Boston | Totten, an audit -- and $5,000 in meals

When the Boston Newspaper Guild removed President Dan Totten (left), observers wondered if his ouster might have been payback over his role in botched talks with the New York Times Co. over demands for $10 million in union givebacks.

Media blogger Dan Kennedy joined in that speculation. Now, he's uncovered results of a U.S. Department of Labor audit letter, showing that "irregularities under Totten’s leadership may have been significant." It's a story about $5,000 in meals at Boston-area restaurants.

At the time of his expulsion last month, Totten said he would appeal. Is that why the Guild's website still lists him as the chapter's president?

Please post your replies in the comments section, below. To e-mail confidentially, write jimhopkins[at]gmail[dot-com]; see Tipsters Anonymous Policy in the rail, upper right.