Ready To Serve

As we approach the final stretch of this campaign, I am excited about the challenges that lie ahead. This has been a 20-month journey, which began within early 2007. As a military officer, I felt called to continue serving my community. I am proud to be in this race – and the first to enter, well before Mr. Turkington announced he was not seeking re-election.

I expected this campaign to be a tough, grassroots effort and I never doubted my decision to run – or to run as an Independent. Running as an Independent candidate has helped send a message that the paralyzing partisanship plaguing our federal, state, and often times, local government is unacceptable. And I will remain an Independent if elected.

During this journey, I have met countless community members and listened to your insightful thoughts and ideas – often incorporating them into my policy proposals. I learned more than I ever expected.

I’ve met with former and current State Representatives, a former Governor, Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs, Commanding Officers, Officers-in-Charge, and many area reporters, delivering fresh ideas, new approaches to old problems, and displayed an unrelenting commitment to service.

I have toured facilities, chatted with small business owners, attended town meetings, and consumed my fare share of coffees while discussing our region’s needs with concerned voters. Trust that your voices have been heard.

Traveling to Nantucket, throughout Falmouth, and amongst the familiar neighborhoods on the Vineyard has truly been a joy.

This job description requires more than the same partisan politics and ego stroking. This position requires looking out for the care of our communities and our constituents and nothing more. I believe, as many of you do, that the effectiveness of an elected official lies in their ability to answer constituents’ concerns. And I will always be at the ready to serve you. It is part of my ethos as a military officer and as a person.

People often correlate age with level of experience. But I would respectfully argue that my diverse experience is far more applicable to servicing the needs of you and our community in the years ahead than that of my highly esteemed colleagues.

I have stood the watch with my shipmates in defense of our homeland. I have helped lead our sailors in the effort to protect our nation’s most critical ports. As a military aide, I attended dynamic meetings with leaders from Senators Kennedy (MA) and Snowe (ME) to Mayor Michael Bloomberg (NYC). I learned from these and other government officials, as well the many senior leaders I worked alongside in the U.S. Coast Guard.

My undergraduate studies in business coupled with my graduate studies in Northeastern University’s Masters of Leadership program further define my abilities to serve our communities.

I have been fortunate to receive professional business experiences in private equity, venture capital, and institutional investment management. I have seen departments laid off and investments scaled back. In difficult economic times, I know what it takes to be a better steward of our taxpayers’ money.

In sum, I am prepared for this challenge and my tested leadership abilities make me the best candidate for the job. This entire campaign would not have been possible without my family, friends, volunteers, and those members of the community who continue to give graciously of their time. Their spirit inspires me. My military and business background, coupled with my leadership abilities and character are worthy of your vote.

It would be my honor to serve you and I thank you for all of your support.

Respectfully,

Jacob Ferreira
Candidate for State Representative
Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket District