I know I don’t live in Cambridge, but I wanted to take a moment to tell you about my friend and mentor, Marc McGovern.
I first met Marc when I was 12 and a student at a therapeutic school for kids with various educational and behavioral issues. Marc was my social worker.
I was having a hard time. I had a lot of anxiety that made it hard for me to concentrate and focus on my schoolwork. Marc was there for me. He met with me every day, sometimes more than once. He supported my parents as they tried to figure out how to help. He was compassionate and understanding.
After leaving and going on to graduate from high school and college, using many of the skills Marc and I worked on, I went to graduate school to become a social worker myself. I even went to the same Master of Social Work program as Marc at Simmons University.
Since becoming an adult, Marc and I have reconnected (he even officiated my wedding). We talk regularly, he gives me personal and professional advice and, not that its a surprise, but he’s still the same compassionate and understanding person he was all those years ago.
I’m writing this letter because I think politics needs people such as Marc – people who care, people who want to help others, people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference.
I may not be able to vote in Cambridge, but if I could I would be voting for Marc, and I hope you do too.
David
The writer is a child and family therapist.
This post was updated Dec. 1, 2023, to remove certain details about the writer.
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what a lovely sentiment. I’m glad to know that Councilor McGovern had his moments. Sounds like a long time ago, back when he was idealistic. I wish we could see that empathy, communication, mentoring, individual guidance and care for ALL people now. Unfortunately, as a councilor he has a different skill set which he also excels at- and those who do not agree with particular positions tend to be slighted if not targets.
This piece sounds exactly like the Marc I know. It’s true that in a leadership position he can’t always make everyone happy, and he has to make some tough calls. But he doesn’t hide his positions or the fact that there are tradeoffs involved, and I respect that.
He’s a compassionate guy who consistently puts vulnerable people first, and he listens to people even when he disagrees. He just doesn’t BS anyone – he’s not afraid to take and defend a strong position when it’s to help people.
Marc has a really good heart. He helps people in need, and doesn’t make them feel like he did them a favor and doesn’t want a favor in return. He’s always nice and funny too, and makes people feel good. I’ve seen him reach out to friends to help clients find a car, or stable housing, or good clothing. We are lucky to have him and I think having a social worker on the council, especially with all the struggles people have right now, is really important.
It is interesting that in this election we have several social workers on the ballot. But their temperaments seem to be different from the current councilor’s. I do not appreciate the way he calls out citizens on the floor by name in a chastising manner. I don’t like the snark in personal comments if you challenge him. I don’t care for the defensiveness on the floor portraying himself as a victim pushing back at times. Does that outweigh some of his good positions which actually DO watch out for everyone and not just those who voted for him? not sure. I want someone who plays well with others, who is an adult in the room, and not one who feels he has to punch back at every perceived slight. Where is the McGovern of yesteryear as reported? He doesn’t listen to everyone and actually ignores them altogether because they challenge his positions. And by several accounts tends to be a bully because of it. I want data-driven experienced fresh blood.