An Interview with State Representative Paul Tucker 

One of the roles of the North Shore Alliance is to stay on top of what’s going on economically within our state and region. To do this, it is helpful for us to connect with state and local leaders to get a better sense of where we stand as a state and region, in regard to community and economic development.

In a recent North Shore Conversation, a weekly radio show produced by the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and hosted by Laura Swanson, we had the opportunity to chat with Representative Paul Tucker, who is currently serving his fourth term as State Representative for the Seventh Essex District with consists of Salem, Massachusetts. 

Who Is Representative Paul Tucker? 

Representative Tucker is currently in his 8th year and fourth term at the State House in Boston Massachusetts. In his previous terms, he had the opportunity to be on several standing committees such as the Judiciary Committee, Public Safety Committee, and Public Health Committee. 

This term he has four committee assignments including the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Committee, Transportation Committee, the Ways & Means Committee, and is Vice-Chairperson of the Municipal and Regional Government Committee. 

Prior to becoming a legislator, Representative Tucker had a 32-year career as a Salem police officer retiring as chief. 

How Law Enforcement Helped in the Role of State Representative

Representative Tucker is often asked about his role as a Salem Police Chief that helped prepare him in any way for his career as a State Representative. 

To him, the answer is quite simple. Both careers are based on public service so many of the skill sets are similar or have lots of crossovers. 

In particular, Representative Tucker noted that as the Police Chief of Salem, Massachusetts, he used a community policing model which meant there was quite a bit of relationship building and collaboration between town offices and the community at large. That collaboration is evident as a legislator as well. This is particularly important when working with other committees and legislators from across the aisle. He noted that “we all don’t have to agree, but we should have common goals.” 

Committee Assignments 

During our conversation with Representative Tucker, he explained a little further what each committee does that can help his constituents and help all of us understand his purpose and role while at the State House this term. 

Mr. Tucker is in his 6th year on the House Ways and Means Committee which considers all legislation affect­ing the finances of the Commonwealth including the budget-writing for the state. 

As Vice-Chairperson of the Municipal and Regional Government considers matters seeking the enactment of special laws for a city or town.

Serving on the Transportation Committee allows Rep. Tucker to handle all matters concerning the development, operation, regulation, and control of all means of transportation in the air, on land, or in the water. This could involve naming a bridge or encouraging investments in Massachusetts infrastructures such as bridges and roads. 

The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery consider all matters concerning behavioral health, mental illness, and substance use disorder, including prevention and early intervention. 

To listen to the North Shore Conversation with Representative Tucker visit our site or click the link.