Dwight Caufield
Dwight “Dusty” Caufield, a lifelong resident of Lynn, will kick off his candidacy for state representative of the 10th Essex District at an event this Sunday, Jan. 15 at The Lazy Dog in Wyoma Square.
Caufield, a Republican, is running for the seat currently held by State Rep. Robert F. Fennell, a Democrat.
Caufield, 50, attended Cobbett Junior High and graduated in 1980 from Lynn Classical where he was an Item all-star lineman for the Rams’ Super Bowl championship team. He attends Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.
His work experience includes more than 20 years in the health care industry, a position with a large multinational company, and a teaching job at the Peterson School of Engineering. He currently works as an HVAC technician at the Massachusetts General/North Shore Center in Danvers.
Caufield said during his campaign he will focus on issues such as public safety, taxes, and entitlement programs. He is making his first bid for elective office though he has worked for other candidates in their campaigns, including Clay Walsh’s bid for councilor-at-large in the November election.
Caufield has begun meeting with Lynn residents and reaching out to the business community. He intends to conduct door-to-door visits and has selected blue and white for the colors of his campaign cards and bumper stickers.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to get my message out,” said Caufield. “I’ve been in touch with residents in my neighborhood and the Highlands. I want to know what people are talking about and what they’re thinking about. Right now I’m just trying to get volunteers and supporters to assist in my campaign.”
Caufield said that Fennell has been unopposed in past elections.
“I think everybody should have an opponent for democracy to work,” said Caufield. “I see so many hard-working, good people leaving our city. But I’m digging in and I want this city to turn around. I’ve been here all my life and I figure it’s worth staying so I’m going to try to help the city. A lot of my friends said that my heart’s in the right place and that I should run for office.”
Caufield and his wife Barbara (Garian) have two sons, Shane and Jesse, who attend St. Mary’s High School.
Caufield said people can learn more about his candidacy by visiting his Web site: www.dwightcaufieldforstaterep.com.