Devaney Seeks a Seventh Term on Governor's Council

Marilyn M. Petitto Devaney

1)   Experience and background

Devaney lives in Watertown, where she was a Town Councilor and served in political office for more than 30 years. In town government she was know for speaking her mind and at times was a controversial figure. She was first elected to the Governor's Council in 1998 and is seeking a seventh term.

2) Many voters are not familiar with what the Governor's Council. What is the most important role of the Governor's Council?

"The Governor's Council provides the checks and balance for the Governor. The governor presents his nominees to us. The candidates come to us and we vote on them."

Among the positions the Governor's Council reviews are judges, clerk magistrates, members of the Parole Board, members of the Industrial Accident Board and the Appellate Tax Board.

The district stretches from Watertown through the Merrimack Valley to the New Hampshire border, and Devaney said she represents 800,000 people.

3) What would be your priority as a member of the Governor's Council?

"When I was first elected I was appalled. When a candidate comes before us to vote for them, under penalty of perjury (the candidate) has to give us a list of names of people they gave donation," Devaney said. "The (candidate's) list had the names off all the people sitting with me (on the Governor's Board) and the governor and lieutenant governor."

Devaney said she would like to change how judges are appointed to the bench, and give the board a chance to review their work after being appointed.

"Members of the Industrial Accident Board are appointed for seven years, then they are up for reappointment. I think it should be same for judges."

4) What separates you from your opponent?

Devaney said she has the experience that her challenger, Nicholas Iannuzzi of Belmont, does not have. She also differentiated herself from other members of the council

"I make sure to see the past record of an applicant. I am the only person (on the council) who meets with all the nominees, and I have the best attend out of the eight of us."

5) What is your primary message to the voters?

"I want to make sure when we vote for that (nominee), at the end of the day when we walk out of the courthouse I want to make sure people know they have a fair hearing."