In political circles, Jack be nimble

LYNN – John M. “Jack” Suslak earned a college degree in geography, he sings in the St. Pius V Church choir, volunteers with the Knights of Columbus and dives head-first into local and state political campaigns.On Monday, Suslak stood knee-deep in campaign signs and brochures in the local Democratic Party headquarters on Munroe Street and thumbed through his phone for pictures of him shaking hands with Vice President Joseph Biden last Wednesday.”I like being around people who make a difference – it’s a way to make my life better,” the Lynn native said.Suslak, 32, said the hip and knee problems he was born with led to major surgeries and limited his mobility but not his drive and desire to be active in the city he loves. The son of former Police Chief John W. Suslak said he is happy being surrounded by people who are busy and making a difference. “I try to find a way to help people every day,” he said.He has photographs similar to the Biden one with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Gov. Deval Patrick and other political heavyweights, but he does more than shake hands when it comes to being active in local politics.Suslak was a main organizer of last year’s mayoral debate at the Knights of Columbus pitting Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy against former City Councilor Timothy Phelan. People who know him said his involvement is a given in local political and civil events.”If there’s a cause, he’s involved in it,” said Council President Daniel Cahill.Suslak also helped organize the city’s Disability Commission, drawing on his own limitations to understand challenges facing other people.”I’m more acutely aware of their needs,” he said.Suslak’s father, his mother, Claire, and sister, Angela, “never dwelled on the physical limitations” Suslak faces, said John Suslak; instead, Suslak’s family encouraged him to actively pursue his interests.Suslak attended Shoemaker School, Pickering Middle School and St. John’s Preparatory School and went on to Salem State College. The Knights of Columbus’ involvement in community volunteer work drew him to the organization and his political interests are, he said, genetic: His father’s mother worked in the State House.Suslak has spent the last several weeks of the election season holding campaign signs, making telephone calls and urging people to vote today.”Voting is one of the most important things you can do as a citizen. There’s an energy about campaigns; it’s exciting. In the end, we all want to do what is best for the state and nation,” he said.Even as this election year wraps up, Suslak is thinking ahead to next year and the city election.”(Council at large candidate) Brian LaPierre has asked me to be his treasurer,” he said.Suslak thinks Lynn “is on the verge of opportunity to make things better,” but dismisses the idea of a future election run on his part.”I’m more of a behind-the-scenes guy, but I would never say never,” he said.