Bill Keating's Staircase
By Troy Clarkson
As I sat at the Daily Brew with a cup of delicious house blend and a paper on Sunday and awaited my guest, I made a list in my head of the people whom I’ve met in nearly 20 years in local government with whom I’d feel comfortable just chatting over a cup of coffee.
After spending the next hour and a half with Congressman Bill Keating, I reaffirmed why he was and still is at the top of that list. To spend just a couple of minutes with our United States Representative is like getting a shot in the arm of confidence in our Congress and our nation.
With so much negativity, infighting and gridlock dominating the news cycle, it is refreshing to hear from a committed and passionate public servant who has a vision – and an ability to sincerely articulate it.
During our visit, Bill was not only able to discuss his first year as our Congressman, he took me on his journey with him, talking about his “fast-paced” and “satisfying” first year navigating the halls of the Capitol, and how living life in whirlwind fifteen minute intervals can cause you to be a bit introspective when you finally have the chance to breathe. Yes, this fella is so very much more than the bombast and bluster of many politicians these days; this public servant is there for all the right reasons.
Bill gave me, and knowing I’d be writing, all of us, an insight into the philosophy and passion that drives his hectic schedule. “The American Dream is an opportunity, not an entitlement,” he said. “You have to earn it,” he continued, his enthusiasm twinkling in his eyes. He likened the American Dream, which he acknowledged is becoming ever more elusive, with home ownership and college tuition costs prohibitive for many middle class Americans, to a staircase.
He explained that some start at the top, some in the middle, and indeed, some at the bottom. “Some have more flights to climb,” he explained, “and my job is to help keep it open.” With that simple but powerful metaphor as the core of his vision, he has worked for his first year in Washington D.C. to do just that.
“We’ve been through wars, 9-11, and a major recession, but this is one of the most important times in our history. Our hope and opportunity as a nation is at stake. We’ve got to keep the staircase open.” Normally, when a politician says something like that, the common reaction is a roll of the eyes and a sterile acknowledgement. When Bill said it, though, it was clear he meant it – and then he put in plain words what he’s doing about it.
He explained that 65 percent of job creation is accomplished by small business, and how his work on the Small Business Committee is working to enhance loans for startup and “incubator” businesses. Not handouts, but seed money, to help entrepreneurs boost themselves up a couple of stairs on the staircase, not shoot them to the top on an escalator.
He talked about a last State of the Union Speech, and how the President talked about using former military bases as economic engines, then explained how he and others did it, convincing the military to finally seal the deal on the sale of portions of the former Weymouth Naval Air Station.
He Talked of his involvement with the “Agree” Act, an initiative sponsored by four freshman legislators – two Senators and two Representatives – two of them Democrats and two Republicans, designed to provide small business capital and encourage job growth – again, a chance to climb a couple of flights of stairs. Imagine that.
A press release on the bill notes that it is, “A bill that breaks through the partisan gridlock of Washington and focuses on policy proposals that democrats and republicans can agree on to support job creation in America.” What a novel idea. What a relief to have a man – a leader – in places who understands and believes that.
After an engaging and interesting chat, our coffees were empty and it was time for Bill to make his next stop. As I left the Daily Brew, and stepped down the staircase, I looked down at the stairs and smiled, and appreciated each step I took. I’ll probably never look at a staircase the same again.
Troy B.G. Clarkson is a local government professional who grew up in Falmouth and has been deeply involved with the Falmouth community since 1993. After several terms as Selectman, Troy became the administrator of the Plymouth County Commission and is now the Bridgewater Town Manager.His formal education in political science at Boston College pales in comparison to his practical learning in the rooms of Town Hall, the stores of Main Street, and the far-reaching vines of local political networks. His column appears in Cape Cod TODAY the Falmouth Bulletin weekly newspaper.