Outgoing Governor Deval Patrick says he is still undecided about his future plans as his second term in power comes to an end.
Speaking last week, Governor Patrick told The Irish Emigrant that he was planning to "take a long warm weather nap" with his wife, Diane, before making any decisions on his future.
Despite speculation in the media about a possible run for the White House, he confirmed that he will not be "running for president in 2016."
The interview touched on a number of topics beyond the governor’s own political future including the issue of immigration and Massachusetts very large immigrant community.
Speaking of his legacy to the community, Patrick said "I hope the biggest achievement is [creating] a sense that we are a part of one community, we all belong here, we have a stake in each other, in our neighbors dreams and struggles as well as our own."
Adding "That [achievement] is not just on one policy, but all the policies and how they hang together, where they come from and what is the spirit of those policies are."
However, the outgoing Governor did admit his biggest disappointment was the failure of the state to pass the Safe Driving Bill which would allow all road drivers regardless of status to avail of a driving license.
He admitted "It may be a small thing in the scheme of things but from a public safety point of view, we ought to have everyone who drives on our roads certified."
Governor Patrick will leave the corner office this January and hand over his administration to Republican Governor-Elect Charlie Baker.
Speaking of his work over the last 8 years, Patrick said "As I take my leave, I feel good about where the Commonwealth is."
A Democratic politician, Patrick acknowledges that Baker will have fundamentally different strategies on governing the state but believes that regardless of this, his successor "gets it." Patrick is optimistic that the new Governor will continue to grow the Commonwealth and help spread prosperity across the state and not just in the Greater Boston area.
Patrick said, "The elections are over and I want the Governor-Elect to succeed and his administration to be a success.”
Although when it comes to immigration the democratic continues "I don't know what his approach on immigration issues will be."
The outgoing Governor who has been a strong advocate for immigrants throughout his two terms in power believes that the new administration must make policies based on the reality of the current population in Massachusetts.
"There is a large part of our population right now, [who are] new Americans or undocumented people so you can rail all day long about it....or use your political slogans.. but it actually doesn't deal with what the reality is," he said
Further adding "The reality is we have human beings, we have neighbors, we have workers, we have contributors right here right now and practical leaders are going to find practical solutions to this and the sooner we start dealing with it practically instead of this wild hate language the better off we will be.”
“The Governor elect says he is a practical guy."
After two terms as the head of state, Patrick admits that he has learnt a lot but the biggest lesson he will take with him is "humility." Adding, "You meet people who are extraordinarily creative and resilient, some are creative and resilient building companies, some are creative and resilient at just staying alive."
Governor Patrick will complete his last day in office on January 7 with the traditional "Lone Walk" ceremony from the State House.
The new Governor, Charlie Baker, is scheduled to be sworn in on Thursday, January 8 by the next Senate president, expected to be Amherst Democrat Stanley Rosenberg.
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