By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Hudson – Gov. Deval Patrick took some time away from his Statehouse duties in Boston to visit a number of businesses in central Mass. Sept. 25. One of those stops was at the Rail Trail Flatbread restaurant, located at 33 Main St., in the heart of Hudson’s downtown.
Patrick was accompanied by Steve Kerrigan, the Democratic lieutenant governor candidate, who hails from Lancaster and State Rep. Kate Hogan, D-Stow.
The governor lauded the restaurant’s owners, Karim El-Gamal and Michael Kasseris, for their part in helping to revitalize downtown Hudson. The two men also plan to soon open the New City Microcreamery across the street from the Rail Trail.
El-Gamal said while it was a “great honor” to host his guests, it was also an opportunity to discuss the “the real issues facing entrepreneurs in small towns, and the need for government support of communities outside of Boston.”
“Hudson, for example, has been experiencing a revival, with many of the Main Street storefronts becoming occupied. These businesses have potential, but they cannot thrive on community support alone,” he said. “We need local and state government help with infrastructure, parks, access, parking and all the things that businesses need to compete and survive in this economy.”
According to his staff, Patrick’s visit to central Mass. was a way to show his support for the towns and cities that are both making their way out of the recession or still have a way to go.
Patrick is in the final months of his second term as governor. Kerrigan, who hails from nearby Lancaster, is running with gubernatorial candidate Martha Coakley in the November election. They will be facing off against Charlie Baker and Karyn Polito, the respective governor and lieutenant governor candidates.