Fmr. Wellesley Selectmen Joe Avellone Eyes Governor's Seat

It is still too early to tell who will take over the Governor's seat in 2015, but one Wellesley man believes he has the right mix of experience for the job.

Wellesley resident, businessman, and father of three, Joe Avellone is running for the Governor's seat after Deval Patrick's term runs out. He is a senior vice president at drug research company PAREXEL International, as well as a former Wellesley Selectman. 

At a campaign stop in Springfield last week, the former doctor spoke about how his experience both in the private sector, and serving as a Wellesley Selectmen has prepared him for the Commonwealth's highest office. 

Speaking with editors at the Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise, Avellone said that it is the "gateway" cities, former manufacturing hubs such as Lowell and Fitchburg are what "keeps Massachusetts together as a state and as a community."

A Mass. resident since 1972, Avellone worked as a surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and later earned a Masters from Harvard University. He worked with Blue Cross Blue Shield to form their HMO (health management organization) Blue Cross Blue in the '90s, and in '92, served as Paul Tsongas' health care advisor during his presidential run. 

On his website, Avellone explains his reason for running: 

"I want to be your Governor because I love Massachusetts. I want to grow and preserve it for your children, my children and their children. My wife Sandy and I have devoted our lives to raising a family here. There is no better place. But, we must prepare now for tomorrow."

Governor Deval Patrick said stepping down in January 2015 is a promise to his wife, which he is keeping. In November last year, he squashed rumors that he might head to Washington, saying that he promised to return to the private sector when his term was up. 

Newton Residents Donald Berwick (also a former Obama staffer) and United Independent party founder Evan Falchuk have both expressed interest in the position. As have State treasurer Steve Grossman and 2010 Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker. At his concession speech after the November election, Scott Brown was greeted with shouts of "Governor!"
 

Photo via North Andover Patch.