By Bethany Bray
Next year will feature a state race between two town residents, as lawyer Peter Cotch has thrown his hat in the ring to run against State Rep. Barbara L'Italien.
Since 2003, L'Italien has represented the 18th District, which includes parts of Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Haverhill, Methuen and North Andover. L'Italien says she definitely intends to run again as her term expires.
The election will be in November 2011.
As a Republican, Cotch's candidacy is an alternative to the status quo, he says.
"I'm offering myself as a better alternative, for everybody. It's not about partisanship, it's about accountability, and seeing this district get its due," said Cotch, 58. "We send a lot to Beacon Hill (in the form of taxes) and we get a paltry return. Our state aid is a small return on the millions of dollars we sent to Boston and I just don't think we're getting our fair share in return."
"There's nothing personal against the incumbent, but rather a matter of differing philosophies," said Cotch.
If elected, Cotch said he will not give up his career as a lawyer.
"Government should not be a career, but more of a voluntary effort," he said. "I believe in the Jeffersonian principal of government - less is more."
MEET PETER COTCH
Age: 58
Profession: attorney, specializes in trusts and estates
Political party: Republican
Family: wife Maureen O'Connor
Lived in Andover 15 years
Previous experience in public office: Just out of college, Cotch worked as the administrative assistant to the senate president in Concord, N.H. During his 20s, he held an elected seat on the Concord, N.H. city council. In 2008, he ran unsuccessfully for the Andover Board of Selectmen, losing to incumbent Mary Lyman.
Grew up the son of a steelworker in Troy, N.Y.
Undergraduate degree in political science from New England College in Henniker, N.H.
Active in: Andover Rotary Club, Andover Republican Town Committee, St. Matthew's Lodge of Masons
Q+A
What experience do you have to be a representative?
I know the legislative process. I'm not just arriving without a sense of the operation.
Being a lawyer, I believe it gives one certain skills that are useful in operating within the legislative process - the ability to question and not take things for granted.
I'm not a shy person. I'm not bashful.
I see it as one's civic duty to get involved, especially if you have specific skills or resources. I'm not one to sit on the sideline and observe.
This seat's district covers six towns. Is that a challenge in campaigning?
I will be spending a lot of time in Georgetown and Boxford. There is a cadre of activists out there I hope to work with, which will help.
I feel it is a district drawn to favor Republicans (in demographics).
But (party affiliations) are irrelevant to me. I feel the election will turn on the non-affiliated or independent vote.
What's one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
(Laughing) I sleep with a Democrat - my wife, Maureen is a Democrat.
