Every once in a while you come across a story so honestly persuasive, that you just can’t ignore it. Walter J. Kavanaugh of Somerville is just such a story.
I never knew the man and I never had the honor to cross his path either personally or professionally. But when he died recently, it was clear from press accounts about his life that this was not an ordinary politician. There was a flavor to the news narratives about him that had a ring of genuine sincerity. My gosh, I thought, those stories are actually true. Senator Kavanaugh was a good man and a good public servant.
He belonged, in many respects, to the same class as another much-admired politician, the late Congressman, “Tip” O’Neil of Massachusetts – they both were imbued with that indefinable quality called integrity. They also appear to have had the same old Irish wit and charm which can be so compelling to people of all ethnic backgrounds.
Senator Kavanaugh leaves a legacy and an example for all elected and appointed public officials which are not easy to replicate. I only wish that more would try.
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