After a lifetime of public service, Robert Reich '68 said that the tragic events of Sept. 11 were what inspired him to seek elected office for the first time.
The former U.S. Labor Secretary jumped into a crowded political arena when he announced his candidacy for the Massachusetts governorship earlier this month.
"Like many people, I was shaken by the tragedy. I asked myself, 'How can I contribute?'" Reich said. "The Massachusetts economy continued to deteriorate. My expertise is jobs and the economy -- I've spent most of my adult life trying to actively improve [them] and I thought I could help."
Education and job skills are among Reich's top priorities.
A plan to make community colleges "the hubs of a new work force of training and development" would play a significant role in his administration.
Reich must garner 15 percent of delegates' votes at the state Democratic Party convention May 31 to get on the ballot. Most delegates are selected in town and city caucuses that commence Feb. 2.
"It's going to be difficult to organize people for the early caucuses," he said. "I'm hoping that I can make my case as strongly as I can ... if I can get on the ballot, I think my chances are pretty good."
Reich announced his entry into the 2002 gubernatorial race later than most of his opponents: he is the sixth Democrat to do so.
The decision to enter the race 10 months before an election was only considered "late given the Massachusetts political calendar," Reich said.
Reich added that his opponents, who include State Senate President Thomas F. Birmingham and State Treasurer Shannon P. O'Brien, have been "pursuing the governorship for several years and have put together ... a lot of money."
Acting Governor Jane Swift (R) is also running for election.
Currently a professor of social and economic policy at Brandeis University, Reich has taught at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and served as an assistant U.S. solicitor general.
His Dartmouth experience included serving as president of the Student Government, winning the Eleanor Frost Playwrighting Contest and founding the Dartmouth Experimental College, where students and Hanover residents alike taught public courses in current events.
Reich has also served on the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Council.
