Political newcomer runs for governor

April 28, 2021 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD – In a growing Democratic field of candidates to succeed Gov. Charlie Baker, Orlando Silva has an interesting story.

The Brazilian immigrant and Shrewsbury resident explained he has become a successful business owner and wants to give back to the nation that has given him so much.

“I can tell you how much I appreciate how much this country has offered me,” he told Reminder Publishing. Silva came to this country at age 15.

On an informal trip to Springfield, Silva explained that he started thinking about running for governor several years ago. He recalled watching at that time Baker on television in 2018 promising to “fix” the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority.

“He didn’t do that,” Silva said.

“The more I talked about it the more I thought I should do it,” he said. He said friends called him “crazy,” and suggested he run for city councilor or for the state senate instead.

“I want to make a difference,” he noted. This campaign is his first political effort.

He added that Baker is “the governor of Boston, not Massachusetts.”

His website list four major priorities:

• “Growth: Bringing new industry and companies to all parts of Massachusetts with job opportunities and revenue.

• Education: Motivating children with modern learning and technology and removing limitations, helping and encouraging them to be more.

• Healthcare Reform: Adequate healthcare coverage at a fair cost, whether private or MassHealth for all.

• Equality: Providing equal opportunities for all communities and residents of Massachusetts.”

Silva strongly believes in the idea of setting an example for public service as well as trying to inspire people to do their best.

“Stepping up to plate is worthwhile,” he said.  

As part of his equality platform is regional equity and Silva said if he is elected he intends to work out of offices in Worcester and Springfield as well as Boston.

“We need to grow the rest of Massachusetts. We need to bring new jobs and companies to Western Massachusetts,” he said.

He believes having the governor visible outside of Boston would help encourage more economic development.

Silva also would work on the expansion of broadband throughout the state as well as making sure Massachusetts schools have what they need for students to succeed in the 21st Century.

With the primaries next year, Silva has more than a year to make an impression with voters.

“I’ve got to try to make a difference. I’ve seen enough resemblance to what I grew up with [in Brazil] and I don’t like it,” he said.   

His website is www.massachusettsforall.com.

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