Government Affairs - Detail

Legislator Spotlight: John Keenan

March 16, 2009

Legislator Spotlight: State Representative John Keenan (D-Salem)

Every October, the home town of State Representative John Keenan becomes a haven for history buffs, amateur (and professional) ghost-hunters and costumed revelers alike. Then again, Salem is a year-round destination, with world-class museums, top-notch dining, scenic streets and beaches and, of course, some of the most beautiful inns, B&Bs and hotels on the North Shore. It comes as no surprise that the Salem native has tourism in his blood.

Upon his arrival in the State House in 2005, Representative Keenan immediately applied his tourism experience, joining the Coastal Caucus, the Boating Caucus and the newly-created Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. He was seen regularly at tourism and lodging functions, including events hosted by the North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau and the MLA. Representative Keenan quickly established himself as a staunch advocate for the state’s tourism industry.

In 2009, Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) recognized Representative Keenan’s experience and leadership in this area and appointed him the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. Upon his appointment, Chairman Keenan immediately reached out to the industry, quickly establishing a strong working relationship with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the Massachusetts Lodging Association, along with other key organizations. “Hospitality and tourism are absolutely vital contributors to the Massachusetts economy,” he said. “As House Chair of this Committee, I want to make sure that this industry has both a voice and a partner in the State House.”

For more information about State Representative John Keenan’s background and legislative record on behalf of the tourism industry, visit his website at http://www.johnkeenan.org/index.htm, or his State House website, http://www.mass.gov/legis/member/jdk1.htm.