Local Man to Learn Legislative Ins and Outs
 |
| Peter White |
Peter White, a community leader and former School Committee and City Council candidate, was nominated by Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, to participate in the 62nd annual Citizens' Legislative Seminar. The sessions are intended to engage Massachusetts residents in state government.
"It's a crash course in what the state Legislature does so we, as citizens, can better understand the process they go through," said White, 29, on Tuesday. "I thought it would be better for me, as a community activist, to become more knowledgeable about the whole process."
The seminars were established in 1976 through a collaboration of the state Senate and the University of Massachusetts. In February, Downing announced that two residents of his district, which includes Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties, were selected for the program. Along with White, Paul Tacy of Ashfield will be a part of the sessions.
White said he'll use the weekly lessons as a tool for continuing to work for his community.
"I'll come out of this knowing the inner workings of the State House. When I request our lawmakers to support something, I'll know the background, I'll know what questions they'll ask me, I'll know the best way to ask for their help," said White."
White is a member of the Morningside Initiative and the Fourth of July Parade Committee and works at the Brien Center in North Adams. A former member of the Berkshire Brigades, White has worked on several local campaigns, including those to elect Downing and Rep. Denis E. Guyer, D-Dalton.
While he's sought public office before, White said the seminar is not an attempt to further his political career.
"The best way to help my community is by getting involved and participating and this is just another way to do that," he said. "This is not selfishly-motivated. I'm just someone who's interested in history and political science and who wants to know the best ways to work most efficiently."
What really motivated White to take part in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was the chance to benefit what he called the "greater good."
"The most important part of this program is that it provides more transparency to our government. The more people know what's going on, the better for the greater good. The more open government is, the better it will run," White said. "There doesn't need to be this big mystery.
"I'll come out of this knowing the inner workings of the State House. When I request our lawmakers to support something, I'll know the background, I'll know what questions they'll ask me, I'll know the best way to ask for their help," he continued.
