Left In Lowell

Is Mike Festa Out?

10 Responses to “Is Mike Festa Out?”

1. Anonymous Says:
   February 11th, 2006 at 3:47 pm

   For Immediate Release

   State Representative Mike Festa (D-Melrose) announced today that he is withdrawing from the 2006 race for Middlesex District Attorney, and instead will seek reelection to the House of Representatives.

   “This was a challenging decision, since this campaign has had growing momentum in endorsements, fund raising, and organizing.

   “As you may know, I have been active in the Council of State Governments, and serve as the Chair of its Criminal Justice Board of Directors. I was informed this week that the Council would like me to lead a multimillion-dollar national project to create a national resource center for state criminal justice policymakers, funded by private foundations and the federal government.

   “As Chair of the Board, I will be called upon to travel to our offices in New York, Washington, D.C, and to other regions of the country to coordinate the management of this new criminal justice center. This will enable me to play a leadership role in the development of criminal justice policy in state capitals across the country and, most importantly to me, as a state representative representing the people of Melrose and Wakefield.

   “We built a strong field organization, obtaining the support of key Democratic activists and legislative colleagues: last week, by all accounts, we had better volunteer coverage at Democratic caucuses in the 54 cities and towns of Middlesex County than any other campaign.

   “Our financial efforts have borne fruit: we have now received more than $265,000 in pledges and receipts to date, with more than $165,000 since the first of the year alone. I have been deeply moved by the wave of financial support we have experienced over the past month.

   “We put together the most talented staff and volunteers in this race, and I will be forever grateful for their passion and commitment. They have maintained the highest standards of ethics and integrity I have yet witnessed in any campaign.”

   “As I now turn my efforts toward reelection, I look forward to asking my constituents for their continued support. It is an honor to serve the people of Melrose and Wakefield, and to be a strong advocate for senior citizens, for all those who struggle for social and economic justice, for our children, and for those who seek my help at the State House.”

   Festa, 51, is currently serving his fourth term as state representative for the City of Melrose and the Town of Wakefield.

2. Lynne Says:
   February 11th, 2006 at 4:17 pm

   Well, the race will be less exciting without ya, Mike! We look forward to seeing good things from you in the legislature and in your other endeavors. I hope we can cross paths again soon.

3. Harry Sinden Says:
   February 11th, 2006 at 6:44 pm

   Well, it’s time to make a choice, and that choice is Leone. Festa was pretty much my horse, but at the end of the day, with a home and a family in Middlesex, the idea of Jarrett Barrios as our D.A. is downright frightening. I really do hate to see Melrose Mike gone on to greener pastures, but if it’s not going to be him, I’m going with the one left who has actually done the work he talks about. Leone’s a do-er, Barrios a talker… and at the end of the day, I want someone who’s been there. Leone’s our man.

4. Paul@01852 Says:
   February 11th, 2006 at 9:58 pm

   Even though I hadn’t made up my mind yet, the withdrawal of Mike is definitely a loss. I had the plasure thanks to Lynne to meet Mike at Drinking Liberally several weeks ago and was impressed with his candor . He presented a balanced view of the DA’s obligations and duties and a plan to implement them. I echo Lynne — Mike you will definitely be missed.

5. Mike Says:
   February 12th, 2006 at 12:37 am

   It’s Barrios all the way. He’s a rising star, looking forward to this one.

6. Lynne Says:
   February 12th, 2006 at 11:01 am

   Really, Harry? You are personally frightened by Barrios as DA? I’d like a stronger argument than a vague attack of “just being a talker.” I suspect a LOT of people would dispute that, for one thing. This is a reality-based blog. If you have an argument to make, please actually make one.

   I think what you are getting at is you’re worried about the prosecutorial experience that Barrios lacks. OK, that’s something that should be talked about. First, I would like to see a history of the office. How many people get to be DA that haven’t been in the ring (so to speak) before? I don’t know. There might have been some great DA’s that came from the legislative branch of government. I don’t know. Can we have some context and history please?

   Does anyone know the history of the DAs in Massachusetts? Do they always come from a completely technocratic background and not political? Do the best DAs always have years of experience, or can this job be done by someone who comes from outside the office? I suspect they can, and do a fine job, but this is something to discuss.

7. Mimi Says:
   February 12th, 2006 at 2:37 pm

   I am sorry that Mike Festa is withdrawing. Although I have not yet decided which candidate I am personally supporting for Middlesex District Attorney, I was very impressed by Mike Festa the two times I met him and had an opportunity to discuss issues with him.

   Last week both sco at .08 acres (http://point08.blogspot.com/) and Andy at Mass. Revolution Now (http://www.massrevolutionnow.com/) posted about the Suffolk Law School Candidates Forum where the then three candidates answered questions. Although sco was impressed by all three candidates, Andy had reservations about Barrios.

   After reading those posts, I decided to give Gerry Leone another look. I had previously eliminated him from consideration because both the Lowell Sun and the Lowell political machine seem to be supporting him.

   I would hope that Barrios and Leone actively campaign in Lowell to give the voters an opportunity to get to know both of them and make an educated choice. I understand that Barrios may be in Lowell on March 9, this would give us another chance to get to know him. Perhaps the Greater Lowell Area Democrats can organize a public debate.

8. Greg Says:
   February 12th, 2006 at 3:37 pm

   I think its sad that one would discount a candidate solely because “The Machine” endorsed him. I don’t think it could be any more transparent that Barrios would only be using the position as district attorney as a springboard into higher office. He should find a springboard for which he is qualified for. The Middlesex D.A.’s office has over 40,000 cases a year, and I would rather have someone who actually cares about prosecuting those cases than trying to get media coverage. I acknowledge that the district attorney position, particularly in Middlesex, is both a professional and political position. But you need to be qualified for BOTH the profession, and the politics. The last I checked, Barrios hasn’t stepped into a courtroom in years, if ever, and has NEVER handled a criminal case. Would you want someone who has NEVER handled a criminal case in charge of the Entwistle case? A law school degree alone does not qualify a person for such a position – they need the experience, and landlord-tenant disputes just isn’t enough.

   For those who asked what a district attorney is responsible for, “The District Attorney represents the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in all criminal cases within her district and is responsible for prosecuting defendants alleged to have committed crimes.” (http://www.middlesexda.com/) That is their responsibility, not campaigning while in office.

   I personally was undecided between Festa and Leone. But I guess that decision has been made for me, and I would hope that others consider what the unique role a district attorney has. Barrios has grand ideas that he is using as his platform, unfortunately, all of his ideas are of a legislative nature. Perhaps if he truly cares about implementing his ideas in Massachusetts, he should stay in a position where he might have a chance. With 40,000 cases, problems with inadequate training and retention of Assistant District Attorneys, and even less funding than would meet minimal standards, the District Attorney needs to focus on what is actually within his defined purview – prosecuting cases.

9. Dem activist Says:
   February 12th, 2006 at 5:22 pm

   Come on Greg — nobody runs for D.A. and expects it to be a cake walk. If barrios is in this I expect he’s in it for the right reasons. And I actually like what Barrios says about the office. I’d like a D.A. who is not afraid to implement the sorts of programs that will help prevent crime, will go out into the community and help prevent crime. Let’s get real — the D.A. rarely goes into the courtroom. I think the last time a Middlesex D.A. did (in my memory) was Reilly who got lambasted because people said he was politicizing.

   As to Lynne’s question, based on my limited research of current D.A.’s some of the most respected didn’t come from a prosecutorial background. Conte in Worcester County was a Senator before and is now widely respected. Delahunt wasn’t before he became D.A. and then Congressman. And Scott Harshbarger wasn’t. Oh…and let’s not forget Leone’s old boss — US Attorney Michael Sullivan came from the Legislature when he was appointed and became DA.

10. Tim Little Says:
    February 14th, 2006 at 12:04 pm

    Well, it looks like a few of the usual suspects are now backing Leone:

    “Leone said Festa’s departure does not change his message, but he has gained several of Festa’s supporter from Greater Lowell, including state Reps. Geoffrey Hall, D-Westford, William Greene, D-Billerica, Tom Golden and Dave Nangle, both Lowell Democrats, and Lowell Police Superintendent Ed Davis.”
    http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_3508632

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