Candidates at a Glance: Mike Sullivan

You may recognize this familiar face outside the Post Office at the Bunker Hill Mall or inside Dunkin Donuts where we had the pleasure of interviewing Mike Sullivan or “Sully” as he is more apt to be called by many who know him. Mike Sullivan is another local candidate getting ready to run for the Honorary “Mayor of Charlestown” title. A lifelong Townie, born on Harvard Street, later moving to Tremont Street, Monument Ave., and Ferrin Street in his lifetime. His parents met in England during the War. His father John was born in Bethlehem PA, with roots in County Cork, Ireland, and his mother Margaret Kerins was actually born in County Kerry, Ireland in a place called Tralee (where the Rose of Tralee contest was held). Mike and his siblings and many of his cousins attended St. Francis de Sales Grammar School. He then went on to the Clarence R. Edwards Middle School, and graduated with the “Class of 1968” from Charlestown High School. Mike had visited Ireland once about 28 years ago. He remembers playing football in Belfast along with some of our local talent and the final score being 66 to 0, only to find out later that the Europa Hotel where they were booked to stay had coincidentally been bombed 66 times. He reminisced about being on the “1991 World Half-ball Championship Team”...remarking, “the trophy was a modified golfers trophy with the end of the club sawed off. There was no such thing as a half-ball trophy!" He would love to see game of "Half Ball" make a comeback here in Charlestown and if enough interest is generated he will make it happen as Mayor. Mike has two grown sons, both of whom are married. Brendan, who works construction and lives about 9 hours drive away in Caribou Maine, and Cameron, who lives on the Tewksbury/Wilmington line is a general manager at Jordans furniture in Reading, and an avid Bruins fan. This brought up memories of his past job working on the “bull gang” at Boston Garden, which had its perks. He was able to witness 8 Celtic Championships and 2 Bruins Stanley Cup wins, as well as seeing some famous name concerts including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin to name a few. Mike is currently employed as a Boston Public Schools worker and looks forward to retiring in the near future. During our interview, local political analyst Danny Gibbons gave us his prediction while waiting in line for his coffee. “Sully will win” he said, “and in the end, you will not be counting his votes, but weighing them instead!" Mike will be getting tips from his campaign managers Katie O'Leary and Shannon Lundin. To vote, you can visit Sully down the Mini Mall or contact his campaign leaders, or call him at (781) 228-0161. 

The winner of the 2014 Mayor of Charlestown Race will be announced on Friday, June 13 during the "Night Before" Banquet at the Knights of Columbus. For tickets to the event, contact Doc Sheehan at (617) 242-0180.