Jim MacDonald, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, kicked off his reelection campaign on Saturday night with a party at the Italian-American Citizens Club.MacDonald emphasized his experience as the longest sitting member of the Board as he asked to be returned for a 6th term.
“I think I offer a lot in terms of accountability and professionalism,” MacDonald said.
MacDonald, a senior official in Treasurer Tim Cahill’s office, said his expertise in both state and municipal finances helps him stand apart.In his speech, MacDonald thanked many of his colleagues for attending.
MacDonald also thanked the Town employees who were present as well.“They really make a difference in what goes on in town,” he said.
Over his 15 years on the Board MacDonald said Dedham has grown enormously, and that the Town government has changed with the times.He says he believes they are now more professional and provide a greater level of services.
MacDonald also cites a number of accomplishments from his tenure which he says have “brought government to the people.”Among these are the Town Hall to Your Neighborhood and Neighbors Helping Neighbors events.
Norfolk County Commissioner Fran O’Brien said MacDonald was one of the best Selectmen he had ever seen.
“His expertise in government goes far beyond anything I could imagine,” O’Brien said.
In addition to O’Brien, former State Representative Bob Coughlin introduced a number of officials who were in attendance.These include former Secretary of Administration and Finance Kevin Sullivan, State Representatives Paul McMurtry and Mike Rush, Selectmen Mike Butler, Carmen Dello Iacono, and Sarah MacDonald, Parks and Recreation Commissioners Chuck Dello Iacono, Sal Ledda, Jim Maher, Don Reisner, and Mary Sugrue.Chris Polito, a candidate for Commissioner of the Trust Funds, also attended.
Ed. Note: I arrived late and was unable to videotape MacDonald's speech.
