Grads To Help Lead Bay State

This week, Massachusetts Governor-Elect Mitt Romney appointed Tufts graduates to two of his first four top cabinet posts.

Boston [12-05-02] -- While Massachusetts Governor-Elect Mitt Romney prepares to take office in January, his cabinet of top advisors is beginning to take shape. On Tuesday, he named two accomplished Tufts graduates to top posts in his administration – chief of staff and chief legal counsel.

“Romney … appointed as his chief-of-staff a Beacon Hill insider – Beth Myers, who served as chief of staff to former state treasurer Joe Malone for five years,” reported The Boston Globe. “Myers was a trusted advisor on Romney’s campaign, playing the role of his Democratic opponent, Shannon O’Brien, in preparation for debates.”

The 1979 Tufts graduate – who has been active in Republican politics for many years – brings a lot of experience of Massachusetts’ political landscape to her new post.

“She has a keen understanding of how the State House works,” Romney told the Globe.

The Governor-elect also tapped 1980 Tufts graduate Daniel Winslow as his chief legal counsel.

“Winslow … is a former trial lawyer and presiding justice of the Wrentham District Court, appointed by Weld in 1995,” reported the Globe. “He, too, has ties to the state Republican party, having served as general counsel to the party, and handled legislative and congressional redistricting.”

The popular judge served as Romney’s chief counsel during his 1994 U.S. Senate campaign before taking his current job on the bench.

“It’s rare that a sitting judge steps away from a lifetime tenured job to do something in another sphere of public service,” Romney told the Globe, praising the Tufts graduate.

Considered by many to be key players in Romney’s new administration, the two Tufts graduates will have major roles as the Governor-Elect takes over the State House corner office in January.

“Time and time again, I’ve found that putting together the right team of highly talented people is essential to accomplishing any great task,” Romney told The Boston Herald.

He said Myers and Winslow bring critical experience to his growing administration.

“These appointments cover individuals who are from both sides of the political aisle, whose background is in business, public service, and other endeavors that we can use to draw on in the coming years,” Romney told the Globe.

Photos courtesy The Boston Globe and www.romney2002.com