Jim Dwyer looking forward to role as new State Rep.
Published on November 12th, 2008
WOBURN - So how did James Dwyer spend his first full day as the state representative-elect from the 30th Middlesex district?
Rubbing elbows with the governor? Hob-nobbing with his future colleagues in the Legislature? Measuring silk for the drapes in his new office in the Statehouse? Dining on the foie gras at No. 9 Park?
Nope. None of the above. He drove around the city collecting his lawn signs.
"I don't like looking at them," said Dwyer, of the signs. "I always appreciate the folks who let me put a sign on their lawn, but once the election was over, I wanted to get them down as quickly as I could."
In the immediate aftermath of his victory, Dwyer hosted about 100-125 friends, family and supporters at the Tanner Tavern in Woburn Center. There was no drama in the outcome of an election in which he was the only candidate on the ballot in the 30th district, which includes wards 2-6 in Woburn, along with three precincts in Reading and one in Stoneham.
"It was a very relaxing day and night," said Dwyer. "We just enjoyed the day. We had a few people out at the polls, because you never want to take anything for granted and you want to let the people who are supporting you know you appreciate it."
He was astounded by the voter turnout, which was nearly 80 percent and set a record for the largest number of Woburn residents to vote in an election.
"That's what democracy is all about," said Dwyer. "It was amazing to watch so many people get involved in the democratic process. I'm very glad our city and our nation had that level of interest in this election."
Dwyer's only challenge came in the September primary, when he defeated incumbent Patrick Natale for the Democratic party's nomination. Dwyer, who is in the midst of his second term as the Ward 4 Alderman on the City Council, will be inaugurated into the Legislature on Jan. 7.
With his victory in Tuesday's general election virtually assured, Dwyer has already been to Beacon Hill a few times to meet the House leadership and to "get up-to-speed."
"I've been very well-received," he said. "There's really been an out-pouring of assistance from people who have gone out of their way."
Rep. Jay Kaufamn, D-Lexington, whose district includes wards 1 and 7, and Rep. Charles Murphy, D-Burlington, and their staffs "have been fantastic" during the transitional period, he said.
Dwyer has also met informally with state Senator-elect Kenneth Donnelly, D-Arlington, who will also be a freshman legislator in the coming term. Donnelly's district includes wards 1 and 3-7 in Woburn.
"We're both at the stage of life where we know this is not a career for us," said Dwyer, who recently retired as the Asst. Chief Probation Officer for Middlesex County.
"I'm going to go to the Legislature and try to accomplish the same things I have as a member of the City Council," he added. "I like to think I've voted in the best interests of the people who have elected me, and that's something I'm going to try to continue to do as their representative."
WOBURN - Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone will address members of the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce tonight at the Woburn Hilton Hotel.
Leone, now working out of Woburn offices since the temporary Middlesex Superior Court moved into TradeCenter 128 off Route 128, will discuss safety concerns for businesses during these difficult economic times.
The district attorney will offer attendees advice on how to protect their businesses from employee theft and embezzlement. He will also be discussing partnerships that his office, now located off Commerce Way in Woburn, has formed to prevent crimes in Middlesex communities.
Leone's appearance is one of the highlights featured at the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce's 57th Annual Meeting and Business Expo, which will kick-off at 5 p.m. tonight with table displays from members.
The district attorney will address attendees during a dinner reception later on in the evening. Registration for the event closed on Nov. 10, although walk-ins will be allowed in on a space available basis.
The North Suburban Chamber of Commerce serves businesses on the northern Route 128/I-95 business corridor and the communities of Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, and Woburn.
Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone is expected to address approximately 100 members of the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce beginning at 8 p.m.
The event is at the Woburn Hilton at 2 Forbes Road off Washington Street in Woburn.
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