Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, November 6, 1994 TAG: 9411080030
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: SPRINGFIELD, MASS. LENGTH: Medium
Only Scibelli is still running.
One of the oldest and longest-serving state legislators in the country, the 82-year-old white-haired Scibelli, who often campaigns in running shoes, was expected to win his 23rd term without opposition Tuesday. He won his first in 1950.
Why does Scibelli, who founded a trucking business and became a millionaire without a college education, still work 16-hour days at an annual salary of $30,000?
``There's nothing more rewarding than doing things for people that they can't do for themselves,'' Scibelli said after a recent campaign stop.
``Political influence is everything,'' he said, tapping one knobby finger on the car seat.
A man faulted by his wife for wanting even his enemies to like him, Scibelli is known for his behind-the-scenes savvy and success in claiming a good share of state riches for his 10th Hampden District.
State Rep. Paul Caron calls Scibelli an old-style lunchbucket Democrat.
``Tony truly believes - and rightfully so - that the job is to take care of our constituents,'' his fellow Democrat said.
One day last week, Scibelli stayed silent while a half-dozen local leaders traded high-blown theories on community policing.
An hour later in the city's north end, Scibelli greeted with hugs a small band of residents working on a holiday lighting project, periodically touching people on the arm or tapping their chest for emphasis.
``Mr. Scibelli is the kind of person who does not know how to say, `no,''' said constituent Ada Vera, who has known him for 25 years. ``Even if he says, `no,' he tries to come back and do something.''
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB