Congressman Kennedy Earning His Way

This Isn't Your Grandfather's Kennedy...

by Bill Gouveia for the Sun Chronicle

Being a political junkie, I watched the State of the Union address last week. Then I watched the official Democratic response.

If you’ve read this space before, you can probably guess which one I liked better.

But it was interesting, informative and intriguing to see local Congressman Joseph Kennedy of the 4th District of Massachusetts deliver the response. Though not necessarily for the reasons some might think.

Much of the country tuned in to see the grandson of Robert Kennedy and the grand-nephew of President John F. Kennedy step firmly into the national political spotlight. Many did so with visions of Camelot in their heads, others with continued contempt for the Kennedy clan.

But please allow me to help explain something to the rest of the country. We here in Southeastern Massachusetts aren’t currently being represented by John, Robert, or Ted Kennedy. We didn’t elect someone to continue a dynasty, or restore one. This is not a seat to be inherited.

We elected and re-elected Joe Kennedy because he represents our ideals, our values and our work ethic. Because he is smart, knowledgeable, humble and effective. We didn’t bestow a title upon him. We hired him to do a job.

And Congressman Kennedy is doing it well.

He has earned his way. He spent time working for the Peace Corps. He toiled as a state assistant district attorney in the Cape Cod area. If you think that is a glamorous political appointment — think again. It is a tough, gritty assignment dealing with real people and real problems at a level many of our leaders never experience.

His reputation for constituent service is excellent. He is available throughout his district, and in a manner that is heavy on listening and learning, and light on showing off and politicking — though the latter part is definitely increasing after last week.

People at our end of the district are in no way “liberal elitists” catering to big-name democrats. We demand a lot from our leaders, and are pretty good at sniffing out phonies when we find them.

Joe Kennedy appears to be the real thing. His honesty and openness is striking, and he is getting better every day at something he has not always been comfortable with – speaking out strongly in public.

You can’t fake sincerity, at least not for long (present White House occupant excepted). In places like Attleboro, Fall River, Taunton, Foxboro and Norton, folks tend to get right to the point. They aren’t overly impressed by big names (unless they are Brady and Belichick).

Look, one great speech does not a leader make. It is premature to be touting Kennedy for president in 2020, or even governor or senator yet. He has more work to do, and lots more to prove.

But those who thought he was simply “another Kennedy” should now know better. Congressman Kennedy has his own record to stand on, and continues to build upon it. He’s proud of his family, as well he should be. But in political terms, he is creating his own path.

This congressman is building his own legacy, and doing it the right way. Just ask his constituents. And after last week, the rest of the country.

Bill Gouveia is a local columnist and longtime local official. He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.