By Cate Lecuyer
BEVERLY — Attorney Jerry Parisella has announced he's running for state representative, making him the first Democrat to throw his hat into the ring.
"I wouldn't accept this challenge if I didn't believe I could truly make a difference and enjoy doing it at the same time," Parisella said.
An attorney at Alexander & Femino in Beverly and the assistant city solicitor in Salem, Parisella was one of the first to express interest in the seat in November when Rep. Mary Grant announced she would not seek re-election next fall.
He has never run for office, but Parisella got hooked on politics as a press secretary and legislative assistant to former Congressman Nick Mavroules in the early 1990s.
"After being behind the scenes, it will be a new experience for me as the candidate, being the one on the front line," he said. But it's an experience I'm ready for and will embrace 100 percent."
He has also served in the U.S. Army Reserve since 1994, as an attorney with the 804th Medical Brigade at Fort Devens.
Veterans' rights, along with the economy and employment, are top concerns.
"We've got a lot of veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan, and I want to make sure they get the services they need," he said.
Parisella is planning on a campaign kickoff event, "Pasta with Parisella," in March at the Italian Community Center.
His Republican opponent, Brett Schetzsle, is also planning a series of community forums in March and April. He said he's glad there's a race.
"I think it's great the people of Beverly are going to have a choice on who will represent them on Beacon Hill," he said. "I look forward to hearing his ideas."
He's also waiting to see who else decides to run.
"I believe there are going to be more people on the Democratic side that will emerge," he said.
Former Ward 3 City Councilor John Burke, who ran unsuccessfully against Mayor Bill Scanlon last year, has said he's interested.
Scott Houseman, a local attorney and former Zoning Board of Appeals chairman, is also considering a run, along with Corinne Ray, a former journalist who is married to Beverly police Chief Mark Ray.
Staff writer Cate Lecuyer can be reached at clecuyer@salemnews.com.
