Sullivan says he has background, vision to be mayor: Former state rep announces run, unveils initiatives

Joseph Sullivan, left, talks to Bob Frazier, a former selectman and state legislator, after announcing he’s running for mayor. (AMELIA KUNHARDT/The Patriot Ledger)

By RICK COLLINS
The Patriot Ledger

BRAINTREE - Former state representative and selectman Joseph Sullivan has kicked off his bid to become Braintree’s first mayor.

Speaking before a roomful of family, friends and political supporters last night at the DAV Hall on Liberty Street, Sullivan said he has the background and vision to guide Braintree’s new form of government.

‘‘I have had the budget experience, the management experience, the legislative experience and having served as a town meeting member and a selectman for six years, I have the local knowledge required to lead us in this new beginning,’’ he said.

Sullivan, the former director of the Massachusetts State Lottery, said he will focus on accountability, beautification and core services, calling it his ‘‘A-B-C plan.’’

He unveiled a handful of specific initiatives, including pledges to plant 500 new trees on public lands, study whether the town’s former landfill could be turned into a recreational area and coordinate traffic signals throughout town to help ease congestion.

He said specific beautification efforts should be focused on the town’s business districts and gateways, such as the Union Street rotary and Capens Circle near Archbishop Williams High School.

Sullivan also vowed to review the town’s agreement with SEMASS, which runs the Ivory Street transfer station.

‘‘It is my belief that reviewing this agreement may provide the relief necessary to reduce or altogether eliminate the trash fee,’’ he said.

Sullivan vowed to conduct an independent audit of the town’s finances once elected, improve online access to town services and information, and devise a long-term road and sidewalk-repair program.

‘‘Together we can make this community the best community it can be,’’ he said.

Sullivan, who is married with two children, is considered one of the two front-runners in the race, along with Selectman Joseph Powers. The election will held in November, with the winner taking office Jan. 2.

Peter Morin, chairman of Sullivan’s steering committee, told the crowd that the campaign has already signed up 250 volunteers and collected $20,000 in donations.

Among those attending last night’s gathering were a number of town employees, elected officials and department heads, including Police Chief Paul Frazier, Deputy Police Chief Russell Jenkins, acting Fire Chief Ken McHugh, Parks Superintendent William Hedlund, public works Director Thomas Whalen, selectmen Charles Ryan and James Casey, Deputy Assessor Marie George, Treasurer Michael Joyce, and Tax Collector Nancy Cushing.

Michael Modestino of Old Valley Road said he held signs for Sullivan during his inaugural run for state representative in 1992 and will vote for him again.

‘‘I think he’s the best candidate for the job,’’ Modestino said. ‘‘He certainly has the experience.’’

Sullivan left the Lottery in January and has most recently been working with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce on regional transportation issues.

Rick Collins may be reached at rcollins@ledger.com .

Copyright 2007 The Patriot Ledger
Transmitted Friday, June 01, 2007