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O’Leary to challenge Rogers
By Brian Falla/ Daily News Staff (May 23, 2006)
NORWOOD -- Leah O’Leary will announce tomorrow that she will challenge House Majority Leader, Rep. John Rogers, for the 12th Norfolk District seat that includes Norwood and parts of Walpole.
The Norwood Democrat yesterday called the decision to challenge Rogers, also a Norwood Democrat, an "ambitious undertaking," but said she believes the community deserves a choice.
"There hasn’t been a contest in the community in 14 years, so in a way, the lay of the land is unknown," said O’Leary. "I think it’s important the community have a choice in the political arena."
O’Leary has spent her professional life in community service. She is the founder and Executive Director of A Red Thread Adoption Services, which is located in Norwood. The company is named after a Chinese proverb that speaks of an invisible red thread that connects people who are destined to come together in life.
She said part of her ambition to run for office comes from constant interaction with those families.
"As a social worker, I have always been attuned to the issues families care about," said O’Leary, who declined to talk about specific issues. She said she expects to focus on affordable housing, medical care, education and local aid in the campaign.
A first-time candidate, O’Leary said she has considered running for office previously.
"This is not just a spur of the moment decision," said O’Leary, who said she wants her campaign to be fun.
O’Leary will officially launch her campaign at a kickoff event Wednesday night, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Olde Colonial Cafe, 171 Nahatan Street. O’Leary said she hopes residents come out to discuss issues that concern them. The state primary is Sept. 19.
"This is about creating dialogue," said O’Leary. "This summer I expect to be knocking on a lot of doors - having discussions and doing a lot of listening."
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