Former Senator
James Jajuga to be honored
as 2008 Democrat of the year Award to be
given at Annual Spring Breakfast
METHUEN–
Eleni Varitimos, Chairwoman, of the
Methuen Democratic Committee today
announced that former State Senator and
Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety,
James P. Jajuga, would be honored as this
year’s Democrat of the Year.
The award is
bestowed annually on a member of the
community with a history of exemplifying
the Democratic ideals of civic activism,
community stewardship, and commitment to
the election of Democrats to public
office.
“Senator
Jajuga is a wonderful choice for this
year’s award. He has represented the
Democratic Party for many years as our
State Senator and is very active in
campaigns on every level,” said
Chairwoman Varitimos. “We are really
excited to honor his service to
Methuen."
Jim Jajuga served with the Massachusetts
State Police for 21 years. He was the
first recipient of the prestigious Hannah
Award given to a trooper for bravery in
the line of duty. He was honorably
discharged and retired in 1990. Jim then
began his career as a State Senator
serving six terms in the Legislature
where he served on the Senate Committee
on Ways and Means and was the Chairman of
the Committee on Public Safety. In 2001,
immediately after 9/11, Jajuga was
appointed as the Secretary of Public
Safety where he served for 18 months. He
oversaw twenty-one state agencies and was
responsible for a budget of over 1
billion dollars. Since his departure from
public service Jim was a consultant for
Northpoint Realty; late last year, Jim
was named the President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Greater
Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.
He is a graduate of Northeastern
University and is completing graduate
courses at Boston University. Jajuga the
father of two sons, the doting
grandfather of two granddaughters, and
resides in Methuen with his wife Paula.
The Committee will be conducting a Straw
Poll at the event, a key early indicator
of local support in the upcoming
elections. There will also be speeches by
noted Democrats.
This year’s Spring Breakfast will be
held on Saturday, April 19th from 9:30
a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Methuen
Senior Center. Tickets are $15 and are
available at the door.
The award is
bestowed annually on a member of the
community with a history of exemplifying
the Democratic ideals of civic activism,
community stewardship, and commitment to
the election of Democrats to public
office.
