Tom Reilly in Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2001-2009
On Civil Rights:
Investigated clergy sexual abuse in Boston Archdiocese
When reports surfaced about the widespread sexual abuse of children by clergy in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, Tom stood up to the church hierarchy and its lawyers and forced them to release all records related to abusive priests.
His office investigated the actions of church management and issued a landmark report that detailed their complete failure to protect children from abuse and presented the steps necessary to make sure this terrible tragedy was never repeated.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
On Crime:
Established Community Based Justice crime prevention program
As District Attorney, Tom brought a fresh approach to fighting crime and protecting people and communities. His Community Based Justice program brought together mayors, school officials, prosecutors, police and others to identify young people headed for
a life of crime, prison or worse. The program became a national model for preventing youth violence. After two terms as DA, Tom ran for Attorney General in 1998 and won again.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
On Education:
Education the only path to real opportunity
Tom’s parents knew that education was the only path to real opportunity in America. A product of both Springfield public schools and Cathedral High School , Tom became the first person in his family to attend college.
After one year at Saint Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia , he returned to Springfield to attend American International College where he graduated in 1964.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
On Health Care:
Worked to protect coverage during HMO bankruptcy
When Harvard Pilgrim was on the brink of financial ruin, Tom stepped in and took prompt action to protect coverage for the plan’s one million members and make sure doctors and health care providers were paid.
Today, Harvard Pilgrim has returned to financial health and is consistently rated among the top health plans nationally.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Born and raised in Springfield
Tom Reilly was born and raised in Springfield , Massachusetts. Tom learned the values of hard work and responsibility from his parents, who immigrated to this country from Ireland. His mother worked as a maid. His father was a laborer for the city of
Springfield who worked his way up to foreman. As a boy working alongside his father on summer road crews, Tom gained an early appreciation for what it means to be a part of a team and what it takes to get a job done right.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Worked for CIA and Ford Motors
Tom’s early career included brief stints as an analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency in Virginia and then in labor relations with Ford Motor Company in Detroit before he returned to Massachusetts to pursue a career as a lawyer.
He earned his law degree in 1970 from Boston College Law School. Tom has spent his career fighting against injustice, speaking for those without a voice, and working to make things better for the people and families of Massachusetts.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Served as prosecutor and Middlesex District Attorney
Reilly served as a prosecutor for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and a civil rights lawyer for the Attorney General’s Office before going into private practice.
In 1983, Tom returned to public service as the First Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County. When the position of Middlesex DA opened up in 1990, Tom ran for the job and won.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
On Principles & Values:
A leader on issues that matter to the people
As Attorney General, Tom quickly established himself as a leader on issues that matter to the people of Massachusetts: protecting children and elders; preserving access to quality, affordable health care; ensuring a competitive economy
for businesses and safety and fairness for workers; making our schools better; keeping up the fight against tobacco companies; and standing up to national efforts to weaken environmental laws.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Married for 40 years; three kids; six grandkids
Tom and his wife, Ruth, whom he met when both were college students in Western Massachusetts , were married in 1966. They have three daughters, five granddaughters and a grandson.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
Page last updated: Dec 02, 2018