O’Brien held a campaign kick-off event at the Halifax Country Club for over 200 guests including Senator Theresa Murray and U.S. Congressman Bill Delahunt.  Also among O’Brien’s supporters were Academy Award winning actor Chris Cooper and his wife Maryanne, who praised the politician’s support of special and early childhood education as residents of Kingston.  The three met during O’Brien’s tenure on the Kingston School Committee.

O’Brien currently represents the 12th Plymouth District, which consists of precincts one and six in Duxbury, parts of Halifax, Middleborough, and Plymouth and the towns of Kingston and Plympton.

On Monday, O’Brien said there were several accomplishments he was proud of during his eight years in the House, including two years representing the town of Duxbury.  During this time, O’Brien has had 20 pieces of legislation pass as law, one of the highest percentages among state representatives, and placed 2,100 consecutive votes on House legislation.

He also included many honors such as being named Legislator of the Year by the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association in 2000 and 2003 and by the Arthritis Foundation in 2002 as just some of the accolades he has achieved, but said that what he hopes is one of his most notable traits is his accessibility and responsiveness to his constituents.

“The most important part of my job is to serve my constituency in the 12th Plymouth District,” he said.  “I never imagined I would get on average 75 calls, 100 letters and 250 e-mail per day.  There are people who need their elected officials to help, whether it is cutting through bureaucracy or pushing for a specific cause.”

O’Brien said that he hopes his consecutive voting record speaks for itself as he feels it is a critical part of his job to “be there and reflect my constituents on these issues.”

As important as it is to be in the House voting, O’Brien also said he feels strongly about being in the community, holding office hours in all of the towns he represents and attended 103 straight Eagle Scout ceremonies in these towns.

“I’m an Eagle Scout myself and have respect for that organization and believe I need to be there personally to make my presentation to these young men,” he said.  “I also attend gold award ceremonies for girl scouts because both of these [groups] exemplify what it means to be an American: helping others and dedication to service.”

While a redistricting plan in Massachusetts was shot down earlier this year by a U.S. Circuit Court, O’Brien said that he and Representative Daniel Webster (R-Hanson) will continue to work together for the town’s best interests.

“Dan and I split Duxbury and Halifax and not many people know this, but we also went to kindergarten together,” said O’Brien.  “We have been to town meetings and helped during issues such as the health insurance trust fund and will continue to present the level of cooperation and teamwork we have for the past two years.”

O’Brien noted that in his time representing Duxbury, he is impressed with the high level of involvement from its citizens.

“Whether it is affordable housing or open space causes, so many get involved and people definitely are willing to spend their time and share their ideas together,” he said.

Wayne Dennison, co-chairman of the Duxbury Democratic Town Committee, said that O’Brien has done a fine job for residents and feels fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant working for the town’s interests.

“Every time I’ve talked with him, he has been so thoughtful and personal and that makes for the kind of public official you want,” he said.

To date, O’Brien has no opponent in November’s race.