Progressive Democrat Michael Albano, a small business owner from Chelsea, announced today that he is officially a candidate for State Senate in the special election to fill the open seat vacated by Anthony Galluccio. Albano, 48, says that people in Massachusetts are looking for new leadership to help restore confidence in local government.
"People are hurting and they’re frustrated," Albano explained, "and we need new leaders to take the reins of government and move us in a new direction. I’m running for State Senate to offer that new leadership."
Albano has never been a candidate for public office, but he is no stranger to electoral politics. His father Sal was a Somerville State Senator from 1984 to 1990 and was a maverick voice for political reform and progressive public policy. "I learned from my father," Albano said, "that when you stand up for what you believe in and bring honesty and accountability to public service you can bring people together, restore their confidence and really move things in the right direction. We need that now more than ever, and I’m looking forward to this campaign. People need something to believe in to get involved."
The April 13 Democratic Primary doesn’t give a relative newcomer much time to reach out to the voters in a diverse district stretching from Allston/Brighton to Revere and Saugus, but Albano says he is undaunted. He points out, "I’m going to run this campaign in the same way I will be State Senator — I’m going to get out into the communities, bring people together, and listen and be accessible. I’m looking forward to making my case on the campaign trail."