Former U.S. Rep. John Olver, a Democrat who represented western Massachusetts communities for greater than twenty years in Congress, has died. He was 86.
Olver served in each the Massachusetts House and Senate earlier than successful a 1991 particular election for the Congressional seat left vacant by the loss of life of Republican Rep. Silvio O. Conte.
Olver would maintain the seat till he opted to not search reelection in 2012, after the state misplaced a seat in Congress and was pressured to attract new districts. He was born in Pennsylvania, however ended up residing a lot of his life in Amherst in western Massachusetts.
Gov. Maura Healey stated Olver devoted his life to serving the individuals of western and central Massachusetts, and that he all the time stayed true to his values. She ordered flags lowered to half-staff in any respect state buildings Friday.
“He was a strong advocate for affordable health care, abortion access, public transportation and rural communities,” the Democrat stated in a written assertion. “I will always be grateful for his kindness and his friendship. He will be dearly missed, and my heart goes out to his loved ones.”
Olver acquired a grasp’s diploma from Tufts University and a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology earlier than becoming a member of the college of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, forward of getting into politics.
In Congress he rose to change into chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, an influential committee that helped him convey federal {dollars} residence to his district.
He was additionally recognized for his progressive politics, and for shying away from the highlight.
Democratic U.S. Rep. James McGovern described Olver as a “humble public servant with the heart of an activist.”
Although the 2 had been twice arrested in Washington, D.C. protesting the genocide in Darfur, Olver was dedicated to native points equivalent to clear power, environmental safety and public transportation, McGovern added.
“His quiet demeanor and wry sense of humor concealed a razor-sharp understanding of the issues facing the American people and a deep faith in our ability to solve them together,” McGovern stated in a written assertion, calling Olver “my friend and longtime colleague.”
Olver’s spouse Rose Olver died in 2014 on the age of 77.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”