On Bob Havern Leaving the Massachusetts Senate

August 29, 2007

Bob Havern’s decision to leave the Massachusetts Senate leaves the legislature without one of its most passionate, resourceful and committed leaders. He has, among many other things, been a steady partner, ally and friend in our shared efforts to serve the citizens of Lexington, Arlington, and Woburn. I will miss him. I wish him good fortune and much-deserved joy as he begins a new chapter in his life.

With a special election ahead to choose Bob’s successor, I am grateful for and touched by the many conversations and notes encouraging me to seek the position. But I will not do so.

My family and I do not live in the part of Lexington that is in the 4th Middlesex district. While I could legally be a candidate without living in the district, we would need to move there before I could serve. My family and I looked at this and easily and unanimously just said "no."

This was made easier because I have never felt more privileged, satisfied, effective and professionally challenged as I do right now as a member of the Massachusetts House. For the past 3 years under Speaker Sal DiMasi and, more recently, with the election of Governor Deval Patrick, I am part of a wonderful new leadership team. We are taking on some critical and too-long neglected problems and weighing a broad range of new and exciting options. This is a great time to be in a position to contribute to the development of policy for the Commonwealth, and I seek nothing beyond the opportunity to do more of the same. It is an honor and joy to serve you as a member of the House, and it doesn’t require the disruption and dislocation of my family. What more can a guy ask?