Powers says he’ll reshape the landscape

By RICK COLLINS
The Patriot Ledger

Former school committee member Paul Agnew first met Joe Powers when Powers sat beside him as a student representative to the board.

More than 20 years later, Agnew had the honor of introducing Powers as Powers officially launched his candidacy to become Braintree’s first mayor.

Powers’ interest in running has been known for a while, but Saturday morning’s event at the Viking Club marked the first time he has spoken publicly as a mayoral candidate.

“What Braintree needs is a leader to stand up for you and not stand with the status quo,” Powers told the more than 125 family and friends in attendance.

“A leader who understands that being mayor is more than a job and not simply a title. A leader with the integrity to make the right and difficult decision and not one who owes political favors.”

Three others have declared their plans to run for mayor, including former state representative and state Lottery director Joseph Sullivan, business owner Paul Walsh and teacher Brian Muello.

Powers, a selectman, has also served on the school committee, as town moderator and as town clerk. His only political loss came in 2004, when he was defeated by Joseph Driscoll in a special election to replace Sullivan as state representative.

Many consider Sullivan the odds-on favorite to be elected mayor. While not mentioning Sullivan’s name Saturday, Powers did refer in his speech to Sullivan’s campaign pledge to plant 500 trees on public land.

“During this campaign, you’re going to hear from people who want to plant trees,” Powers said. “Make no doubt about it, I am here to reshape the political landscape.”

Powers’ kickoff speech outlined no specific campaign proposals. Instead, he said that, if elected, his administration would be efficient, effective and accessible, and based on the idea that “our government works for you, and not the other way around.”

Powers last week held a fundraiser in Braintree that was attended by Chris Gabrieli, whom Powers supported in his run for governor last year. Campaign officials declined to say exactly how much money Powers raised other than it was several thousands of dollars.

Among those in attendance Saturday were Town Clerk Donna Fabiano, school committee member Margaret Dunlea-O’Reilly and Kevin Houchin, chairman of the committee that wrote the town’s new mayoral charter.

Agnew, who served 12 years on the Braintree School Committee, said he would vote for Powers because he knows and trust him.

“He’s the same (as when he served on the school committee), but now he’s a lot more experienced, he’s a lot wiser and he knows how to get things done,” Agnew said.

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