| WEST BARNSTABLE – Steven Xiarhos, Republican candidate for State Representative in the Fifth Barnstable District, announced today that his campaign has been officially endorsed by Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe.
“In these times, it is more important than ever before that we have people in elected office who are strong, competent leaders,” said O’Keefe. “We need people who respect the rule of law and who are willing to take a stand in the name of public safety. Steve Xiarhos is such a person. His many years of work in law enforcement prepare him to take on difficult challenges facing our state. My office worked closely with Steve throughout the time he served as a Deputy Police Chief in the Town of Yarmouth. Given his experience, I know Steve is ready to reform our state’s laws to make sure violent criminals are punished appropriately, and to continue the ongoing fight against opioid abuse in our communities. Steve is also an extremely compassionate individual who has donated countless hours to charitable causes across Cape Cod, in memory of his fallen son, Nicholas. I have no doubt in my mind that Steve has the common sense, the right values and temperament, and the energy needed to be an outstanding State Representative for the people of the 5th Barnstable District. And, I know he is ready to hit the ground running, working hard on their behalf full-time. I am proud to endorse Steve Xiarhos for State Representative.”
Xiarhos Expands Strong Public Safety Support
Xiarhos has made public safety a cornerstone issue of his campaign. As a former Deputy Chief of Police, Xiarhos has pledged to push for tougher legislation to keep violent criminals and drug dealers behind bars. He also has vowed to continue work fighting the opioid epidemic which continues to hurt residents across Massachusetts. And, as an ardent supporter of police and other first responders, Xiarhos has expressed concern about police reform legislation passed by the Massachusetts House and Senate, saying current proposals risk undercutting important law enforcement efforts.
The endorsement by District Attorney O’Keefe is the latest in a series of statements made by leading law enforcement officials and unions supportive of Xiarhos’ candidacy. Previously, Xiarhos has received support from Barnstable County Sheriff James Cummings and Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald. He also has been endorsed by the Massachusetts Police Association, the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the New England Police Benevolent Association. Altogether, these groups and officials proudly represent well over 35,000 men and women who serve on the front lines of public safety efforts across Massachusetts.
“I continue to be honored and humbled by the support I have received from all of these individuals and public safety groups,” said Xiarhos. “I have ultimate respect for the men and women who serve our state’s public safety and law enforcement organizations. From police, to firefighters, to correction officers, to EMT’s and medical workers, our state’s first responders include some of the best and most talented people in Massachusetts. I would like people to know I believe our state is made better by their work, and I will always have their back.”
About District Attorney O’Keefe
Michael O’Keefe is currently serving his fifth term of office as District Attorney for the Cape and Islands District.
The son of an Irish immigrant, O’Keefe grew up in Waltham and attended Boston College. He attended the New England School of Law at night, after which he was hired to serve as a police officer in Dennis — an experience he believes has assisted him as a prosecutor.
Upon his graduation from law school, O’Keefe was hired by a local law firm where he gained criminal, civil and probate experience. In early 1982, he was appointed Assistant District Attorney for the Cape and Islands District by District Attorney Philip A. Rollins. Although he began his career in the District Attorney’s office prosecuting all types of criminal cases, O’Keefe has tried to conclusion over 250 jury trials. While successfully prosecuting 19 homicide trials, he has also represented the Commonwealth before the Massachusetts Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court as well as authoring briefs in conjunction with that representation.
In 1994, he was named Prosecutor of the Year for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in 2002, he was named a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers.
O’Keefe has been honored by Independence House for his fight against domestic violence and was a Founding Partner of Employers Against Domestic Violence. He also was also a member of the Federal-State Anti-Terrorism Task Force, an Executive Board Member of the Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council, and was a member of the Attorney General’s Racial Profiling Task Force. He has twice been elected to the presidency of the Massachusetts District Attorney’s Association. |
