I grew up in Seekonk, graduated from Seekonk High School, and attended UMass Amherst where I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Sociology. After college I took a job in Providence as a community organizer.
We helped train and organize city residents to fight for their fair share of city services, won funding for low interest loans and mortgages, joined with other groups from around the country to win passage of the Community Reinvestment Act, and built a state-wide coalition that lead to the creation of the RI Housing Court.
I then married my college sweetheart, Ann Marie (also from Seekonk), and moved to Boston where I helped working families fight for utility reform and organized blood drives for the American Red Cross.
In 1983, I volunteered as a ward coordinator for reform-candidate Ray Flynn’s first mayoral campaign. I managed Boston’s Office of Taxpayer’s Assistance and later, directed an energy conservation program for the city. Christina, our first child, was born in 1985, and we decided it was time to come home to Seekonk so that she could grow up with the love and support of our extended families. I took a job with The Allied Group, selling print and fulfillment services - a job I hold to this day.
In 1989, we were blessed with our second child, Adam. For the next several years, Ann was a stay-at-home mom, devoting her time and love to raising our wonderful children. As you can guess, money was tight, but somehow we managed to squeak by. (If we were starting-out today, this would not be an option. The cost of housing is far too high.)
I first learned the value of community service as an eagle scout, so when I returned home to Seekonk, I found it difficult to sit back when I knew I could make a difference.
I organized a campaign to stop an expensive and unnecessary project that could have resulted in Attleboro dumping their toxic sewer sludge in Seekonk; fought for better education funding; organized and led the effort to renovate two schools – the Martin Elementary School and Seekonk High School –which brought in over $15 million in State funds to the community. I joined the Town Democratic Committee; served as town campaign coordinator for Congressmen Jim McGovern and State Senator Jim Timilty; managed John Kerry’s get-out-the-vote phone bank in Dover, NH; helped elect many local “good government” candidates and served as Assistant Scoutmaster (2002-2004) and Scoutmaster (2004 – 2006).
I have always been committed to making a difference in people’s lives. With your support, I will bring that commitment to Beacon Hill.
Steve