I am pleased to introduce myself to you as a Democratic candidate for State Representative. My goal is to represent all citizens of the 2nd Essex District with a balanced and rational approach aimed at making government more effective and efficient. It is right for you to expect integrity and responsiveness from your representative in the State House, and I am confident that I can meet those standards.
I grew up in Northampton, Massachusetts and attended that city’s public schools. My degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences, and secondary school teacher Certification, were obtained at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Later, I received my law degree from American University in Washington, DC.
My legal career began as a staff attorney with the District of Columbia City Council’s Committee on Transportation and Environmental Affairs. While in that position, I also served as Chief of Staff and Counsel to the Chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, coordinating review and oversight of the METRO system’s budgets, operations, and capital procurement.
In 1984, I moved back to Massachusetts to become Deputy General Counsel for the Department of Environmental Protection. In that capacity, I drafted legislation and regulations and provided advice on statewide policies and programs for wetlands protection, solid and hazardous waste management, and water supply.
From 1986 to 1989, I served as Regional Director of DEP’s office in Worcester, managing the work of 80 technical and support personnel in the permitting and compliance programs for air quality, hazardous material clean-up, solid waste facilities, wetlands protection; water pollution control, and drinking water supply. During my tenure, DEP’s regional offices developed significant new programs and policies to improve efficiency and performance, along with multi-media compliance inspections and enhanced enforcement approaches.
For more than 20 years since leaving public service, I have been practicing law in private firms. This work has involved direct interaction with local, state and federal government agencies and courts. Throughout this period of my career, I have remained involved with advisory groups and steering committees assembled to develop new and innovative regulatory programs and policies.
My wife Dianna, my daughter Ella, and I have been part of the community in Newbury and West Newbury for more than 15 years. I have been involved with town government, serving as a member of West Newbury’s Conservation Commission from 2003 to 2012, and most recently as the Board of Selectmen’s representative on the Search Committee formed to recommend candidates to become Finance Director.
I look forward to the opportunity to meet you personally in the coming months and to earn your support for election in 2012.
