State Rep. Paul Schmid, D-Westport, announces he won't seek re-election in fall

Frank Mulligan, The Standard-Times
·4 min read

BOSTON — State Rep. Paul A. Schmid III didn't envision serving seven terms when he was first elected to the House in 2010.

"I hadn't even been to the State House before I went up to be sworn in," he said.

But after an accomplished career, Schmid announced this week that he won't seek re-election in the fall, and this is his final year on Beacon Hill representing the 8th District.

He'll continue to stay involved in public service but in a less intensive way, he said.

Asked to reflect on his career serving the district's constituents, Schmid answers without hesitation, "I've been damn lucky."

"It's been an incredible honor to serve them," he said.

State Representative Paul A. Schmid III addresses Russell T. Hart during a ceremony honoring Mr. Hart in acknowledgement of fifty years of continuous membership. The service was held at the Westport American Legion Post 145.
State Representative Paul A. Schmid III addresses Russell T. Hart during a ceremony honoring Mr. Hart in acknowledgement of fifty years of continuous membership. The service was held at the Westport American Legion Post 145.

Working with the state's best delegation

Schmid said he's also been fortunate "to work with what most people around the commonwealth agree is the best delegation - the SouthCoast delegation."

They accomplished much together. "We produced things like the Student Opportunity Act, and bringing commuter rail back to the SouthCoast."

He added, "I look forward to having a ride on the first car that goes up to Boston before I leave office."

The 8th Bristol is anything but homogenous.

It includes Precincts 2 and 3 in Acushnet; Ward 1 Precinct A and Ward 6 Precincts A and B in Fall River; Precincts 2 and 3 in Freetown; Ward 1 Precinct B1 and C in New Bedford, and all of Westport.

"It's a great district. You have urban issues with New Bedford and Fall River, like getting more state aid for our schools in New Bedford and Fall River. I think that's really made a difference."

Operating River Rock Farm since 1962

And there are rural issues with which Schmid is well acquainted, having operated the River Rock Farm in Westport with his family since 1962. It's an organic, grass-fed Angus beef farm.

He said stepping down from his state representative's post will give him more time to devote to River Rock Farm.

"I think it's time to get back to the farm. People have asked me what I plan to do. I tell them I'm going to do whatever (wife) Tina asks me to do. She's been incredibly supportive. There's a bunch of things that haven't gotten done on the farm and around the house. It's time for me to take the time to do them," he said.

Cows try to get the best of Paul Schmidt as they move for position to try to get to the feed he is bringing to them first.
Cows try to get the best of Paul Schmidt as they move for position to try to get to the feed he is bringing to them first.

His first-hand knowledge helped vault him to the House chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, the first time agriculture was a committee's sole focus.

In the past it had been lumped in third, following the environment and natural resources.

"Now we're on our own, and I've been working hard to educate my colleagues on how important local, healthy food is," Schmid said.

The friendships will be missed

He'll miss the friendships most when he leaves the House.

"There are so many wonderful, dedicated public servants. For me to have an opportunity to get to know them, to work alongside them, to think and plan, and strategize, it's been an incredible opportunity."

Asked if he had any advice for his successor, Schmid stressed commitment and cooperation.

"Be prepared to commit. This is not a part-time job. It's a 24/7 job. But it is incredibly rewarding. And nobody goes up to the State House and gets anything done on his own."

Schmid, who is 80, is a 1965 graduate of Harvard College, and a 1970 graduate of Harvard Business School. He also served six years in the Marine Corps, rising to the rank of sergeant. Schmid currently serves as senior vice commander of the Westport American Legion.

His background in Westport government is extensive, including as past chair of the Finance Committee, and member of the Westport Master Plan Committee. He also served a term as selectman.

Thanks to colleagues, staff and, most of all, family

He thanked his colleagues and "remarkable staff" in his retirement announcement.

And he concluded, "Most of all, I thank my wife, Tina, and our children, Celeste and Paul, and their families for their support since day one. They were always my secret sauce. I will cherish the knowledge that I was, for a time, part of the longest-serving democratic body in the world."

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: State Rep. Paul Schmid, D-Westport, says he won't seek re-election