Mike meets voters at the Sudbury Independence Day Parade
As State Auditor, Mike will bring new leadership to an office that has not had a fresh perspective in almost 25 years. As the only Democratic candidate for State Auditor who is independent of the Massachusetts political establishment, Mike is in a unique position to provide the outside perspective that the State's top watchdog agency requires. Mike was born and raised in Melrose, Massachusetts, and it was here that he first learned about the value of a dollar and the challenges that many families face in Massachusetts. Mike was raised by a single mother who had to work full-time to support Mike and his younger sister. This left Mike to takeover many of the household responsibilities at a young age.
Mike had to learn how to manage the house under a strict budget because money was often tight for his family. Mike had the unique ability "to take a nickel and turn it into a dollar" according to his mother, Jeanne Lake. Mike was deeply influenced by the mentorship of his public school teachers, from whom he learned the importance of giving back and the value of government services like public education. As a child from a struggling family, Mike wanted to reach out and help others who were struggling in his community. When Mike was in high school, he would go to the bakery everyday after school and take bread to the local women's shelter. The strong set of values that inspired Mike to give back even as his own family was facing tough times has stuck with Mike throughout his life. As State Auditor, Mike will work to eliminate inefficiencies in government while preserving the vital services that working families in Massachusetts rely on.
Public Service
Mike has always been committed to public service, and when it came time to choose his final Northeastern University co-op he jumped at the opportunity to serve at the White House. During his co-op, Mike showed initiative and brought a unique perspective to his position, particularly in designing a new database to streamline billing processes that earned him an official appointment to President Bill Clinton's White House staff. While serving as Special Assistant for White House Operations, Mike was assigned to manage the day-to-day operations of the White House. He met that challenge by streamlining procedures and introducing new and innovative ideas in the $54 million government agency. His time at the White House only strengthened his commitment to helping others, and ever since then all of his diverse jobs have one common thread; public service.
Leadership
Mike has a unique leadership style that he has built upon throughout his career. He is not afraid to challenge the status quo and look for new and innovative ways to solve problems. He did this when he streamlined operations in the White House under President Clinton, and he will continue to do this as State Auditor. Mike currently serves as Executive Director of Northeastern University's World Class Cities Partnership where he works to bring together business, civic, and academic leaders to discuss and exchange best practices. As an outsider to Massachusetts state government, Mike will build upon all of his experience to offer a fresh perspective to the State Auditor's office.
Community
As Director of Development for United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, Mike set a United Way record by raising over $5.8 million to help improve area neighborhoods. He knows from first-hand experience the struggles that many families face in Massachusetts, and as State Auditor he will make the state's programs work for them. The State Auditor has oversight of organizations executing government contracts and Mike will use this authority to ensure that the contracts are fairly awarded to create sustainable jobs in Massachusetts. This will help families who are struggling to find work and strengthen the Commonwealth's economic recovery.
Independence
As an outsider to the political establishment, Mike's allegiance is to Massachusetts's residents and not to any state agencies, lobbyists, or career politicians. He is committed to preserving government services for working families and ensuring that their tax dollars are not wasted. The State Auditor acts as a watchdog for state agencies and government, and in order to be most effective it is important for the auditor to have an independent and open mind. Mike will bring these traits and strong Democratic values to the State Auditor's office.
Bringing the State Auditor's Office into the 21st Century
Mike brings a high level of transparency to every organization where he works, and he will continue to do so in the State Auditor's office. He will build upon his experiences and skills to bring the State Auditor's office into the 21st century. Mike will also introduce a statewide energy audit program. Introducing an energy audit program will help save on energy costs, cut wasteful spending, and help create Green jobs in Massachusetts. Mike believes that government operates best when citizens have a voice in the process, and he will use technology to bring a new level of transparency to the State Auditor's office.
