Whately Selectman Exploring Lt. Governor Run

Jonathan Edwards, a Whately selectman and cofounder of SmartPower, confirms to me that he is exploring a potential candidacy for Lieutenant Governor as a Democrat.

“There are 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, and the Lieutenant Governor should be the voice and ears of those cities and towns,” Edwards says. His cites his work as a four-term selectman, participation in regionalization efforts, and business and energy background as strengths for that position.

Steve Kerrigan, of Lancaster, and Mike Lake, of Melrose, are the only current candidates for the office. Edwards, like them, would run independently of the gubernatorial candidates.

When told that most voters in the Boston area might be unfamiliar with the town where he serves in office—Whately is nestled between Williamsburg and Deerfield, on Route 91 north of Amherst—Edwards says he looks forward to introducing the state to the town and the Western Massachusetts region.

Edwards expects to make a final decision soon.