Rep. Walsh named chairman of development committee

LYNN – Rep. Steve Walsh, a Lynn Democrat, has been named chairman of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business.Walsh, a graduate of St. John’s Preparatory School, Wesleyan University and the New England School of Law, took office in 2003. House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi appointed Walsh on Thursday at the State House.The committee is responsible for fostering economic growth throughout Massachusetts while helping small businesses succeed in local cities and towns.Walsh has had significant interests in these areas since entering office, working with Lynn officials on the redevelopment of the downtown and the waterfront. He has filed numerous pieces of legislation related to brownfields, which are contaminated industrial sites targeted for environmental cleanup and reuse.”I’m honored that Speaker DiMasi chose me to chair the Committee on Community Development and Small Business,” said Walsh. “Helping communities retain business and create new jobs is one of the most important issues facing us in Massachusetts and one I look forward to working on in my new position.”Since his election in November 2002, Walsh has risen quickly through the ranks of leadership. During his second term, DiMasi chose Walsh as vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Health. In 2007, he was named vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets and was in that position until being named to the new post.During his tenure as the vice chairman of the Committee on Public Health, Walsh helped steer the work of the OxyContin Commission and filed multiple bills regarding prescription drug abuse. As vice chairman of the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, he helped to shepherd a billion dollar life sciences initiative.Walsh said his goal on the new committee is to assist communities with development and preservation, as well as work with small businesses to foster job creation.”When filling this important position, I wanted to choose a representative who understands the importance of creating good-paying jobs across the state, redeveloping urban areas and supporting small businesses that are critical to the Massachusetts economy,” said DiMasi. “Representative Walsh has a keen understanding of these issues and has already proven himself to be a strong leader for the people and issues important to his district.”Walsh said his chairmanship is already underway, with a hearing scheduled for next week on consumer pricing.