State senator and Andover resident Susan Tucker, the Democrat who represents all of Andover, will not run for reelection when her term expires in 2011, saying it is time "to trade the long hours and rigors of public life for new opportunities, especially getting to know our new granddaughter."
Several Democratic candidates are rumored to be considering a run.
The Democratic candidate would square off against Republican Jamison Tomasek, a CPA from Andover, or Francisco Urena, the Lawrence veterans agent.
Tucker sent a letter to the Townsman Friday morning to explain her decision and it follows below.
For more on this story, see the March 11 print edition of the Townsman.
Letter from Sen. Tucker
To the Editor and citizens of Andover, Dracut, Lawrence, and Tewksbury:
I am profoundly grateful to you for allowing me to serve as your State Senator for many years. It is a wonderful privilege to be of service to the communities and the people who put their trust in me. I especially thank my family, friends, and supporters who have given so much time and energy to my campaigns and shaping my public policies.
Whether you agreed or disagreed with my positions and votes on the hundreds of complicated issues that came before the State Senate this decade, I always listened carefully to both sides and then "called it like I saw it," regardless of party affiliation or special interests. Whether it was my vote against raising the sales tax or my vote for ethics reform, I always had the best interests of my district first and foremost.
Working as a team with so many of you in the district led to some terrific accomplishments, such as dramatically reducing the cost of auto insurance for all good drivers by kicking fraud out of the system, passing comprehensive legislation to reduce the foreclosure crisis, and preserving the Tewksbury State Hospital open space for generations to come.
Most of you know that I have been a tireless advocate for senior citizens to have the choice of remaining in their homes; for better schools; and for using quality management tools to make government more efficient and customer-friendly. Above all, I hate rip-offs whether public or private, and that is the reason I am working to keep predatory gambling out of the Commonwealth.
Together with my family, I decided that it is time for me to trade the long hours and rigors of public life for new opportunities, especially getting to know our new granddaughter.
Please remember that I will continue to work hard as your Senator until January, 2011. My priorities include local aid for the towns I represent; creating jobs, especially for the trades by converting the wonderful old mills into housing; and passing my Financial Literacy bill. Please visit my website, www.suetucker.org for more information.
I am always available at 617-722-1612 or susan.tucker@state.ma.us.
With warmest wishes and gratitude,
Sen. Sue Tucker
