectfully.
Six one, seven, two, five, four ten thirty six one seven,
nine three one ten thirty. I guess this form of
Massachusetts State Representative Dave Nangel. He he has had a
(11:34):
huge bump in the road of life, but he is
back on his feet and he feels that he still
has something to give back and he's starting well, he's
starting long before tonight, but he is. He has talked
about the issues that are very very important to him now,
and that is making sure others realize that there is
(11:55):
a price to pay for doing something that you know
that cost you your problems. And when I get I
got some questions that I'm going to ask, which but
I'd prefer to hear questions from the audience as well.
Back on Nightside, right after this, You're.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
On night Side with Dan Ray on w Boston's news Radio.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
We're back with Foremostate Representative David Nangel. He has spent
some time in federal prison. And you were in prison.
What year did you go? Pretty much you pled guilty?
Will you did you spend most of twenty twenty in
prison or you no?
Speaker 3 (12:37):
I reported on November first of twenty twenty one, and
there is released at the end of April and twenty
twenty two.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
Okay, so I assume that they knew you weren't going
to flee. Your passport had been pulled all top. Was
it just to wait? I mean, you knew you were
going to be sentenced to something?
Speaker 3 (12:55):
I assume right, Oh, absolutely is some on. A dear
friend of mine had said to me along the way,
I was doing time, waiting to do my time. It
was that lapse. I pled guilty to the counts in
February of twenty twenty one, and I wasn't sentenced until
(13:16):
September of twenty twenty one. And I remember standing before
Judge Sobel, who sentenced me, and at that time, you know,
I told her I'd take full responsibility for my actions.
Whatever sentence you will pose on me, I'm ready to accept.
And I said to her at that time, and what
I would like to do at the end of all
of what's going to happen to me, my sentence and
(13:38):
so forth, I want to become a productive citizen. But
I said, maybe, just maybe I can help a young
high school kid or a college kid not to travel
down the road that I traveled for over forty years,
and I noticed that the judge took notice of that,
and she gave me the sentence of fifteen months, the
lower end of the recommendation, and I asked to go
(14:00):
as soon as possible at that point, and I reported
November first.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
To get it over with. I had to be a
tough Thanksgiving and a tough Christmas, I assume.
Speaker 3 (14:09):
And a birthday in the middle of it.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
Happy birthday. So, so what are you physically doing at
this point? You've been you've been out now for at
least a couple of years, more than that. Actually you've
been out, what almost three years?
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Yes? Yeah, coming upon years?
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Yeah? Okay, So what do you are you speaking to
youth groups? Obviously you're doing this program tonight, which takes
a lot of courage. You're not being compensated in any way,
shape or form. You're doing this because this, I think
is what you consider to be part of your responsibility.
And I appreciate that. I have you been invited to
high schools, to colleges. I think that we're.
Speaker 3 (14:52):
No, we were in the process when it first came out.
Arthur Demulis from Mock to Basket was kind enough to
offer me a position that I worked at a market
basket up in New Hampshire for about a year and
a half and then at that time my passion at
that point became I said, wait a minute, I really
want to give back. I've got to find a way
to help someone else and not going down the road.
(15:15):
I did and I met Bob Cox from the Bridge
Club here en roll, which is a nonprofit that deals
with all substance abuses, whether it's alcohol or substance abuse, gambling,
overeatings and so forth. So he approached me and I
went to work down there, and in the meantime I've
become a recovery coach. And then last fall I started
(15:40):
working part time for the Mass Council on Gaming and
Health as a peer supporters peer specialist. And in both
of these roles, what you basically do is you speaking
to someone that is having an issue with their gambling.
But I have a lot of what they call lived experience,
twenty four years of it to be exact, and at
(16:02):
that point they kind of relate to you a little more,
you know, rather than maybe sitting in talking to you
know some i'one the therapist and I'm not knocking therapists
by any means. But what I'm saying is they relate.
I have found they relate to me or whoever the
recovery coach may be, or to pay supporter may be.
(16:22):
And I feel like, you know, in a lot of ways,
being I think I've come full circle I started. You know,
my main job in the legislature is helping people who
cling to me with a problem. That's what I did.
Now after all these years, I think I'm back doing
sort of the same thing. I got the help, and
now what I want to continue to do going forward
(16:43):
is helping others and yes, to get to the kids,
and I'm working with I don't want to get into
it right now, but you might be able to imagine
a university president and a city manager and we're working
on something where I would go in to the schools,
to the car, we'll just talk to the kids. And
I want to say, by the way, if from all
(17:05):
the studies and everything that I've learned so much, we
did we're talking kids starting at the age of twelve
or thirteen years old today, That's that's where it's really at. Having.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Yeah, I'm assuming that that you were gambling was primarily
on professional sports or was it college sports, pro sports,
horse racing? Was it a were you betting on everything?
And did you have a specialty that you felt you
could beat the odds?
Speaker 5 (17:32):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (17:32):
Professional football? And of course living in Law we were
twenty minutes from an old racetrack called Rockingham Park and
just being around it, you know, in all my younger years,
and so I would bet on ended. We have the
old football cads, you remember those, and so anything at all?
Speaker 4 (17:51):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (17:51):
And were you a better twelve months out of the
year or did you take a break when football ended?
Speaker 3 (17:57):
Well, yeah, you know I had in my young years
it would end probably, But as I got into my
twenties and thirties, thinking bad it would be football and
baseball and basketball and the Hustes. Then it became the Husses.
Quite a bit of the attraction to the racing tracks. Yes.
And then you know, in the last ten years, with
(18:19):
everything on the TV and everything's so accessible and all
the phones. You know, your phone can do everything. You
can sit right in here writing your home and do it.
And as you know, as I said to it, I've
said publicly before. You know, someone can be sitting at
the dinner table with this spouse and two or three
kids sitting there and can be betting this month's mortgage away,
(18:40):
mortgage payment away. And that's the reality of what's going
on today. And I'm not saying I'm not saying I'm
against gambling. I want to make that perfectly clear. I
think that's fine. I'm just talking about those that have
a problem gambling, or the public health model as we
call it, responsible gaming model.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Yeah, I mean, like anything else, people, not everybody who
drinks beer, wine or even liquor is in it. There
are people who do it within reason, and there were
people who enjoy I guess, watching a football game on
Saturday and having a few dollars. But but you weren't
making bets with friends, so it wasn't like we were
(19:20):
sitting watching a football game and we're betting ten bucks
on You got the paypriots and I got the jets.
How big were your bets? What was the range that
you were normally in, and what's the biggest bet you
ever lost? And that's my last question for the news.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
I have that in the throes of a den, I
bet one hundred or two hundred dollars on a game,
or or three hundred dollars maybe go up as much
as a five hundred dollars single bet probably at the end. Yeah,
and then when the casinos came around that that became
a big problem. With the proximity to Connecticut. Yeah, I
could sip down there and call them. Thought I covered
(19:58):
my tracks, but you know just what I was doing,
and then the addiction just got to me going down
and playing blackjack or playing slot machine. I mean, that
would be it. I think I never bet more than
five hundred dollars on a particular game, but you lose
that five hundred, then you bet another five hundred or
(20:18):
another three hundred. But the way it is today out there,
they you know, you can't watch a sporting event without
you know, all the advertisement coming on and promotions, and
there's all sorts of promotions for kids. And that's where
I want to go with this as I go along
and whatever time I have left, if I can educate kids,
in particular the youth about the problem gambling.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
You know more than I said I said last question.
But my last question, we're going to go to phone
calls right after the break. You're right, you pay for
your for the for the convictions. You paid your price
to society. Do you ever have the urge today when
you're watching a ball game or watching a football game
and sat I wish I had some money on this
(21:06):
or has that impulse been completely squaw squashed?
Speaker 3 (21:12):
Lucky from me, it's been completely squashed. I can sit here.
He's watching the Red Sox game. It was a matter
of fact.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
Yeah, right from there you go.
Speaker 3 (21:24):
But I can watch any sporting event. And I've always
been a die grown Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox fan, so yeah,
amazingly I can sit and watch every game and hear
and on. Ok And no, I do not. I really
don't have an urge at all. I never do. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (21:41):
Okay, we will take a break. My guest is former
Massachusetts state Representative David Nangle, and Daved Angles spent some
time in Feu prison for there was some bank fraud,
mortgage fraud, and some use of political campaign funds. No
(22:01):
public moneies we were used. He spent in effects seven
months at Fort depens. He's now out putting his life
back together.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
And my suspicion is that he's genuine that he wants
to try to help U tell other people what his
experience is and try to caution them. So this I
do consider this to be a cautionary tale. We're going
to go to phone calls. Those of you out there
who would be kind enough to join us, we'd appreciate
it very much. Six seven, six, one, seven, ten thirty.
(22:34):
I got lines open on both those numbers. Coming right
back on night Side. Phone calls, your comments, I hope
they're positive, but you can ask any question you want
back on Nightside.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
Right after this, you're on night Side with Dan Ray
on WZ Boston's news radio.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
My guest, former state Representative David Nangel. The indictment that
he pled guilty to was a federal indictment that said
that he illicitly used campaign funds to, among other things,
pay for personal expenses, to fraud his bank lender, and
collect income that he failed to report to the Internal
(23:14):
Revenue Service. Pled guilty to those Again emphasize, he's a politician,
I'm black, member of the legislature. Never mixed public moneys
with what he was convicted for. So let's go to
the phones. We're going to start it off with Dennis
in Lowell. Dennis, you've held on a while. Thanks very much.
(23:37):
You were first this hour a night side with formustate Rep.
David Nangle. Go right ahead, Dennis, yep.
Speaker 6 (23:43):
Good evening, Dan, and good evening David. Dennis Canty calling,
I go way back with David, and I like to
personally a test that to me, David Nangle is that
fine person individually and always will be. I've known David
since he was a little kid and his family and
always tried to help people. Unfortunately he did not help
(24:04):
himself until it was too late. But right now, immiate
that I appreciate those kind words. And the truth of
the matter was we helped people a lot, Dennis, as
when I served as representative. And the truth of the
matter is I needed to help.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
I have got it, and now I want to pay
it forward, so to speak, and help someone else who's
struggling with any addiction. At this point, thank you Dennis
for the kind words.
Speaker 6 (24:30):
Well, it's true. I just you know, I wouldn't say
them unless they're true. And Dan knows me, he knows
I speak. You know the truth from what I see
in here's.
Speaker 2 (24:42):
A straight shooter, David. If you get Dennis, Dennis has
your back. You you covered. Thank you, Dennis, appreciate you
taking time to call. And it's a tough spot that
he found himself in, and he's paid the price to
society and now he's trying to, I think, give back.
And I'm hoping some people tonight they might be listening
(25:04):
carefully to him and recognizing maybe that some of the
pitfalls that that he faced facing some other people and
they listened to his guidance and his advice and David,
maybe later tonight if you want, if there's anybody that
is up in your neck of the woods and feels
they want to talk to you, is there a way
(25:25):
in which people can reach you, either to you know,
pat you on the back, or seek your guidance. Are
you fairly public at this point?
Speaker 3 (25:34):
Yes, I don't mind giving out my cell phone, Dan,
I really don't. I know it sounds crazy, but I'm
an open book and if i'm.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
Here's what I'll do. I will have you during the
next break. I will have Rob take your cell phone number,
and anyone feels that they'd like to reach you. I
don't want to put it out publicly because you got
to have anybody listening halfway anywhere around the world. But
Rob will be able to give that to people who
have a concern. Okay, thanks Dennis for We'll talk soon.
Speaker 3 (26:04):
Okay, thanks buddy, Okay, bye, bye, appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
Next, let's stay in Lowell. We're going to go to
Raymond and Lowell. Raymond, you're next night's side with former
state representative David Nangele Go right ahead, Raymond, Hey.
Speaker 3 (26:16):
Dan, Hey, Dave, Hello Raymond.
Speaker 2 (26:21):
Can you hear me perfectly?
Speaker 4 (26:23):
Yes?
Speaker 7 (26:24):
Okay, I just wanted to let you know I Dave
representative the city along with one of my other friends
name was tom Golden. Now he's gone.
Speaker 8 (26:36):
It's at the manager's office. And we really really miss
the representation that David and Tommy both both gave us
while they were while they were here, and I want
to I just want to thank you Dave and and
and when you say that you've come full circle, I
(26:56):
just hope that there's another running in office for yeah,
because we really need you back. Buddy.
Speaker 3 (27:04):
Well, thank you, Raymond, thanks for those kind words. And
while Tommy's a dear friend and he's the city manager
now up here doing a terrific job, and and we
enjoyed our time together, and what we both tried to
do together was do what was best for the city
of Lowell in our district. So thank you, Raymond, and hey,
you never know, you never know what the hold. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
I think that the response he gets tonight, if it's
similar to what you have to say, and Dennis has
to say, uh, it might, it might plan to see
it in his mind. You just never know. And I
also think that uh that did we Americans and people
love a comeback story. They love the guy that is
injured on the field of play and maybe has to,
(27:48):
you know, get an operation on his a picture with
who has Tommy John surgery and that guy's able to
come back. People recognize and respect perseverance, so I'm not
I wouldn't be surprised either. Raymond, thank you so much
for your call and your support for for Dave.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
Thank you, Thank you.
Speaker 2 (28:08):
Have a great night. Good Let me get one more
in here before the break. I'm going to go to
Burlington nearby. Dan is in Burlington, Daniel, next time, nic
side will get you in here before the break, right ahead? Dan?
Speaker 4 (28:19):
All right? Thanks because I don't have much to say,
but I have some concerns and you've been down the road,
so maybe you can address it. Dave. This whole fan
duel and lottery on your phone. They just it just
made it so easy now and maybe that doesn't matter.
(28:40):
You know, back in my day you had to get
down to the gas station and see the bookie. But
correct do you. I don't know how to word it,
but is anybody lobbying against this stuff? Or how do
you feel about it being so easy now?
Speaker 3 (28:56):
Well? I think, let's face it, the gambling is here
to stay. There's no doubt about it. That can change
things in the revenue that comes in from it. All
the states enjoy that and it goes to different things.
So what I'd like to do is what we call
a like a better approach is the public health model
(29:19):
responsible doing. And that's what like a Senator John Keenan
and a Representative Carol Fiola and a Representative Adam Scanlan
all have different bills to make it more responsible and
help the individuals. Maybe what I'd like to say is
before they suffer a substantial hob okay, the public health model,
(29:42):
I guess the analogy to that would be it's better
to put a godrail at the top of a cliff
than the station an ambulance in the valley. And that's
what we need to do we need to put some
precautions there godrail so to speak, that can maybe educate
individuals early on as the dangers of what's going on.
And you are correct, it's all over the place, but
(30:05):
it's here to stay. So I just think we need
to do a better job at educating people about it,
particularly the kids, and going forward and doing what we
can to help someone before they suffer substantial harm.
Speaker 2 (30:19):
I think the analogy to package stores. I mean, there
was a period one hundred years ago when we would
have been I think it would have was prohibition was
in effect here in Massachusetts and the public had a thirst,
if you will, pardon the pun for alcohol. And alcohol
is now legal, and there are people who who over
(30:41):
indulge in and but I don't think that it's going
to alcohol is going to be eliminated anytime soon in
our society, and I don't think gambling is going to
be eliminated in our society either. As a matter of fact,
we now have pot shops available, and they're talking about
some of the psychedelic drugs mushrooms. That's probably gonna be
(31:01):
the next item on the on the agenda, And I
think we need to be as David, suggesting and proactive
as opposed to reactive and anticipate problems and have things
in place to help people who either over indulge or
get lost in a dream that probably is is is
(31:22):
not reality anyway, if if you get the drift up
trying to a point of trying to make Dan, you
raise great, great questions. Thank you, Dan, I appreciate it
your call.
Speaker 4 (31:31):
Thank you, good night.
Speaker 2 (31:32):
All right, We're gonna take quick break six one, seven, two, five, four,
ten thirty six, seven, nine, three, ten thirty. I can
get a couple more calls in feel free coming right
back on the night side. My guests former Massachusetts state
Representative David Nagel and David, I think you would have
been speaker. I don't know what the inside process is
up there, but you know you were forty or so
(31:53):
years into your uh, your time in politics. You are
the assistant majority leader. Heyt But go to that quick break.
Speaker 3 (32:05):
I appreciate that, but I never saw that in the future.
But I do want to say that the men and
women that servant on Beacon Hill, that I served with,
that served today, they are good people. They genuinely uh.
And when I went back in there a month ago.
You know, I didn't know what the reception was going
to be. I had a relative with me, and it
(32:27):
was just overwhelming. I mean from staff members coming up
to me in the hallway and former members knowing I
was in the building and embracing me and showing the
love and support. They are wonderful, wonderful individuals that serve
as state reps and state senators.
Speaker 2 (32:42):
All right, on that positive note, we'll take a quick
break right back on Nightside. My name is Dan Ray.
You're listening to former state represented David n Angele coming
back on Nightside.
Speaker 1 (32:52):
Night Side with Dan Ray on w B Boston's news radio.
Speaker 2 (32:57):
Okay, we're running out of time, but we have a
bunch of let's try to get someone in as in
as man has been as possible, as quickly as possible.
Eleanor in drake it Eleanor. You're next with Wloma State
Representative David nangle Go righthead, Eleanor.
Speaker 5 (33:11):
Hi, Dan, great show. Dave. A quick question before my comment.
Seems like you were in prison for a long time
when you compare it to other things people are doing.
But when you get out, you want probation or parole
or anything too.
Speaker 3 (33:26):
Yes, I was. I was on house arrest for six months,
which carried me into that November of twenty two, and
then I was on probation until November of twenty four. Yes,
I was wow a long time. It was a lot.
Speaker 5 (33:42):
Yeah, well I gave you a lot of excuse me,
a lot of credit us speaking out about this. I'm
sure it's not easy. And you know when you say
that kids twelve and thirteen years old are doing it,
then you can see that's pretty scary. As Dan says,
responsible betting is one thing, but when it leads to
an ad that that's a real problem. So thanks for
(34:04):
all that you're doing to help people.
Speaker 2 (34:06):
Thank you, Thank you very much. A great call, appreciated
a whole lot.
Speaker 3 (34:10):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (34:12):
Let me get down to the cape. Down the Cape
Ted is in Harwich. You can drop Ellen's call for
me there, please, Rob, I don't want to combine. Here
we go, Let's go to Ted and Harwich Ted a
little tight on time.
Speaker 9 (34:23):
Go right ahead, Hi Dan, Hey, this is a terrific topic.
Thank you very much for bringing this to everybody's attention.
Mister Nangel. I have nothing but respect for you, everything
that you went through to be willing to come on
the radio and explain this to people, and you know,
try to help other people. I want to thank you
(34:45):
for that. I have a question. A friend of mine
down here teachers in high school. He's been telling me
lately that it's not uncommon for kids to be sitting
in class or in study halls on there iPhone. Now
you know, I've got them on their lapp, but they're
on their iPhone betting on sports events all over the
(35:07):
world in the middle of the school day. You know
how big a problem is it, and and you know
what can be done about that? And if it's all
right with you, Dan, I'll hang up and listen to the.
Speaker 3 (35:20):
K Thanks for the kind words. Yes, I've spoken to
high school principles. I've spoken to Chris Heron. You might
recognize his name, Dan, who goes.
Speaker 2 (35:33):
I've had Chris and the show from an NBA player.
Speaker 3 (35:37):
I've met with him and about a year and a
half ago I met with him and he said, when
he goes into these schools now to talk about substance
abuse the principles, the head masses are grabbing him and saying,
you're not going to believe this. I got freshman sophomore
juniors and so forth, all on their phones all day long,
betting pong and China whatever is going on across the world.
(35:58):
It's crazy. So to answer that question, tich, I don't
have the answers by Senator Keenan. If we get something
there where we can educate these kids, that's the biggest thing.
Education is the biggest component. I think the Attorney General
Campbell is putting together a curriculum with the mass console
and gaming and health, and they're going to start going
(36:19):
into these high schools freshman years and start talking to
the kids and explain it to them. What can happen?
Speaker 7 (36:24):
Don It's great.
Speaker 2 (36:25):
And by the way, Chris Herron wrote the book Basketball Junkie.
I had this in studio. It's got to be now
fifteen years ago. What a fabulous recovery Chris Herron has made. Unbelievable.
Let me get at least one more in here. We
take him in order, Tom and Melrose. Tom, Tom, you
are next on night Side with State Representative David Nangle.
(36:45):
Right ahead, form of state Representative, Go ahead, Tom.
Speaker 10 (36:48):
Hey, thanks so much for taking my call. Hey, Dave,
I just wanted to say I know, you know, I
know Dave and I know the great work that he
did in the state legislature for a number of years,
and and I you know, I know what he's been through,
and I have nothing but the ultimate respect for how
he's giving back to his community. He always did give
(37:10):
to his community, and now he's expanding that a little
bit throughout the Commonwealth. So Dave, I give you great
kudos for that.
Speaker 3 (37:19):
I missed the beginning of this, Dan, is this how
Tom is it? It is Tom terrific, a great guy,
and I thank you for that, Tom, And then I
got cut off a thirty seconds, But I have to
be transparent about it. Tom worked with me in a
group for a number of years and Tom was is
(37:39):
a great person and he saw a day in and
day out what we did on a regular basis helping constituents.
And Tom has been a supportive, good friend. And I
thank you and I'm going to continue doing the good
work Tom as I go forward. And thank you for
the phone call.
Speaker 10 (37:53):
Oh absolutely, I know what daves. Every time you know
constitionent called Dave was the first person there, So you
know that's a that's testament to your days. And thanks
so much for giving this this really informative program before.
Speaker 2 (38:07):
All right, I appreciate thank you more in here real quickly.
Thanks Tom, appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (38:11):
Thank you Tom.
Speaker 2 (38:12):
Rachel. I got about twenty seconds. You called late, say
something and then we'll bid you ado. Go right ahead,
and if Rachel's not there, no problem, Rachel, hie. Rachel,
I got fifteen seconds, go.
Speaker 5 (38:30):
Ahead, okay, fifteen seconds one.
Speaker 11 (38:36):
I am so proud of you for what you've come through.
My question is when you were in the realms of
your addiction and you were a powerful man, did anybody
in your family try to convince you to try to
get help and you didn't because of your position?
Speaker 5 (38:54):
No.
Speaker 2 (38:54):
I think he said that he hid it from the family. Rachel. Unfortunately,
fifteen seconds says long since a lap, So I got
to let you go. But David, am I correct? You
hit it from your family pretty well?
Speaker 3 (39:04):
Yes, I did, absolutely, I did it, and I did
that all of myself. I was the victim. I hurt myself.
I embarrassed my family, but I hurt myself and Dan.
I know what cut time. But if I can just
finish with this, thank you, I want to let people
out there know who have an alcohol issue or substance
abuse issue or gambling issue, whatever it may be, whatever
(39:25):
that addiction is, that there is hope and there are
resources and they can help you. And I am proof
of that. I'm living proof of that and going forward.
If I can help one individual and I feel I'm
doing something good with the rest of my life.
Speaker 2 (39:40):
Well, thank you very much. If Rob has your cell
phone number, stay in the line, make sure he has it,
and if anyone wants to contact you directly, Rob will
make that cell phone number available. We'll have the lines
open for the next few minutes. We're going to go
to the car, guys, right after the ten o'clock news,
Dave and Angle a profile and courage, real courage. Thank
you so much. You should get a nomination for that
(40:02):
for the Kennedy Library.
Speaker 3 (40:04):
Thank you for allowing me on tonight. Thank you for
being here.
Speaker 2 (40:08):
We'll be back right after the ten o'clock news. And
make sure Robbie get his number up. Okay, there it goes.
Talk to you later, guys. Okay, we'll be back right
after the ten
It's Night Side with Dan Ray on WBZ Boston's Radio.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
All right, welcome back everyone. It is now a little
bit after nine o'clock. Thanks very much, Stan Watkins, and
we have taken a break here and we're going to
now go to the postion of the program where callers
are invited to join the conversation, and I think we're
about to have a fascinating conversation. My guest is David Nangele,
(00:27):
former Massachusetts state representative representative. Welcome to Nightside. How are
you tonight? David?
Speaker 3 (00:35):
I'm going to find Dan and thank you for having
me on this evening.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Well delighted to have you. I think people are going
to be gratified to hear what you have to say.
You did end up in federal prison for some matters
that did not involve the u of public funds. These
(01:02):
were your own political campaign funds, and I know that's
sort of the end of the story and we will
get to that. But you have a message that you
want to impart to people because I think it's fair
to say that all of your legal problems began as
a consequence of an addiction.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
Fair statement, Absolutely correct.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Okay, why did you explain in your own words, how
you got to the point that you were serving in
the legislature for twenty two years. You the assistant majority leader,
You were known as the constituent service guy. You probably
could have stayed and someday been speak with the House
of Massachusetts. You're represented amongst other communities at different times, Lowell, Chelmsford,
(01:52):
Tewkesbury and andover. You were very popular in your district
and it all came apart kind of quickly. So give
us your perspective, and then you're not backing away from
You admitted, you played guilty, you served your time, You've
paid your debt to society, all of which is good.
But beyond that, now you're not coming back and hiding.
(02:15):
You're putting your story out there tonight publicly, and I
hope people will listen to it because I think it
is one a cautionary tale, and it's also a story
of someone who wants to get up off the mat
and be a participant, and if not in public life,
but certainly be a participant publicly in the cormwealth of Massachusetts.
(02:38):
Be a person who walks with his head up, go
right ahead.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Well, thank you, Dan for the opportunity to speak this evening,
and I'm glad that you have me on here tonight,
and I'll tell my story and a little bit about
where I am today and what I'm looking to do,
and hopefully they can help some individuals. So, as I said,
I was a kid, probably thirteen fourteen years old when
UH started betting with football cards and playing a game
(03:05):
of CODs called forty five. Then it led to betting
with the local bookies at the age of sixteen seventeen,
eighteen years old. Coming from the city of old there
were a lot of bookies at the time. I might
rat and it just got ahead of me. You know,
I was seventeen years old and I owed a bookie
eight hundred dollars. I was working in my uncle sub
(03:27):
shop making probably two dollars and twenty cents an hour
at the time, So that was.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
A lot of stubs to pay off that debt. How
did you get in so deep so quickly that.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
I really don't know, Dan, I really don't I guess
I was chasing my losses at that point in time.
I have to think back, you know, that's forty seven
years ago, and so we just got ahead of me.
And then through a friend and a friend. I was
able to get bailed out, as we say, and it
was probably a good thing at the time, but unfortunately
(04:04):
it wasn't a good thing at forty four years later
with the outcome of what happened to me. So I
was able to get out of that situation. But the
game went continued as I continued into my twenties until
my mid twenties, I got married, and you know, at
that point, the game we kept going on and on,
and I hit it from everybody, hit it from my siblings,
(04:24):
from my closest friends, from other people. Some of them
may have known, maybe they didn't know, but I hit it.
I thought I did anyways, So at that point I'm
going along and I ended up costing me my marriage.
And that's what bothers me the most is the fact
of what I've done to my family, to my daughter
in particular, the embarrassment is shame that she went through
(04:47):
at the same time that I did. But my family
is just unbelievable. I have the best family in the world,
and they all supported me throughout the darkest time of
my life. My close friend were there for me as well,
and it all came crashing down on February twentieth of
twenty twenty, when I had eleven agents, if you will
(05:11):
come to retrieve me out of my house and take
me down to the Mocley Courthouse Federal courthouse in Boston,
and ruined me that day, charged me with a whole
host of different charges, misuse of campaign dollars, some tax issues,
some alleged bank fraud, and so on and so forth.
(05:32):
So I'll never forget coming out of there that day,
and you being a former news reporter on the street,
then you know, we walked out into a sea of reporters.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
And was not one of them. I was not one
of them.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
No, No, not that, not that day. I know that.
But you know the humiliation that I brought upon myself,
but more importantly to me personally, the humiliation I brought
upon to my family.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
I would just ask you questions. Just wanted to ask
a couple a question here. So you had a problem
when you're young. In the meantime, you get elected to
the State House of Representatives and you're working a way
up to the leadership rank, sure the assistant majority leader.
You were on a path to become eventually Speaker of
(06:19):
the House. I think that most people would have assumed
that in that period from the time when you first
got addicted to it, that covers a span of like
forty years, there must have been before forty four years.
There must have been some days during that time you
(06:42):
weren't losing every bet. I'm sure that you must have
had some days that you won and you probably said, hey,
you know, this isn't so bad after all, but you
were still hurtling toward that cliff. Is that an accurate
metaphorical characterization.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
That's very accurate.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
Dan.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
As a matter of fact, any problem gambler will tell
you the worst thing that can happen is having a
big win, because once you have a big win, you
go back, you think you're invincible and you're going to
always win. That's the worst thing that can happen to
a gambling individual that has a gambling problem. So yes,
I served for twenty two years. I represented Bowl and
(07:21):
some surrounding towns. I moved up in leadership. I appreciate
that comment, but I don't think I ever would have
been speaker. But I thoroughly enjoyed it twenty two years
with just helping people. As you mentioned earlier, I was
the constituent service representative known for that sort of thing.
But yes, from my colleagues, hit it from anybody, so
(07:44):
I thought maybe some new some have told me they
sensed it. Since everything to be But yeah, I had
a great career. I mean, there's no doubt about it.
I lost my career, I lost my reputation. I was
lili needed all because of a gambling addiction. I paid
the price varmit daily.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
You pled guilty. There wasn't a trial in the classic
sense of a trial. You pled out. You were sentenced
to fifteen months. Again, this was all happening in the
context of the arrival of COVID, just to kind of
put it in some perspective. And you spent some time,
especially difficult time when they were concerned about the spread
(08:26):
of COVID, up at the Fort Devons prison where you
served your time, and actually COVID got you out of
You completed your sentence a little earlier as a result
of COVID. Ironically one of the few people that maybe
had to believe it or not a benefit from COVID.
(08:48):
So you came home and in the time you were away,
the world that you knew in the world you represented
had changed dramatic.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
Absolutely, what absolutely.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
What hit you the most when when you finally you know,
walked to freedom. I mean you you weren't busting rocks
and you know, on a chain gang, you a white
collar sort of prison circumstance, but you're still in prison.
It's no fun.
Speaker 3 (09:16):
No, I don't care where you go. If you go
to prison, if you're incarcerated at any time, it's not fun.
Once that door closes, you know, you lose your freedom
and most importantly, contact with your loved ones. But you do.
You did what you had to do there. You know
it was I worked every day, I truthfully didned. I
(09:38):
was in an office's quarters. I was cleaning the bathrooms
and mopping the floors and empty and waste baskets. I
was very humble, and during the time there, it was
very difficult to be away from my loved ones. That
was the most important thing that bought to me. I
was just as concerned about them as they were about me.
But we got through it. And like I say, it
(10:00):
was faith, family and friends that got me through that
most difficult time in my life. And I have to
say it was my faith that tould me through. I
have a dear friend up here in Rowland. I will
say his name, A great guy from a state Senator,
Steve Panjatakas. And the day before I had to report,
I always remember him. He put his hands on my
shoulders and said, don't lose your faith, and I didn't, okay,
(10:25):
And that's two of the most difficult time.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
When we come back, I got to take a break.
We come back, I want to talk about what is
your message. I know you were at the State House
sort an ironic return. It was late March. If I'm
not mistaken when I read the story, and my respect
for you grew no having known you while you were
in the legislature, not having known about your gambling addiction.
(10:51):
But to come back and to go back to the
place where you were always welcome, I'm sure that must
have been a kind of kind of a day of
nervous nerves as to how you would be received. I
want to talk about that reception. I want to and
I want to talk about the message that you have,
and will also take some phone calls if you'd let
(11:12):
anyone like to join the conversation. As always, I say,
let's be respectful to my guests. If you want to
ask a tough question. That's fine, just do it respectfully.
Six one, seven, two, five, four ten thirty six one seven,
nine three one ten thirty. I guess this form of
Massachusetts State Representative Dave Nangel. He he has had a
(11:34):
huge bump in the road of life, but he is
back on his feet and he feels that he still
has something to give back and he's starting well, he's
starting long before tonight, but he is. He has talked
about the issues that are very very important to him now,
and that is making sure others realize that there is
(11:55):
a price to pay for doing something that you know
that cost you your problems. And when I get I
got some questions that I'm going to ask, which but
I'd prefer to hear questions from the audience as well.
Back on Nightside, right after this, You're.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
On night Side with Dan Ray on w Boston's news Radio.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
We're back with Foremostate Representative David Nangel. He has spent
some time in federal prison. And you were in prison.
What year did you go? Pretty much you pled guilty?
Will you did you spend most of twenty twenty in
prison or you no?
Speaker 3 (12:37):
I reported on November first of twenty twenty one, and
there is released at the end of April and twenty
twenty two.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
Okay, so I assume that they knew you weren't going
to flee. Your passport had been pulled all top. Was
it just to wait? I mean, you knew you were
going to be sentenced to something?
Speaker 3 (12:55):
I assume right, Oh, absolutely is some on. A dear
friend of mine had said to me along the way,
I was doing time, waiting to do my time. It
was that lapse. I pled guilty to the counts in
February of twenty twenty one, and I wasn't sentenced until
(13:16):
September of twenty twenty one. And I remember standing before
Judge Sobel, who sentenced me, and at that time, you know,
I told her I'd take full responsibility for my actions.
Whatever sentence you will pose on me, I'm ready to accept.
And I said to her at that time, and what
I would like to do at the end of all
of what's going to happen to me, my sentence and
(13:38):
so forth, I want to become a productive citizen. But
I said, maybe, just maybe I can help a young
high school kid or a college kid not to travel
down the road that I traveled for over forty years,
and I noticed that the judge took notice of that,
and she gave me the sentence of fifteen months, the
lower end of the recommendation, and I asked to go
(14:00):
as soon as possible at that point, and I reported
November first.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
To get it over with. I had to be a
tough Thanksgiving and a tough Christmas, I assume.
Speaker 3 (14:09):
And a birthday in the middle of it.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
Happy birthday. So, so what are you physically doing at
this point? You've been you've been out now for at
least a couple of years, more than that. Actually you've
been out, what almost three years?
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Yes? Yeah, coming upon years?
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Yeah? Okay, So what do you are you speaking to
youth groups? Obviously you're doing this program tonight, which takes
a lot of courage. You're not being compensated in any way,
shape or form. You're doing this because this, I think
is what you consider to be part of your responsibility.
And I appreciate that. I have you been invited to
high schools, to colleges. I think that we're.
Speaker 3 (14:52):
No, we were in the process when it first came out.
Arthur Demulis from Mock to Basket was kind enough to
offer me a position that I worked at a market
basket up in New Hampshire for about a year and
a half and then at that time my passion at
that point became I said, wait a minute, I really
want to give back. I've got to find a way
to help someone else and not going down the road.
(15:15):
I did and I met Bob Cox from the Bridge
Club here en roll, which is a nonprofit that deals
with all substance abuses, whether it's alcohol or substance abuse, gambling,
overeatings and so forth. So he approached me and I
went to work down there, and in the meantime I've
become a recovery coach. And then last fall I started
(15:40):
working part time for the Mass Council on Gaming and
Health as a peer supporters peer specialist. And in both
of these roles, what you basically do is you speaking
to someone that is having an issue with their gambling.
But I have a lot of what they call lived experience,
twenty four years of it to be exact, and at
(16:02):
that point they kind of relate to you a little more,
you know, rather than maybe sitting in talking to you
know some i'one the therapist and I'm not knocking therapists
by any means. But what I'm saying is they relate.
I have found they relate to me or whoever the
recovery coach may be, or to pay supporter may be.
(16:22):
And I feel like, you know, in a lot of ways,
being I think I've come full circle I started. You know,
my main job in the legislature is helping people who
cling to me with a problem. That's what I did.
Now after all these years, I think I'm back doing
sort of the same thing. I got the help, and
now what I want to continue to do going forward
(16:43):
is helping others and yes, to get to the kids,
and I'm working with I don't want to get into
it right now, but you might be able to imagine
a university president and a city manager and we're working
on something where I would go in to the schools,
to the car, we'll just talk to the kids. And
I want to say, by the way, if from all
(17:05):
the studies and everything that I've learned so much, we
did we're talking kids starting at the age of twelve
or thirteen years old today, That's that's where it's really at. Having.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Yeah, I'm assuming that that you were gambling was primarily
on professional sports or was it college sports, pro sports,
horse racing? Was it a were you betting on everything?
And did you have a specialty that you felt you
could beat the odds?
Speaker 5 (17:32):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (17:32):
Professional football? And of course living in Law we were
twenty minutes from an old racetrack called Rockingham Park and
just being around it, you know, in all my younger years,
and so I would bet on ended. We have the
old football cads, you remember those, and so anything at all?
Speaker 4 (17:51):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (17:51):
And were you a better twelve months out of the
year or did you take a break when football ended?
Speaker 3 (17:57):
Well, yeah, you know I had in my young years
it would end probably, But as I got into my
twenties and thirties, thinking bad it would be football and
baseball and basketball and the Hustes. Then it became the Husses.
Quite a bit of the attraction to the racing tracks. Yes.
And then you know, in the last ten years, with
(18:19):
everything on the TV and everything's so accessible and all
the phones. You know, your phone can do everything. You
can sit right in here writing your home and do it.
And as you know, as I said to it, I've
said publicly before. You know, someone can be sitting at
the dinner table with this spouse and two or three
kids sitting there and can be betting this month's mortgage away,
(18:40):
mortgage payment away. And that's the reality of what's going
on today. And I'm not saying I'm not saying I'm
against gambling. I want to make that perfectly clear. I
think that's fine. I'm just talking about those that have
a problem gambling, or the public health model as we
call it, responsible gaming model.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Yeah, I mean, like anything else, people, not everybody who
drinks beer, wine or even liquor is in it. There
are people who do it within reason, and there were
people who enjoy I guess, watching a football game on
Saturday and having a few dollars. But but you weren't
making bets with friends, so it wasn't like we were
(19:20):
sitting watching a football game and we're betting ten bucks
on You got the paypriots and I got the jets.
How big were your bets? What was the range that
you were normally in, and what's the biggest bet you
ever lost? And that's my last question for the news.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
I have that in the throes of a den, I
bet one hundred or two hundred dollars on a game,
or or three hundred dollars maybe go up as much
as a five hundred dollars single bet probably at the end. Yeah,
and then when the casinos came around that that became
a big problem. With the proximity to Connecticut. Yeah, I
could sip down there and call them. Thought I covered
(19:58):
my tracks, but you know just what I was doing,
and then the addiction just got to me going down
and playing blackjack or playing slot machine. I mean, that
would be it. I think I never bet more than
five hundred dollars on a particular game, but you lose
that five hundred, then you bet another five hundred or
(20:18):
another three hundred. But the way it is today out there,
they you know, you can't watch a sporting event without
you know, all the advertisement coming on and promotions, and
there's all sorts of promotions for kids. And that's where
I want to go with this as I go along
and whatever time I have left, if I can educate kids,
in particular the youth about the problem gambling.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
You know more than I said I said last question.
But my last question, we're going to go to phone
calls right after the break. You're right, you pay for
your for the for the convictions. You paid your price
to society. Do you ever have the urge today when
you're watching a ball game or watching a football game
and sat I wish I had some money on this
(21:06):
or has that impulse been completely squaw squashed?
Speaker 3 (21:12):
Lucky from me, it's been completely squashed. I can sit here.
He's watching the Red Sox game. It was a matter
of fact.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
Yeah, right from there you go.
Speaker 3 (21:24):
But I can watch any sporting event. And I've always
been a die grown Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox fan, so yeah,
amazingly I can sit and watch every game and hear
and on. Ok And no, I do not. I really
don't have an urge at all. I never do. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (21:41):
Okay, we will take a break. My guest is former
Massachusetts state Representative David Nangle, and Daved Angles spent some
time in Feu prison for there was some bank fraud,
mortgage fraud, and some use of political campaign funds. No
(22:01):
public moneies we were used. He spent in effects seven
months at Fort depens. He's now out putting his life
back together.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
And my suspicion is that he's genuine that he wants
to try to help U tell other people what his
experience is and try to caution them. So this I
do consider this to be a cautionary tale. We're going
to go to phone calls. Those of you out there
who would be kind enough to join us, we'd appreciate
it very much. Six seven, six, one, seven, ten thirty.
(22:34):
I got lines open on both those numbers. Coming right
back on night Side. Phone calls, your comments, I hope
they're positive, but you can ask any question you want
back on Nightside.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
Right after this, you're on night Side with Dan Ray
on WZ Boston's news radio.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
My guest, former state Representative David Nangel. The indictment that
he pled guilty to was a federal indictment that said
that he illicitly used campaign funds to, among other things,
pay for personal expenses, to fraud his bank lender, and
collect income that he failed to report to the Internal
(23:14):
Revenue Service. Pled guilty to those Again emphasize, he's a politician,
I'm black, member of the legislature. Never mixed public moneys
with what he was convicted for. So let's go to
the phones. We're going to start it off with Dennis
in Lowell. Dennis, you've held on a while. Thanks very much.
(23:37):
You were first this hour a night side with formustate Rep.
David Nangle. Go right ahead, Dennis, yep.
Speaker 6 (23:43):
Good evening, Dan, and good evening David. Dennis Canty calling,
I go way back with David, and I like to
personally a test that to me, David Nangle is that
fine person individually and always will be. I've known David
since he was a little kid and his family and
always tried to help people. Unfortunately he did not help
(24:04):
himself until it was too late. But right now, immiate
that I appreciate those kind words. And the truth of
the matter was we helped people a lot, Dennis, as
when I served as representative. And the truth of the
matter is I needed to help.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
I have got it, and now I want to pay
it forward, so to speak, and help someone else who's
struggling with any addiction. At this point, thank you Dennis
for the kind words.
Speaker 6 (24:30):
Well, it's true. I just you know, I wouldn't say
them unless they're true. And Dan knows me, he knows
I speak. You know the truth from what I see
in here's.
Speaker 2 (24:42):
A straight shooter, David. If you get Dennis, Dennis has
your back. You you covered. Thank you, Dennis, appreciate you
taking time to call. And it's a tough spot that
he found himself in, and he's paid the price to
society and now he's trying to, I think, give back.
And I'm hoping some people tonight they might be listening
(25:04):
carefully to him and recognizing maybe that some of the
pitfalls that that he faced facing some other people and
they listened to his guidance and his advice and David,
maybe later tonight if you want, if there's anybody that
is up in your neck of the woods and feels
they want to talk to you, is there a way
(25:25):
in which people can reach you, either to you know,
pat you on the back, or seek your guidance. Are
you fairly public at this point?
Speaker 3 (25:34):
Yes, I don't mind giving out my cell phone, Dan,
I really don't. I know it sounds crazy, but I'm
an open book and if i'm.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
Here's what I'll do. I will have you during the
next break. I will have Rob take your cell phone number,
and anyone feels that they'd like to reach you. I
don't want to put it out publicly because you got
to have anybody listening halfway anywhere around the world. But
Rob will be able to give that to people who
have a concern. Okay, thanks Dennis for We'll talk soon.
Speaker 3 (26:04):
Okay, thanks buddy, Okay, bye, bye, appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
Next, let's stay in Lowell. We're going to go to
Raymond and Lowell. Raymond, you're next night's side with former
state representative David Nangele Go right ahead, Raymond, Hey.
Speaker 3 (26:16):
Dan, Hey, Dave, Hello Raymond.
Speaker 2 (26:21):
Can you hear me perfectly?
Speaker 4 (26:23):
Yes?
Speaker 7 (26:24):
Okay, I just wanted to let you know I Dave
representative the city along with one of my other friends
name was tom Golden. Now he's gone.
Speaker 8 (26:36):
It's at the manager's office. And we really really miss
the representation that David and Tommy both both gave us
while they were while they were here, and I want
to I just want to thank you Dave and and
and when you say that you've come full circle, I
(26:56):
just hope that there's another running in office for yeah,
because we really need you back. Buddy.
Speaker 3 (27:04):
Well, thank you, Raymond, thanks for those kind words. And
while Tommy's a dear friend and he's the city manager
now up here doing a terrific job, and and we
enjoyed our time together, and what we both tried to
do together was do what was best for the city
of Lowell in our district. So thank you, Raymond, and hey,
you never know, you never know what the hold. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
I think that the response he gets tonight, if it's
similar to what you have to say, and Dennis has
to say, uh, it might, it might plan to see
it in his mind. You just never know. And I
also think that uh that did we Americans and people
love a comeback story. They love the guy that is
injured on the field of play and maybe has to,
(27:48):
you know, get an operation on his a picture with
who has Tommy John surgery and that guy's able to
come back. People recognize and respect perseverance, so I'm not
I wouldn't be surprised either. Raymond, thank you so much
for your call and your support for for Dave.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
Thank you, Thank you.
Speaker 2 (28:08):
Have a great night. Good Let me get one more
in here before the break. I'm going to go to
Burlington nearby. Dan is in Burlington, Daniel, next time, nic
side will get you in here before the break, right ahead? Dan?
Speaker 4 (28:19):
All right? Thanks because I don't have much to say,
but I have some concerns and you've been down the road,
so maybe you can address it. Dave. This whole fan
duel and lottery on your phone. They just it just
made it so easy now and maybe that doesn't matter.
(28:40):
You know, back in my day you had to get
down to the gas station and see the bookie. But
correct do you. I don't know how to word it,
but is anybody lobbying against this stuff? Or how do
you feel about it being so easy now?
Speaker 3 (28:56):
Well? I think, let's face it, the gambling is here
to stay. There's no doubt about it. That can change
things in the revenue that comes in from it. All
the states enjoy that and it goes to different things.
So what I'd like to do is what we call
a like a better approach is the public health model
(29:19):
responsible doing. And that's what like a Senator John Keenan
and a Representative Carol Fiola and a Representative Adam Scanlan
all have different bills to make it more responsible and
help the individuals. Maybe what I'd like to say is
before they suffer a substantial hob okay, the public health model,
(29:42):
I guess the analogy to that would be it's better
to put a godrail at the top of a cliff
than the station an ambulance in the valley. And that's
what we need to do we need to put some
precautions there godrail so to speak, that can maybe educate
individuals early on as the dangers of what's going on.
And you are correct, it's all over the place, but
(30:05):
it's here to stay. So I just think we need
to do a better job at educating people about it,
particularly the kids, and going forward and doing what we
can to help someone before they suffer substantial harm.
Speaker 2 (30:19):
I think the analogy to package stores. I mean, there
was a period one hundred years ago when we would
have been I think it would have was prohibition was
in effect here in Massachusetts and the public had a thirst,
if you will, pardon the pun for alcohol. And alcohol
is now legal, and there are people who who over
(30:41):
indulge in and but I don't think that it's going
to alcohol is going to be eliminated anytime soon in
our society, and I don't think gambling is going to
be eliminated in our society either. As a matter of fact,
we now have pot shops available, and they're talking about
some of the psychedelic drugs mushrooms. That's probably gonna be
(31:01):
the next item on the on the agenda, And I
think we need to be as David, suggesting and proactive
as opposed to reactive and anticipate problems and have things
in place to help people who either over indulge or
get lost in a dream that probably is is is
(31:22):
not reality anyway, if if you get the drift up
trying to a point of trying to make Dan, you
raise great, great questions. Thank you, Dan, I appreciate it
your call.
Speaker 4 (31:31):
Thank you, good night.
Speaker 2 (31:32):
All right, We're gonna take quick break six one, seven, two, five, four,
ten thirty six, seven, nine, three, ten thirty. I can
get a couple more calls in feel free coming right
back on the night side. My guests former Massachusetts state
Representative David Nagel and David, I think you would have
been speaker. I don't know what the inside process is
up there, but you know you were forty or so
(31:53):
years into your uh, your time in politics. You are
the assistant majority leader. Heyt But go to that quick break.
Speaker 3 (32:05):
I appreciate that, but I never saw that in the future.
But I do want to say that the men and
women that servant on Beacon Hill, that I served with,
that served today, they are good people. They genuinely uh.
And when I went back in there a month ago.
You know, I didn't know what the reception was going
to be. I had a relative with me, and it
(32:27):
was just overwhelming. I mean from staff members coming up
to me in the hallway and former members knowing I
was in the building and embracing me and showing the
love and support. They are wonderful, wonderful individuals that serve
as state reps and state senators.
Speaker 2 (32:42):
All right, on that positive note, we'll take a quick
break right back on Nightside. My name is Dan Ray.
You're listening to former state represented David n Angele coming
back on Nightside.
Speaker 1 (32:52):
Night Side with Dan Ray on w B Boston's news radio.
Speaker 2 (32:57):
Okay, we're running out of time, but we have a
bunch of let's try to get someone in as in
as man has been as possible, as quickly as possible.
Eleanor in drake it Eleanor. You're next with Wloma State
Representative David nangle Go righthead, Eleanor.
Speaker 5 (33:11):
Hi, Dan, great show. Dave. A quick question before my comment.
Seems like you were in prison for a long time
when you compare it to other things people are doing.
But when you get out, you want probation or parole
or anything too.
Speaker 3 (33:26):
Yes, I was. I was on house arrest for six months,
which carried me into that November of twenty two, and
then I was on probation until November of twenty four. Yes,
I was wow a long time. It was a lot.
Speaker 5 (33:42):
Yeah, well I gave you a lot of excuse me,
a lot of credit us speaking out about this. I'm
sure it's not easy. And you know when you say
that kids twelve and thirteen years old are doing it,
then you can see that's pretty scary. As Dan says,
responsible betting is one thing, but when it leads to
an ad that that's a real problem. So thanks for
(34:04):
all that you're doing to help people.
Speaker 2 (34:06):
Thank you, Thank you very much. A great call, appreciated
a whole lot.
Speaker 3 (34:10):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (34:12):
Let me get down to the cape. Down the Cape
Ted is in Harwich. You can drop Ellen's call for
me there, please, Rob, I don't want to combine. Here
we go, Let's go to Ted and Harwich Ted a
little tight on time.
Speaker 9 (34:23):
Go right ahead, Hi Dan, Hey, this is a terrific topic.
Thank you very much for bringing this to everybody's attention.
Mister Nangel. I have nothing but respect for you, everything
that you went through to be willing to come on
the radio and explain this to people, and you know,
try to help other people. I want to thank you
(34:45):
for that. I have a question. A friend of mine
down here teachers in high school. He's been telling me
lately that it's not uncommon for kids to be sitting
in class or in study halls on there iPhone. Now
you know, I've got them on their lapp, but they're
on their iPhone betting on sports events all over the
(35:07):
world in the middle of the school day. You know
how big a problem is it, and and you know
what can be done about that? And if it's all
right with you, Dan, I'll hang up and listen to the.
Speaker 3 (35:20):
K Thanks for the kind words. Yes, I've spoken to
high school principles. I've spoken to Chris Heron. You might
recognize his name, Dan, who goes.
Speaker 2 (35:33):
I've had Chris and the show from an NBA player.
Speaker 3 (35:37):
I've met with him and about a year and a
half ago I met with him and he said, when
he goes into these schools now to talk about substance
abuse the principles, the head masses are grabbing him and saying,
you're not going to believe this. I got freshman sophomore
juniors and so forth, all on their phones all day long,
betting pong and China whatever is going on across the world.
(35:58):
It's crazy. So to answer that question, tich, I don't
have the answers by Senator Keenan. If we get something
there where we can educate these kids, that's the biggest thing.
Education is the biggest component. I think the Attorney General
Campbell is putting together a curriculum with the mass console
and gaming and health, and they're going to start going
(36:19):
into these high schools freshman years and start talking to
the kids and explain it to them. What can happen?
Speaker 7 (36:24):
Don It's great.
Speaker 2 (36:25):
And by the way, Chris Herron wrote the book Basketball Junkie.
I had this in studio. It's got to be now
fifteen years ago. What a fabulous recovery Chris Herron has made. Unbelievable.
Let me get at least one more in here. We
take him in order, Tom and Melrose. Tom, Tom, you
are next on night Side with State Representative David Nangle.
(36:45):
Right ahead, form of state Representative, Go ahead, Tom.
Speaker 10 (36:48):
Hey, thanks so much for taking my call. Hey, Dave,
I just wanted to say I know, you know, I
know Dave and I know the great work that he
did in the state legislature for a number of years,
and and I you know, I know what he's been through,
and I have nothing but the ultimate respect for how
he's giving back to his community. He always did give
(37:10):
to his community, and now he's expanding that a little
bit throughout the Commonwealth. So Dave, I give you great
kudos for that.
Speaker 3 (37:19):
I missed the beginning of this, Dan, is this how
Tom is it? It is Tom terrific, a great guy,
and I thank you for that, Tom, And then I
got cut off a thirty seconds, But I have to
be transparent about it. Tom worked with me in a
group for a number of years and Tom was is
(37:39):
a great person and he saw a day in and
day out what we did on a regular basis helping constituents.
And Tom has been a supportive, good friend. And I
thank you and I'm going to continue doing the good
work Tom as I go forward. And thank you for
the phone call.
Speaker 10 (37:53):
Oh absolutely, I know what daves. Every time you know
constitionent called Dave was the first person there, So you
know that's a that's testament to your days. And thanks
so much for giving this this really informative program before.
Speaker 2 (38:07):
All right, I appreciate thank you more in here real quickly.
Thanks Tom, appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (38:11):
Thank you Tom.
Speaker 2 (38:12):
Rachel. I got about twenty seconds. You called late, say
something and then we'll bid you ado. Go right ahead,
and if Rachel's not there, no problem, Rachel, hie. Rachel,
I got fifteen seconds, go.
Speaker 5 (38:30):
Ahead, okay, fifteen seconds one.
Speaker 11 (38:36):
I am so proud of you for what you've come through.
My question is when you were in the realms of
your addiction and you were a powerful man, did anybody
in your family try to convince you to try to
get help and you didn't because of your position?
Speaker 5 (38:54):
No.
Speaker 2 (38:54):
I think he said that he hid it from the family. Rachel. Unfortunately,
fifteen seconds says long since a lap, So I got
to let you go. But David, am I correct? You
hit it from your family pretty well?
Speaker 3 (39:04):
Yes, I did, absolutely, I did it, and I did
that all of myself. I was the victim. I hurt myself.
I embarrassed my family, but I hurt myself and Dan.
I know what cut time. But if I can just
finish with this, thank you, I want to let people
out there know who have an alcohol issue or substance
abuse issue or gambling issue, whatever it may be, whatever
(39:25):
that addiction is, that there is hope and there are
resources and they can help you. And I am proof
of that. I'm living proof of that and going forward.
If I can help one individual and I feel I'm
doing something good with the rest of my life.
Speaker 2 (39:40):
Well, thank you very much. If Rob has your cell
phone number, stay in the line, make sure he has it,
and if anyone wants to contact you directly, Rob will
make that cell phone number available. We'll have the lines
open for the next few minutes. We're going to go
to the car, guys, right after the ten o'clock news,
Dave and Angle a profile and courage, real courage. Thank
you so much. You should get a nomination for that
(40:02):
for the Kennedy Library.
Speaker 3 (40:04):
Thank you for allowing me on tonight. Thank you for
being here.
Speaker 2 (40:08):
We'll be back right after the ten o'clock news. And
make sure Robbie get his number up. Okay, there it goes.
Talk to you later, guys. Okay, we'll be back right
after the ten
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