Governor Deval Patrick visited the city on Monday morning, where he was warmly received by hundreds of residents at multiple stops including Tito’s Bakery, Chelsea Collaborative, Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and Centro Latino. Accompanied by Chelsea City Manager Jay Ash, the governor conducted an extensive downtown tour beginning at 8:15 a.m. at Tito’s, where a large crowd filled the popular Broadway bakery. He traversed both sides of Broadway before concluding his approximately two-hour tour at Bellingham Square, where he waved farewell and boarded the 111 bus to Boston. “It is a great pleasure to be here, to see all of you again, and to enjoy what Chelsea has to offer,” the governor said during brief remarks at Tito’s. Throughout his visit, residents approached the governor to shake his hand or acknowledge him. A group of younger people in hooded sweatshirts even recognized him. “Yo, hey dude – the governor,” they said in unison. “What you doing here, man,” they repeated as they walked by. “Are you guys OK?” the governor asked in a strong voice. “We’re down. Yo. We’re down,” they replied. The day reflected the governor’s intensifying re-election campaign efforts. At Tito’s, he encountered a crowd of residents, activists and politicians. Gladys Vega, the Collaborative’s executive director, gave him a tour of the new facility. Local business leaders met with him at the Chamber of Commerce. Following his time at Tito’s, the governor spoke with local police on Broadway, receiving information about new technology for improved police enforcement. At Centro Latino, he met with dozens of students in a class and with officials including Juan Vega. During his downtown walk with Ash, they discussed the economy, job creation, and business development. “You will notice,” Ash said with pride, “there are no vacancies along Broadway.” Local developer Jerry Sneirson, who has substantially transformed Broadway through his ambitious project housing the downtown CVS store, spoke briefly with the governor. The Collaborative relocated to a building adjacent to this development. “The governor was impressive,” Sneirson said. “It was nice to see him walking on Broadway,” he added. Indeed, numerous residents made efforts to approach the governor, who proved approachable and engaging with nearly everyone he encountered. “He has a wonderful way about himself,” remarked Dan Cortell, the District 8 Councillor. “I trust he enjoyed himself while he was here,” he added.
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