A few reasons why I am voting for Richard Wells for State Rep

Richard Wells is described as a man who does things for the community. He served as a police officer and organized relief operations after the 9/11 terrorist attack. He later became the Police Chief of Milton and an elected member of the Milton Select Board. He organized events like the Milton Music Fest and Fireworks and ran for state representative. Richard also supported his wife's musical career and was involved in philanthropy through the Copeland Family Foundation. He delivered toys to children during Christmas and participated in the Pan Mass Challenge to support cancer research. He also helped organize a reunion for World War II veterans. Richard's dedication and compassion have made a positive impact on his community. I recently heard a man describe Richard Wells as a man that does things for the community. As I thought about it, isn't that what most people want when they choose a leader? As a young man, Richard chose to become a police officer like his dad, serving his community with honor and integrity. His life story is marked by his acts of kindness and dedication to helping others. Richard joined the force in 1984 and moved up through the ranks to become Deputy Chief in 1999. Just a few years at the helm when all hell broke out with the September 11th terrorist attack on the United States, Richard was contacted by friends from the NYPD. They needed help. Not recognizing the urgent need for essential supplies like surgical masks, gloves and more, Richard took it upon himself to organize a relief operation to gather these critical items from the Boston area and every weekend he and his team would drive a van full of supplies to New York City. He witnessed the devastating scene of destruction with the collapsed buildings of the World Trade Center Twin Tower debris and experienced a profound sense of loss and tragedy where close to 3,000 souls had lost their lives. Richard Wells had to respond. He could not sit around watching the airplanes crash into the buildings over and over again on the nightly TV news. He had to do something concrete to help, thus cementing the start of lifelong relationships with many grateful members of the NYPD. His contributions touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting legacy of service and compassion in the town. Through his unwavering commitment and leadership skills, he rose through the ranks to become the esteemed Police Chief of Milton, Massachusetts in 2007. After years of exemplary service in law enforcement, Richard felt a calling to expand his impact beyond the police force. With a deep-rooted passion for the community's well-being, he transitioned to a new role as an elected member of the Milton Select Board. In this mostly volunteer position, he continued his selfless dedication to the community, working tirelessly to address various issues and improve the quality of life for all of Milton's residents. His leadership on the Select Board was marked by inclusivity and a genuine desire to make a positive difference. Beyond his official duties, he volunteered his time and efforts in all aspects of community life, from organizing local events to supporting youth programs and advocating for important causes like helping to save the Milton Arts Center. Richard Wells, a man of remarkable dedication and community spirit, not only excelled in his role as a police officer, police chief, and Select Board member, but also left an indelible mark to his visionary initiatives. Known for his passion for bringing people together and fostering community bonds, Richard spearheaded the creation of the Milton Music Fest and Fireworks. This two-day annual event, sponsored by the Copeland Foundation, set against the picturesque backdrop of Hutchinson Field overlooking the Neponset River and the city of Boston. This festival has become a beloved tradition that unites residents in celebration and joy. As Richard continued to embody the values of service and civic engagement, he set his sights on a new leadership endeavor. With a deep-seated commitment to representing the interests of his community at a broader level, he decided to run for state representative of the 7th Norfolk District, encompassing the towns of Milton and Randolph. Embracing this opportunity to advocate for the needs of his constituents on a larger scale, Richard eagerly embraced the prospect of this new leadership opportunity. Richard Wells' journey from a dedicated police officer to a multifaceted community leader, event organizer, and now a candidate for state representative, exemplifies his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those around him. His vision, leadership, and genuine care for the residents of Milton continues to inspire others to engage actively in shaping a better future for all. Richard Wells, as a police officer, bore witness to the harsh realities of life that many would shy away from acknowledging. Through his service in law enforcement, Richard encountered the aftermath of tragic incidents such as horrific traffic accidents and the devastating consequences of opioid overdoses. Those experiences, etched into his memory, shed light on the darker aspects of society that often remain hidden from public view. Despite the weight of these experiences, Richard carried on with a sense of duty and compassion, navigating the streets of Milton with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the community. His resilience in the face of adversity and his unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the residents of Milton reflect his strength of character and dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Richard's willingness to confront difficult truths and his ability to empathize with those in need underscore his profound sense of responsibility and empathy, qualities that continue to define his journey as a community leader and advocate for change. Richard's support and encouragement extended beyond his professional duties. He played a pivotal role in nurturing his wife's talent and passion for singing by surprising her with professional singing lessons. His belief in her abilities and his unwavering support paved the way for her to excel in her musical pursuits. As she honed her skills, Pauline found herself performing for various charitable organizations, using her voice to raise funds and support causes that were close to her heart. The proceeds from her performances not only showcased her talent, but also made a meaningful impact on the organizations she supported, contributing to the betterment of the community. Richard's role as a pillar of support and encouragement in his wife's musical journey exemplifies his commitment to uplifting those around him and making a positive difference through both his actions and his influence he has on others. Richard's involvement as a board member of the Copeland Family Foundation highlights his dedication to philanthropy and community service. The Foundation's generous contributions of millions of dollars to causes in Milton and the surrounding communities underscores its commitment to making a significant impact on the well-being of the region. Through his role on the board, Richard and his colleagues play a pivotal part in the Foundation's efforts toward supporting various initiatives and organizations that aim to uplift and enhance the lives of individuals in need. The Copeland Foundation's substantial donations reflect a shared vision of creating positive change and fostering a sense of community support. It's a partnership that he takes serious, and he is humbled to be part of this special team. Many Milton families have been in the Copeland Fieldhouse at Milton High School. This is just one of the more public donations of this generous Foundation. Richard's commitment to spreading joy and kindness extends beyond his professional and philanthropic endeavors. Every Christmas, he can be found delivering toys to children and other gifts to their parents like crockpots, etc. Lives and members of families across the South Shore benefit from volunteers like Richard and many others. It's a heartwarming gesture that brings smiles to many faces during the holiday season. Through his involvement with the organization, My Brother's Keeper, Richard channels his compassion and generosity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Despite his significant contributions, Richard carries out this act of goodwill without seeking recognition or praise, embodying the true spirit of giving and selflessness. His quiet dedication to this annual tradition exemplifies his genuine care for the community and his desire to bring happiness to others, making a positive impact that resonates far beyond the holiday season. I am not saying Richard is a perfect person. I don't think there are any of those walking on this earth. I will say he is kind and very considerate of his fellow human beings, very happy to enjoy a cold pint of Guinness beer in the company of friends after a long day of service. Richard and Pauline's awareness of the profound impact of cancer on individuals and their families has inspired them to take action in support of cancer research and help for those affected by the disease. Each year, they commit their time to the Pan Mass Challenge. Pauline raises money by biking the long course and Richard plays a vital logistics role in supporting those riders. Both contribute to the success of the PMC fundraising initiative. Their involvement in the Pan Mass Challenge reflects their deep-rooted belief in the power of community support to help bring hope and progress to those facing the challenges of the disease. Through their dedication to this cause, Richard and Pauline exemplify a true spirit of love and solidarity, making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer and adding more friends to their private collection. Richard Wells has a history of supporting various causes and making a positive impact on those around him, as you can see from what we've already spoke about. He helped the servicemen from World War II who served on the U.S. as Bennion Destroyer, which was built at the Boston Navy Yard. A Milton widow of one of the shipmates wanted to host a reunion for the few surviving crew and their families. She reached out to Richard Wells, and the rest is history. He truly appreciated the sacrifices made by these veterans. When the group of servicemen arrived to their hotel in Quincy, Richard orchestrated a heartwarming surprise for them. He arranged for boats to transport them across the harbor to the USS Constitution at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Not only did they get to visit and board the Constitution, but each crew member got to raise the U.S. stars and stripes and then keep it as a memento of their visit. Richard also arranged for them to board the USS Cassin Young, the sister ship to the USS Bennion, an exact duplicate. It was like traveling back in time as they recalled their battles in the Pacific and the Philippine Sea. A powerful, memorable, and touching moment for the veterans. Additionally, Richard ensured that the group was treated to a lovely lunch after their visit, allowing them to relax and enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow crewmates and families. His gesture of kindness and respect towards the veterans exemplifies his deep admiration for what he considers the greatest generation and the sacrifices they endured to keep us free. As our community considers our next state representative in the 7th Norfolk District encompassing Milton and Randolph, it is essential to reflect on the candidates' past actions rather than just their promises for the future. Richard's extensive contributions to the community showcase his commitment to serving others. His track record of supporting causes and making a positive impact on those around him demonstrates his dedication to bettering the lives of those in his community and beyond. It is evident from Richard's story that his past actions speak volumes about his character and his ability to serve the community effectively. His history of service and compassion leads us to believe that he will continue to serve the community well into the future, making him a strong candidate for state representative. All you voters in Milton and Randolph, please cast your vote on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, September 3rd, for Richard Wells and help enable him to continue this legacy of putting the community's needs above his own and spreading joy along the way. Thank you.