AMESBURY — Gov. Deval Patrick's visit to Newburyport was kicked off in downtown Amesbury yesterday when Patrick made a quick stop into Plum Island Coffee Roasters to talk to locals.
Mayor Thatcher Kezer was on hand to show Patrick around the downtown and speak to him on a number of issues he battles daily.
"He's a great guy to sit down with and have a coffee," Kezer said.
Patrick sat at a table at the coffee shop talking to locals and business owners alike.
"Several folks got a chance to meet with him and hang out who don't normally get to do that," Kezer said.
Later, Patrick remarked at the ideal location Plum Island Coffee Roasters has in the Lower Millyard and their willingness to ride out the recession. Patrick also called Kezer a "strong leader and marvelous man."
Kezer used yesterday's opportunity to speak with the governor about the challenges of public service.
"It was great to talk to him about the challenges of running the state," Kezer said. "Running a city and a state has a lot of similarities."
Kezer said the majority of the conversation focused on the challenges faced by spouses and friends of public officials.
"Spouses and friends are the ones who suffer the consequences," Kezer said.
In the government sector, Kezer said he asked Patrick to funnel money toward Amesbury and promised the funds would go a long way.
"I took the opportunity to talk to him about the plans for the Lower Millyard," Kezer said. "I asked for the state's help to move the Department of Public Works out of the Lower Millyard. There is a $5 million bond that has been in the executive office. A few million of that will go a long way to make that happen."
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