BOSTON – The Massachusetts Bar Association honored State Representative Michael A. Costello as Legislator of the Year at the organization’s annual dinner, which was held last night.
Approximately 1,100 people attended the MBA Gala Dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston.
“Perhaps the most vital role Rep. Costello plays in the Legislature is that of defender of the Constitution. He is often a lone voice of reason when the Legislature is discussing bills that, while may be well-intentioned, have the potential to trample on the rights of our citizens as provided in the Constitution,” said David W. White Jr., MBA President.
White praised Costello for his involvement in issues of keen importance to the Massachusetts bar, including criminal law matters, bar advocate pay increases and improvements to the administration of justice.
Costello discussed the ability of the law to change people’s lives part during his acceptance speech, part of which is excerpted below.
“Massachusetts has the oldest Constitution in the world. This is the most fundamental form of law that we know. It is the document that guarantees people certain unalienable rights – the freedom of speech, the right to pursue happiness and the right to a fair trial, among others. Imagine where we would be without those rights.”
“I care passionately about the Constitution. And I care passionately about the law. I have chosen to build my career on those two pillars. I truly believe that the law has the power to change people’s lives for the better. That’s what I fight for every day in the Legislature. And that’s what I fight for in the courtroom. I know all of you fight for the same things every day in your professional lives. So, I thank you for undertaking that fight. And I thank you for this award.”
Costello was elected in 2002 to serve as State Representative of the First Essex District. He now serves as the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and is a member of the Democratic leadership team in the House.
The keynote speaker of the event was Richard A. Clarke. Clark, who is a counterterrorism expert, former presidential advisor and bestselling author of “Against All Enemies.” He served as an advisor to seven presidents.
Past recipients of the Legislator of the Year Award include: Senator Edward M. Kennedy, former Massachusetts Senate President Robert E. Travaglini and Massachusetts Speaker of the House Salvatore F. DiMasi.