1967

Two members of the class seem to have been getting a great deal of media coverage in recent months. With the political season in fall gear, much attention seems to be directed as economic events in the state of Massachusetts. There in the center of things is Joe Alviani, who has been Secretary of Economic Affairs under Governor Michael Dukakis since 1985. It is clear from the press that Joe has earned high marks from both politicians and the business community, from supporters and critics of the governor alike.

Joe's preparation for this post involved diverse legal work that included five years as co-counsel to the House Select Committee on Labor in Washington, a partnership in a Boston law firm, a role as special counsel to Kevin White, the mayor of Boston, and service as corporation counsel for the City of Boston. With experience like that it is little wonder that even critics of the Dukakis administration keep referring to Joe both as a very effective broker between the state and the business community and as a proponent of economic development who knows how to get things done within the administration.

Since Joe's job gave him responsibility for most state programs that touch business or the economy, his job description could fill pages. From oversight of state training and employment programs to tourism, international trade to emerging technologies, the list is long. However, in a number of areas Joe has put his own stamp on his work, earning much public approval.

In one of his first tests Joe negotiated a tax cap in the legislature, defusing a tense political situation. He went on to broker other difficult issues such as health care and hazardous waste disposal. Joe reorganized the state's Commerce Department, creating offices of business and new-product development which use state resources to help new companies develop products. Recently he has headed state efforts for a semiconductor research consortium called Sematech.

.In all of this Joe has taken the position that his role is "not that of a narrow, specialinterest advocate ... but incorporating business concerns into a broader public policy."

One example of Joe's approach is the Center of Excellence Corporation, which he chairs. This seeks to match state colleges with companies involved in emerging technologies in all parts of the state.

After reading about Joe's recent accomplishments one thing is clear. Whatever the future holds for the governor of Massachusetts, we are certain to hear a lot more about his secretary of economic affairs.

Also continuing to get coverage has been Ned Gillette, as the details of the voyage of the Sea Tomato discussed in an earlier column have come out. The 650-mile crossing of the Drake Passage from Chile to Antarctica in the spring seems to have captured the imagination of many would-be adventurers. Numerous articles and features have explored the details of the trip from the boat itself (5,000 pounds with a two-foot draw), which was left as a gift to the Chilean navy, to the communications system which allowed satellite transmissions, to the experiences of the four crew who rowed the boat. The documentary film of the voyage is due out soon. After that, we can only wait for Ned's next project.

Now, how about some news from those we haven't heard from lately? Do write.

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