Former Republican Guerriero Talks About Politics, Gay Rights

Former state representative and Melrose Mayor Patrick Guerriero, who was also Republican Gov. Jane Swift's choice for her running mate on the 2002 ticket, was back in Melrose this summer to endorse Democrat Katherine Clark for State Senate. Melrose Patch caught up with Guerriero recently on a visit to Boston:

Melrose Patch: It was quite surprising to hear that you were endorsing a Democrat for State Senate. Have you changed political parties?

Guerriero: Yes, to Independent. Primarily I have always looked at myself as being a public servant and I have found that bipartisanship is more important than party affiliation. I feel it's always been a better way to get the job done—to look at the real issues and not concentrate on any one party's agenda. I think a lot of people are frustrated with the political system and I am interested in making good policy rather than protecting party identity.

Melrose Patch: Why are you endorsing Clark?

Guerriero: I have been looking at political issues now for the past 20 year,  both as an insider and an outsider, and for the same reason that I am now a registered Independent, I am endorsing a Democrat in this particular race. It's not about party lines; it's about finding problem-solvers and people who I feel will get that job done. I love that new-found freedom now as a registered Independent.

Melrose Patch: Are you still working for the Gill Action Fund?

Guerriero: Yes, I have been with Gill for the past five years since leaving the Log Cabin Republicans. The company is based out of Denver and Washington, D.C., but I am happy to say that I am getting ready to be based out of Boston and I'm really excited about living here full time again (Guerriero has always maintained residency in Massachusetts). The Gill Group has allowed me to travel the country to promote bipartisan advocacy, with a special eye towards advancing equality of gay Americans.

Melrose Patch: What are your thoughts on the recent legal victories against the Defense of Marriage Act?

Guerriero: I remember when I was running as Lt. Governor and it was kind of a big deal to have a gay candidate on the ticket. I think things are starting to change and the country is slowly starting to move towards full equality. The fact that gay marriage is legal in five states and recognized in five more shows that the country is taking steps. I do believe that a lot of it will play out in the courts, with possibly Massachusetts and California headed to the Supreme Court because the reality is that it is still a hot button issue. A lot has happened in 10 years and I take pride and peace in knowing that it's a cause that I have never backed down from.

Melrose Patch: How have gay issues changed over the past decade?

Guerriero: I would say that Massachusetts is kind of in a "post-gay" mode—the issue of gay marriage is mostly resolved. Progress is being made in California, but as I travel I see the two things that affect the issue of equality: geography and demographics. There still is little protection for gay rights in the South and in a lot of cases, age factors in to it where there is an older population set in its ways. But I also really look at it of less and less of partisan issue. More and more prominent Republicans have come out in support of gay equality and gay marriage including Dick Cheney and Laura Bush. I do, however, give credit to the Democrats for leading the way.

Melrose Patch: What's on your current to-do list?

Guerriero: Short-term, I will be working to endorse a number of candidates across the country from both parties in the upcoming elections. I want to make sure that thoughtful, good candidates win. Long-term, I want to work on human rights issues on a global level and work to help do what we can to help America's heroes coming home from the wars. I think the country has underestimated the reality of what these veterans face when they get back from combat.

Melrose Patch: How do you think Massachusetts and Melrose are doing in light of the fiscal crisis?

Guerriero: Well the fiscal crisis is not over and I see the impact on states across the country. I think that some of the biggest challenges for the state are not behind us. I think the state needs steady and strong leadership because there are a lot of tough choices that are going to have to be made in the future. A lot of those short-term fixes from the Feds will likely end so the next governor, whoever that is, will need to be really bold over the next four years. As far as Melrose goes, I give credit to not only the consistency of the mayor's office, but to the aldermen and School Committee for helping to keep Melrose strong for the most part—it's still an attractive place to live.