Good evening on this Patriot’s Day.

You know a Patriot is someone who loves his Country, who defends and promotes its interests and remains loyal.

Tonight, I am announcing that I wish to continue as a Patriot in the interest of not only my Country but my community, the City of Attleboro.

I am a candidate for the office of Mayor for the City of Attleboro.

I have contemplated this for some time.

People have asked me “Why? “You have served the city for over four decades. Take time for yourself.”

I can only answer this way.  My family has served this City since 1908 with a service that has passed from father to son for four generations. It is who I am.

Service to Country and Community is difficult to stop.  So that is my answer to “Why.” Because I want to serve and I am able to serve.

Today is also the Boston Marathon.  A race I ran earlier in my career. I am not afraid of hard races.  The measure of a person is the ability to undertake difficult tasks and to see them through.

Tonight I am here to speak for the many citizens of this City that have lost a voice. City Hall has be come an exclusive club. That may not have been by design but the reality is it is by invitation only.

Attleboro was once a jewelry Mecca.  That time is in our past. It is however still a Jewel of a City and we can be better. We need to be optimistic, energetic and believe in our own future.

It may be true that imagination, visualizing and meditation are effective tools in achievement. But nothing replaces action.

I have been in tough situations in my 66 plus years.  The Military was a tough lesson and Vietnam was an unforgiving teacher. My service to Attleboro of 43 years provided me with enormous experiences, with difficult decisions and harsh realities.

The Military taught me that a leader puts his troops first and leads from the front. As Mayor, I will take the lead by not taking the increase in pay now to take effect in 2012.

It is my belief that the issue is not only the pay but the timing of it when so many have had to sacrifice.

It is my intention to take only half what is now being paid to the Mayor.

The remaining money will be set aside in a fund dedicated to Deanne Auclaire, the Mayor’s former secretary, who was a volunteer for many years to help those who were not able to make ends meet with heat and other needs.

Her quiet dedication should be continued in her memory.

This campaign will be about jobs, public safety and education.

It is also going to be about Trust, Integrity and Respect.

Thank you.