Jeffrey Davis Perry
News
February 2012 - Parties change, why don't people?
The transformation of political parties has been well documented and discussed in countless books on the subject. We know from a study of political history that political parties come and go. Have you seen any members of the Whig or Bull Moose Party around lately? What is worth discussing is the apparently unanswered question: Why don’t the members of a political party change their political affiliation when their own values and beliefs are no longer consistent with their own political party?
Take for example the common Massachusetts conflict of why would a Catholic, pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, anti-tax candidate for office in Massachusetts make the confirmatory choice to call themselves a Democrat today? After all, the Democrat establishment here in the Commonwealth holds the opposite point of view on all of these issues.
Could it be as simple as since a person’s parents were Democrats, thus they feel that tradition and loyalty demand that they remain a member of the Party of F.D.R. and J.F.K.? While each person would probably have a slightly different reason and answer as to why they choose the label of their political party, I remain baffled as to why when political parties change, people don’t.
The primary reason to associate with any political party is to join with other people who hold similar values and points of view about the government’s role. While many people choose to be associated with a certain party, they are not expected to share exactly the same beliefs, but the core beliefs and values should be fundamentally consistent. For me, no matter how proud I am to call myself a Republican, I can state with complete confidence, if my GOP abandoned the fight for smaller government, disregarded the will of the voters, and became soft on law and order issues, I would leave my political party and find another more in line with my own personal core values. The alternative is illogical and counterproductive to the very purpose we have political parties in the first place.
One of the most notable people to change their political affiliation due to the party’s change away from his own value system was Ronald Reagan. Reagan was not always a Republican Party member. In fact, Reagan was a self-admitted Democrat and proud of it during his younger years. Like so many other Americans of his time, Reagan was born into a family of Democrats and thus he defaulted into that party. At the 1984 GOP convention, Reagan shared the story of his own personal journey to the Republican Party:
“I began political life as a Democrat, casting my first vote in 1932 for Franklin Delano Roosevelt. That year, the Democrats called for a twenty-percent reduction in the cost of government by abolishing useless commissions and offices and consolidating departments and bureaus, and giving more authority tostate governments. As the years went by and those promises were forgotten, did I leave the Democratic Party, or did the leadership of that party leave not just me but millions of patriotic Democrats who believed in the principles and philosophy of that platform? One of the first to declare this was a former Democratic nominee for President Al Smith, the Happy Warrior, who went before the nation in 1936 to say, on television or on radio that he could no longer follow his party's leadership and that he was “taking a walk.” As Democratic leaders have taken their party further and further away from its first principles, it's no surprise that so many responsible Democrats feel that our platform is closer to their views, and we welcome them to our side.”
Often described as a “political pendulum,” both the Democrat and the Republican parties have had their highs and lows over the course of history. Just as individuals can and do change, so do the political parties themselves and their platform issues. I do not question the fact that political parties change; however, when a political party alters its core values, either over a period of years, or overnight by the election of the new leader, I continue to be surprised how many individuals remain faithful to it. If the essential purpose of any political organization is to promote the values of its members and support the candidates who share those very same positions, why do so many people remain loyal, faithful soldiers when they no longer have the same political goals?
December 22, 2011
This past weekend marked the last of our soldiers exiting Iraq. After nine years of war, 4,500 brave Americans lost and countless more injured, the question remains whether the Iraqis will be able to maintain their new government and remain independent in a region full with turmoil and under threat of extremists and insurgents. Only history will judge the war’s true success.
What has been proven since 9/11/2001, is that this generation of Americans, like all who have preceded them, are willing to serve and sacrifice to protect our homeland and foster freedom around the World. As we are losing so many who served during WWII, we often hear people worried about the current generation and wondering if they possess the ability to keep America free, prosperous and safe. The service and bravery demonstrated by those who have served since 9/11 provides great confidence in the future of our Country.
Thank you to all those who have served in Iraq. You have done your duty and come home in honor and with the respect and appreciation of your fellow citizens. We all pray for the safety and return home of your brothers and sisters serving in Afghanistan.
December 2011
Dear Friends,
We hope this message finds you and yours well during this Holiday Season! It seems hard to believe Christmas is upon us and 2011 is quickly coming to an end. During this season, we feel especially grateful for our family, friends and supporters
This past year has been exciting and full for us. As you know, Jeff was appointed Special Sheriff for Barnstable County last January. He is enjoying this position as it is a perfect combination of his experiences as a legislator, lawyer, police officer and politician. Jeff continues to teach at Cape Cod Community College and has also joined the Board of Directors for the Cape Cod Children’s Museum.
Lisa remains at the law firm of Singer & Singer, LLC, now for six years as a paralegal and office manager. With a little less time dedicated to politics, Lisa has joined the Board of the March of Dimes for Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod & the Islands.
Being in the political arena this past decade, we have experienced many great victories and a tough loss, but during the entire time we have met and been surrounded by so many sincere, positive and supportive people. You truly learn who your friends are in the good times, and especially the difficult times. Words in an email cannot adequately express how thankful we are for all of our friends and supporters. Merry Christmas to you and best wishes for a blessed 2012!
In appreciation and friendship,
October 20, 2011
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
The Sheriff's Office will be hosting a CERT class at the Cape Cod Community College, Rte 132, West Barnstable, from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM on Tuesdays beginning November 1, 2011 for eight weeks. We are once again offering public-spirited volunteers a chance to join one of the most highly regarded Community Emergency Response Teams in our region.
To qualify for CERT you must be at least 16-years-old and willing to attend eight weekly training classes. Week one is November 1st and week eight is December 20th. Meeting night is Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Cape Cod Community College (Science Building, room 105). Residents of all Cape communities are eligible. To apply or for more information, please call Chrystal LaPine at 508-375-6017 or 774-836-7811, or click:
Youth Criminal Justice Academy
Five years ago, Sheriff Cummings initiated a Criminal Justice Academy for High School students. The goal of this experience is to educate students, who are interested in criminal justice or law enforcement as a career, about the role of the Sheriff’s Office and how it works with other public safety agencies across Cape Cod. Because the Sheriff’s Office is not just corrections, this academy gives students a broad perspective of all our departments and many of the agencies we work with. Presentations include K-9, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Court procedures, Special Response Teams, Community Corrections, a tour of the Correctional Facility and much more.
Students will meet for seven consecutive Monday nights, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The first class meets November 7th and the last class (graduation) will be on December 19th. Space is limited to 25 and past offerings have been fully subscribed. Pre-registration is required.
High school students who live on the Cape and may be interested in a criminal justice career can sign up by calling Shaun Cahill at (508) 375-6121. You can also visit:
October 2011 - Boston Globe crossed the line
The Boston Globe crossed the line of ethical reporting with the “outing” of the Icelandic woman who provided the tip to the F.B.I. which led to the arrest of mobster James “Whitey” Bulger. Other than selling a couple more newspapers, what were they thinking?
The woman’s identity was made public Sunday in a Boston Globe story on Bulger’s life as a fugitive. The story included personal background information, family details and even her photograph.
Not only does the disclosure of the tipster’s identity put her in potential danger, it will absolutely have a serious chilling effect on other future witnesses who might think twice before coming forward to provide such information.
The Globe could have written their entire story without telling the world who the tipster was. While the First Amendment right of a free press might legally protect the Globe, we should expect our media to have some consideration of the impact their stories will have on innocent people. Sadly, the Globe and others in the media consider this “collateral damage” to selling their products.
September 2011 - Remembering September 11th
Americans will gather at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, in a field in Pennsylvania and in places small and large across the United States on this solemn weekend to remember the fallen, honor the service of our military and public safety officers and to reflect how September 11, 2001 has changed us.
It seems hard to believe that it was ten years ago when our Nation was attacked and nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken on that warm and bright Tuesday morning. The sudden and tragic loss of so many touched practically every community. In my town of Sandwich, the Deconto family lost Captain Gerald F. Deconto who was organizing the Navy's response to the World Trade Center attack when he died in the crash at the Pentagon. We all seem to know someone personally connected to the horror of the attacks. Such losses echoed across a land who felt at peace and isolated from the reports of terrorism in seemingly faraway places.
In the hours, days and weeks that followed, on our television sets, in newspapers and over radios we learned of the heroism of the first responders who without hesitation or regard for their own safety rushed towards the danger. America changed forever on that fateful morning and in the decade that followed; our military service members answered the call to ensure we would never be vulnerable again to another such attack.
This weekend, while it is appropriate to honor and remember the losses and sacrifices made by so many, it would be a mistake to forget or diminish what the attacks at the heart of the Nation's strength were. The 9/11/01 terrorist attacks were acts of mass murder, committed by those who cannot tolerate our freedoms. Their goal was much more than murdering thousands of innocent Americans, it was to advance a political agenda which existed long prior to 9/11/01 and continues today.
"We have learned that terrorist attacks are not caused by the use of strength; they are invited by the perception of weakness. And the surest way to avoid attacks on our own people is to engage the enemy where he lives and plans. We are fighting that enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan today so that we do not meet him again on our own streets, in our own cities." These words were spoken by President George Bush and sums up our strategy since 9/11.
The United States remains the symbol of freedom and prosperity to the World. While we will continue to be an imperfect Nation and have our political differences, there is much that is great about us. First and foremost is having so many patriotic Americans who serve and protect us each and every day. On this weekend we will also have in our thoughts and prayers our military service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Let us pause this weekend to remember the fallen heroes and loved ones, honor the service of our military and public safety officers and rededicate ourselves to our common goal of passing on to future generations a Nation that is secure, prosperous and free.
There are many events to remember and honor the 10th Anniversary of 9/11/01. On Saturday, 9/10 at 11:00am, I hope you will join us on the grounds of the Falmouth Library as we Remember the Fallen and Honor Those Who Serve. There will be special recognition of Gold Star families and public safety officers.
And on Sunday, 9/11 at 11:00am there will be a September 11th Memorial Presentation held at the American Legion Post 188, 20 Main Street in Sandwich and will include the National Anthem, Color Guard, Opening Blessing and a presentation of personal stories from those who were at ground zero.
God Bless our fallen heroes and those who serve us every day.
Jeff
August 2011
Dear Friends,
Lisa and I hope you have enjoyed the summer months and have been able to find some time to spend with your friends and family. My position as Special Sheriff for Barnstable County has been going well. It is indeed a privilege to serve under Sheriff Jim Cummings and work along side such a fine team of public safety officials.
Today, I am writing not about politics or public safety, but to let you know I have joined the Board of Directors for the Cape Cod Children's Museum (CCCM). Lisa and I have taken our granddaughter Faith to this wonderful museum many times and enjoyed every visit!
If you are interested in helping us support this great facility, please visit their website and consider making a donation, purchasing a membership or becoming a sponsor:
http://www.capecodchildrensmuseum.org/
For our friends on Facebook, please visit the CCCM page and click "like" to keep informed of what's happening at the museum:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cape-Cod-Childrens-Museum/120546010935
Please e-mail me directly should you wish to support the CCCM or should you have any questions.
As always, Lisa and I sincerely appreciate your support of our political and charitable efforts. Please keep in touch.
Jeff
June 8, 2011 - Time for Secure Communities in Massachusetts (June 2011)
Sadly, it looks like Massachusetts is taking a pass on the Secure Communities Act. The program was established in 2008, and has quickly expanded to now include over 40% of the nation’s law enforcement agencies in some 42 states. Under the program, fingerprints from arrested individuals are verified with the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether the arrestees are legally present in the county. If they are illegally present in the United States, an evaluation process begins and includes deportation proceedings. All of this is based upon the evaluated risk to the local community and the nation’s security.
The three goals of the Act are to: 1) Identify those in state and local custody (including Sheriff’s jails) charged with or convicted of a serious criminal offense who are subject to removal and those aliens who have prior convictions for serious criminal offenses and are subject to removal who are currently at large in our communities; 2) Prioritize law enforcement action to ensure apprehension and removal of aliens convicted of serious criminal offenses; and, 3) Transform criminal alien enforcement processes and systems to achieve lasting results. Of course, the overall goal is to reduce crime.
The City of Boston is reportedly one of the test communities for the Secure Communities program. According to published reports, since the pilot program began in Boston, over 100 illegal criminal aliens have been arrested and deported. While some may believe this is a left versus right ideological battle, such a simplistic perception would not be correct. It comes down to one’s fundamental belief of law and order and the importance of border integrity. To his credit, and my pleasant surprise, President Obama has been a strong supporter of the program at the Federal level.
The Secure Communities program is an outstanding example of how our nation’s immigration enforcement can and should work by combining the efforts and talents of local, state and Federal law enforcement authorities. The basic premise that makes the program so successful is that it is the street level police /correctional officer who is best suited to identify the people they arrest or incarcerate. Due to the national security issues and our mobile society, it only makes sense for the Federal government to process all of this information. Secure Communities joins the local with the national law enforcement agencies.
The bottom line is that there is absolutely no reason why when someone is arrested for a crime, their immigration status should not be verified. It would be outrageous, that in the name of political correctness, we would not do so. Some vocal opponents of the Secure Communities Act allege that it will lead to racial profiling. This is nothing more than a smoke screen as the Act states that all people arrested and booked by law enforcement would be subject to the fingerprint comparison. No particular race or ethnic background is targeted. The Act is neutral on its face.
Some reading this may wonder what happens now when someone is arrested in a jurisdiction not participating in the Secure Communities Act. The answer all too often is that the subject is booked at the local police department and then bailed out with a pending court date. As you might suspect, far too often the illegal immigrant does not appear at the scheduled court date, often times fleeing the jurisdiction or assuming a new identity. One of the great aspects of Secure Communities is that it relies on biometric finger print technology for identification purposes. No matter where you go or what name you assume, your fingerprints go along with you.
This issue hits home and is about more than the national debate on illegal immigration. We read practically every day about the increasing crime, illegal drug and gang activity right here on Cape Cod. It is time for Massachusetts to formally endorse the Secure Communities Act and provide another tool to law enforcement.
James Cummings, Sheriff
Jeff Perry, Special Sheriff
June 2, 2011 - News from the Barnstable County Sheriff - Sign up now for 2011 Sheriff’s summer youth academy
Sheriff James Cummings isn’t looking for a few good men (and women), just two or three dozen Cape Cod teens who want to grow up that way.
If you fill the bill, or are a parent of someone who does, the time to sign up for the Sheriff’s summer Youth Academy is now. The start date is July 5th, and the intervening month will go quickly. Early enrollment is recommended.
The academy teaches the importance of making sound decisions and sticking to them. Its target audience is 12- to 16-year-olds. A typical day includes a mix of march and drill, physical fitness training, classroom discourse, and discussions that stress emotional, ethical, and intellectual development.
Concluded Sheriff Cummings: “In summer’s past, we’ve worked with young teens who were well served by a push in this direction. Participants also get some sense of what a military or law enforcement job is like, and that’s to their benefit when it comes time to decide if it’s a career for them.”
Past instructors have been drawn from a mix of law enforcement, public safety, and military postings; these have included the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office, Barnstable police and firefighters, State Police, the FBI, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Marine Corps.
The 12-day course will be conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; the start date, as noted, is July 5th ; the final session will be on July 28th; class will begin promptly at 8:30 AM and conclude at 1 PM.
You can download an application by going to the Sheriff’s website (www.bsheriff.net). Click through from “Community Relations” to “Youth Programs,” then scroll down in the text to “Youth Academy.” You will find a “Youth Academy Application” there.
If you would rather call for an application or have questions, the Sheriff’s contact is Shaun Cahill. He can be reached at (508) 563-6120.
April 23, 2011 - Sandwich GOP to Walk for Alzheimer’s Services
The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) has entered a team in the 2011 Miles of Memories Walk to benefit Alzheimer’s Services of Cape Cod & the Islands. The SRTC will be walking and raising funds for Alzheimer’s Services on Sunday, May 22nd on the Cape Cod Canal at the Railroad Bridge location.
Please make a donation and support a great cause at the below link:
http://alzcapecod.blueskycollaborative.com/ascci/participantpage.asp?uid=3698&fundid=1828
If you would like to walk with us, send an email to SandwichRepublicans@Comcast.net
The Sandwich Republican Town Committee encourages residents to visit their website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where event and Committee information is available. The website also contains information about meetings and how to sign up to help Republican candidates both locally and nationally. The SRTC also maintains a page on Facebook.
The next meeting of the SRTC will be held Tuesday, May 10th at 7:00pm at the Riverview School.
March 10, 2011
Fundraiser stocks food pantry on Cape Cod
Published in the Cape Cod Times
March 4, 2011
Sheriff Seeks To Clear The Air On The Jeff Perry Appointment
Publshed in the Sandwich Enterprise
February 8, 2011
My View on Special Sheriff appointment
Published in Cape Cod Times – February 8, 2011
Since accepting the position of Special Sheriff for Barnstable County, I have been humbled by the overwhelming level of support from the good people of Barnstable County. On a less than positive note (although not entirely unexpected), I have been surprised by the misinformation as to the reasons I accepted the position and many of the details surrounding my appointment.
A year or so ago Sheriff Cummings approached me when he learned I was not seeking reelection as a State Representative (I believe in term limits) and asked if I would be interested in the number two position with the Sheriff’s Office. While very interested in the offer, I decided to go in a different route and run for Congress.
After my unsuccessful bid, the Sheriff asked me again. I took some time to think about his offer and others who had approached me. My foremost desire was to remain in public service, ideally on Cape Cod. I have sincerely enjoyed helping make Cape Cod a great place to live and delivering constituent services as a State Representative.
After discussions with my family, I decided to accept the offer to become Special Sheriff. I did so as I believe my legal, legislative, political, teaching and law enforcement experiences and education will allow me to add to the professional staff already in place at the Sheriff’s Office. In fact, I would match my qualifications and education with any of the other 13 Special Sheriffs in the state. The primary reason I accepted the Special Sheriff’s position is that I truly believe I can help our community, both inside the correctional facility and out.
To set a few things straight that some in the media have incorrectly suggested, this is not a short term position until the next election. I have made a long term commitment to the Sheriff. Whether or not I will seek elective office again is unknown at this point; however, for me to do so successfully, I must perform extremely well in my role as Special Sheriff.
Some in the media have suggested the salary of $110,000 and benefits are excessive and the timing of the appointment was poor. While this is indeed an increase from my legislative salary of the last eight years, it is in the mid-range of other Special Sheriffs. I will receive the same general benefits as any other state employee.
As far as the timing, the position has been filled in name only for approximately three years due to budget considerations. Since that time the position of Director of Public Safety was not filled and most recently David Vieira was elected to the House of Representatives and thus resigned his position with the Sheriff’s Office. Down three administrative personnel, the Sheriff offered me the Special Sheriff’s position and reorganized the duties of the other two unfilled positions.
Patronage is something I have argued against as a State Legislator and still hold the same values today. Some have called my appointment just that. I disagree. This is a position that is legally required by statute and serves an important role. Yes, Sheriff Cummings and I have known each other from my service in the Legislature and his as Sheriff, but we are not related or lifelong friends. In addition to the many duties of the Special Sheriff, the person has to be someone the Sheriff can trust. Such positions are always hand-selected individuals who match up well with the person in charge. Of all the recent appointments made at various levels in government, I will leave it to your opinion whether my appointment has been treated with fairness by the media as compared to others.
At the end of the day, the judgment on my appointment as Special Sheriff will be made on my performance and service in the years to come. Just as I did as a State Legislator, I pledge to do my very best for the good people of Barnstable County.
Jeff Perry
January 3, 2011
Jeff Perry's Farewell Speech
Video : 
Jeff Perry's farewell speech on the floor of the House of Representatives
December 23, 2010
No power for Congress to mandate
Cape Cod Times, December 22, 2010
When Federal Judge Henry Hudson ruled that the Federal health care law’s mandate exceeded the authority granted to Congress under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, my faith in our system of checks and balances was strengthened. This decision is 100% correct based on the plain meaning of the Constitution and historical judicial precedents.
The 10th Amendment declares that powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution are "reserved" for the states or "the people." As with any piece of Federal legislation, including the Federal health care mandate, the first question asked by those who serve in Congress should be; where is the delegated authority in the Constitution to act at all?
Article 1, Section 8 is the section of the Constitution known as the Delegated Powers of Congress and is where most of the powers of Congress emanate from. Nowhere in this section does Congress have the power to mandate the purchase of any product or service. Some may argue that the “Commerce Clause” provides Congress with the power to regulate the insurance industry, however, in my view; the individual mandate provision in the law does not rise to the level of interstate commerce.
While many proponents will argue that the mandate is similar to laws requiring drivers to obtain auto insurance, there are several key differences. The auto insurance mandate leaves people with a choice as no one is required to own an automobile. Most importantly, auto insurance regulation occurs at the state level. This is clearly what the Founding Fathers would have preferred and is at the heart of the balance (state and federal power) between Article 1, Section 8, and the 10th Amendment.
Although happening in small and seemingly innocuous increments, the growing size and scope of government at all levels is one of the greatest threats to the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Often, politicians and the public in general are willing to allow small increases in government’s power in hopes that government will be able to solve some perceived problem we as a society are currently experiencing.
“I hope we have once again reminded people that man is not free unless government is limited. There’s a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: as government expands, liberty contracts.” These are the words of President Ronald Reagan and as with most things he said while serving as President, they are just as true today as they were when he said them. Perhaps with the passage of time and the ever increasing size of government, Ronald Reagan’s quote should be taken to heart even more today!
The health care mandate bill cannot be reconciled with our Constitution. No matter where one stands on health care reform, conservatives and liberals should be equally concerned about ignoring the limitation of powers our Founding Fathers wisely placed on the Federal government. In the decision by Judge Hudson, he wrote: “Neither the Supreme Court nor any federal circuit court of appeals has extended Commerce Clause powers to compel an individual to involuntarily enter the stream of commerce by purchasing a commodity in the private market…Allowing Congress to exert such authority, he said, “would invite unbridled exercise of federal police powers.”
Our founders brilliantly recognized our elected officials might violate the limiting provisions of the Constitution. Judge Hudson’s decision is a critical part of the checks and balances within our Constitutional system of protecting individual freedoms and a government of limited power.
Jeff Perry
State Representative, Attorney & Adjunct Professor
December 2010
Jeff & Lisa Perry Release Thank You Holiday Message
Dec 13, 2010
Holiday Open House & Office Hours Held by Jeff Perry & Randy Hunt
Sandwich - State Representative Jeffrey Perry announced today that his final regularly scheduled office hours and holiday open house will be held on Friday, December 17th from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at his District Office located at 93 Route 6A, Sandwich from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
Joining Representative Perry will be Representative Elect Randy Hunt. Light refreshments will be available.
“It has been a privilege to serve as the State Representative for the 5th Barnstable District over the last eight years.
I look forward to Randy Hunt continuing with the tradition of having a district office available for constituents” Perry said.
As a side note, the District Office telephone number of 508-888-2158 and location of 93 Route 6A, Sandwich will remain the same when Representative Hunt takes office on January 5th. Representative Hunt will hold his first scheduled office hours on Friday, January 7, 2011.
Nov 26, 2010
Sandwich Enterprise Column
Thank you, thank you, thank you! My first thank you is to the voters of the 5th Barnstable District for providing me the distinct honor of serving as the State Representative for Barnstable, Bourne, Mashpee and Sandwich these last eight years. It has been a privilege to represent you on Beacon Hill and deliver constituent services to the good people of our region.
Over the last eight years, there have certainly been many frustrating times as our State Government is in need of much improvement before it honors your tax dollars. From fighting for local aid for our schools and public safety needs, to taking on the Beacon Hill power brokers on health care costs and illegal immigration, Beacon Hill politics has not often aligned with my views. This being said, I am proud that every local bill presented on behalf of the four towns I represent has become law. I am also proud that with your support, I often challenged those in power in an effort to make our government more ethical and open.
Moving into a new term starting in January, I have complete confidence that Randy Hunt, who will be our next State Representative, will do a terrific job at bringing our collective voice to Boston. Randy Hunt and I have been meeting to ensure a seamless transition in the operation of the District Office and delivery of constituent services. As a side note, the District Office telephone number of 508-888-2158 and location of 93 Route 6A, Sandwich will remain the same when Representative Hunt takes office on January 5th.
My second thank you is to the many great local public servants we have in our region. While campaigns often highlight the ideological differences between us, the Cape Legislative Delegation has worked well together. From local aid and economic development to supporting our troops and veterans, I have a great deal of respect for my fellow legislators. The same can generally be said to our local elected and appointed officials. During my eights years in office, I have found most of our local and county officials to be dedicated to making our communities the best they can be.
The third thank you is to all of my political supporters. Although we lost an election, what my wife and I gained in friendship and support from so many great folks is immeasurable. Earlier this year when I decided to run for Congress, I pledged that I would run a clean, positive and issues-based campaign. Despite the tone that others took in the race, I remained true to this promise. Of course I am disappointed with the outcome, but not in our effort. Our campaign was supported by over 4,400 individual donors and hundreds of volunteers. While we did very well on Cape Cod and most of Plymouth County, at the end of the day, the Democratic strength in Quincy and Weymouth could not be overcome.
As I am leaving elective office soon, this will be my last column as a State Representative. The most frequent question asked of me since November 2nd is whether or not I will be a candidate for some office again the future. While none of us can (or should) predict the future, I am leaving the door open should an opportunity arise to serve the great people of our region again. If you wish to keep in touch, my website www.ElectJeffPerry.com will be reconfigured with updates on the next chapter in my life.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Jeff Perry
Nov 8, 2010
REPRESENTATIVE PERRY ANNOUNCES ANNUAL CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY CARD DRIVE FOR MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS
SANDWICH — Today, State Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) announced that once again he will be collecting Christmas and Holiday cards for our American soldiers serving overseas.
Working in conjunction with a program being administered by Cape Cod Cares for the Troops, Representative Perry’s Office will act as a collection point and forward the cards directly to our military service members serving overseas.
Beginning this week, residents are encouraged to drop off unsealed Christmas cards addressed to “American Service Member” at his District Office located at 93 Route 6A (first floor) in Sandwich. The deadline for submission of cards is November 19th.
In a statement Representative Perry said, “I believe it is important to express our gratitude for the sacrifices our armed forces make to protect our Country and I am privileged to be able to help Dylan DeSilva and Cape Cod Cares for the Troops with their annual Christmas and Holiday card drive”
If residents cannot stop by during normal office hours, they are encouraged to call the office at 508-888-2158 to arrange a convenient time to drop cards off. Cards can also be mailed to Representative Perry at Post Office Box 1435, Sandwich, MA 02563