FROM OUR PRINTED MARCH 2025 EDITION
‘Republican’ Run for Governor Shattered Before It Began
by Kristen Brisette
by Kristen Brissette
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Mike Kennealy was guest speaker at the Sandwich Republican Town Committee (RTC) monthly meeting. He was invited to attend because he is an announced candidate for governor. In a crowded room at the JD Burgers Restaurant, Kennealy was warmly received by approximately 40 guests consisting of residents from Pembroke to Truro.
Kennealy, a Lexington resident, introduced himself as the former housing and economic development secretary during the Baker administration. In that position, he was responsible for advancing the agenda of the Baker administration to open opportunities for residents by creating jobs, growing businesses, and developing housing.
During that time, the MBTA Communities Act was written by the Baker administration, largely by Kennealy. According to the website Mass.gov, the Communities Act, Section 3A of the State Zoning Act, passed in 2021, “is a multi-family housing requirement that 177 cities and towns will establish at least 1 district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right. A district of reasonable size shall: (i) have a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre, subject to any further limitations imposed by Section 40 of Chapter 131 and Title 5 of the State environmental code established pursuant to section 13 of chapter 21A; and (ii) be located not more than 0.5 miles from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal, or bus station.”
Kennealy answered questions put forth by guests. The first question pertained to his involvement and support for the MBTA Communities Act. Some voters from Bourne, a town which is an MBTA member and subject to the requirements of the Communities Act, asked multiple questions about how the MBTA dictates to member towns under the Communities Act. The concerns of the Bourne citizens are having to comply with these dictates and currently receiving no MBTA services whatsoever. Kennealy had no substantive response to questions about other MBTA member towns revolting against the Communities Act. One guest voiced, “it would probably be more prudent for the MBTA to stick to their primary purpose which is train transportation of passengers as opposed to real estate development. They are a transportation service, and they cannot even do that right.”
Eileen Starrs, vice chair of the Sandwich RTC and co-chair of Cape Cod Concerned Citizens, asked if he became governor, would Kennealy impose the 287(g) Agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upon Massachusetts Law Enforcement and Correctional facilities. Kennealy replied, “I don’t know what that is.” Starrs gave a detailed explanation of the 287(g) Agreement as being a government contract between ICE and state and/or local law enforcement agencies with detention and/or correctional facilities. The contract allows local law enforcement agencies to assist in some immigration enforcement duties such as identifying and removing criminals who are a menace to public safety.
With no comment from Kennealy on the subject of cooperation with ICE, he told Starrs he would have to look into it. Guests were taken aback that Kennealy, thinking of running for governor, was not aware of this essential program that is currently very much in the public eye, especially due to the influx of criminal illegal aliens being welcomed into Massachusetts by the Healey administration, the current state attorney general, and sanctuary cities.
Pam Vidal, Falmouth RTC chair, asked Kennealy if he donated through his wife the maximum amount allowed by law, $1,000, to the Democratic candidate for governor, Maura Healey, in 2022. This donation is recorded on the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance website. Kennealy answered that his wife is independent, and she donated to many people. Someone then pointed out, since Maura Healey announced she is going to run for re-election, doesn’t a donation from his family to his opponent place him in an awkward position? Kennealy stated that his wife was free to donate to whom she wished. It was then noted that Kennealy himself did not donate to Healey’s opponent, Geoff Diehl, nor to Jay McMahon running for attorney general. Kennealy’s response was that he did not donate to any candidates during that time, but now he donates to local races.
Susanne Conley of Save Greater Dowses Beach and former candidate for state representative in the 2nd Barnstable District, asked Kennealy about his support for off-shore wind projects and wind farms. Kennealy responded that he is in favor of alternative energy sources on a case-by-case basis. When it was brought to his attention facts about the dangers of wind projects and wind farms as well as the lack of any cost benefits from them, he had no further response.
The paramount unveiling question of the evening for Kennealy asked by Bourne RTC Chair Peter Fisher was as follows: “Charlie Baker did not support Donald Trump. Do you?”
Kennealy disclosed, “I DIDN’T VOTE FOR ANYONE FOR PRESIDENT. I will work with Donald Trump if I’m governor to advance our interests here in Massachusetts. His (Trump) approach is different than mine. His style is different than mine.”
When guests heard that Kennealy not only declined to vote for Donald Trump, but he chose to sit out the presidential vote, they were appalled. Judging by the gasps and “boos” in the room, and witnessing people who actually walked out after that response, Kennealy committed political suicide.
It was an awkward moment seeing a potential Republican gubernatorial candidate asking other Republicans for their support, while being in the midst of Trump supporters, declare that he did not cast a vote for Trump as president of the United States.
Kennealy will not have the support of many voters on Cape Cod. ♦
