The following Letter to the Editor appeared in The Newburyport Daily News this week. In 1992, along with the late Edward Molin and Jim Gaines, Costello founded Newburyport’s Maudslay Arts Center,
To the editor:
It is hard to find anyone more committed to helping his community than political leader, Nick Costello. His passing at 89 years old ends an important chapter of unselfishness, commitment and old style retail politics. Long before social media, one could run into Nick at a local coffee shop chatting with voters or see him introducing up and coming regional politicians at local outdoor summer events. He was a man of the people and his good works will live on in his district especially Amesbury where he revitalized parks, roads and bridges and turned the city into a magnet for young and old alike.
During my tenure as Massachusetts’ Secretary of Transportation, I would often receive calls and visits from Nick with a laundry list of projects. He was always grateful for getting funding for his district and his city and would always spread the credit around. It is no wonder that he was able to serve in both local and state government for so many years. It was not surprising that after a long and successful public career, Nick didn’t just retire. He dedicated his efforts to the Link House which helps so many people who struggle with addiction. His good name was a huge help to his terrific son, Michael who was a successful elected official in his own right.
In an era when politics can get very nasty and negative, I hope that some will take a page out of Nick’s playbook which was to be humble, helpful and always willing to listen to opposing views. I was proud to serve alongside him but mostly, I am proud to know a man of the highest quality within the public arena as Nick.
Kevin J. Sullivan
Merrimac