Politics & Government
Gov. Patrick Visits Jamaica Plain Park
The governor visited JP's Johnson Park July 26 as part of his Summer Conversations tour.
Gov. Deval Patrick met with Jamaica Plain residents and those from other parts of the state on Tuesday, July 26 at Johnson Park.
The informal evening meeting was part of the governor's month-long "Summer Conversations" tour, which included visits to Salisbury, Milford, Lennox, Westport and Martha's Vineyard.
Patrick was introduced by state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Find out what's happening in Jamaica Plainwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"We know in JP that civic engagement is about showing up when it's time to govern, and that time is right now," said Chang-Diaz. "That’s what we all want, right? People who are not just coming around at election time, but people who are coming to ask for your input, when it's time to govern. And thank goodness we have a governor who does just that."
Patrick shook hands, signed autographs for children and then focused his visit on interacting with the crowd, speaking to residents about community and state-wide issues.
Find out what's happening in Jamaica Plainwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"This is JP," said Patrick. "So I know you'll have not only questions but lots of advice."
The small crowd posed questions on a variety of topics, including taxes, testing in schools and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority safety.
While many park-goers walked or biked past the outdoor gathering, others chose to stay and hear the governor speak.
"When I saw them setting up, I asked what it was," said Michele Cruz, a 20-year JP resident. "They said, 'The governor's coming.' And I said, 'Gov. Patrick?' So I told my 10-year-old granddaughter, and she’s like, 'Oh, I love him!' So we stayed.'"
Jamaica Plain was the governor's final stop on his "Summer Conversations" tour.