State Rep. Bradley H. Jones Jr. has never missed a roll-call vote in his 30 years as a member of the House of Representatives, and he has had more than 8,000 opportunities to do so.
The Republican House minority leader likens his streak to that of a quarterback in the NFL never missing a start. He prides himself on always being present to represent his constituents in Lynnfield, Reading, Middleton, and his hometown of North Reading.
Jones began in the education field as both a tutor and substitute teacher, before deciding to earn his bachelor’s degree at Harvard Extension School.
He got his start in state politics under former state representative and senator Richard Tisei of Lynnfield, who Jones was an aide for in 1991. After gathering some additional experience by serving on the North Reading Board of Selectmen, Jones launched his first campaign for the House in 1994 against Democratic candidate Sandra Trainor. Jones alluded to being the “underdog” in that race, but believes his effort to garner support in North Reading is what delivered him the victory.
“I lost the first nine out of 13 districts to come in… and then North Reading came in and I did very well,” Jones said. “So I ended up winning 55 to 45 by the strength of the great margin in North Reading.”
Jones became the Republican minority leader in 2002. He described his responsibilities as having two constituencies, one being the residents and the other being his colleagues. As a Republican in a House heavily occupied by Democrats, Jones emphasized the importance of working in a bipartisan fashion in order to accomplish different tasks.
“I believe in trying to build consensus. I want to come and get some things done,” Jones said. “Mathematically speaking, the only way I can get things done is to work with people on the other side of the aisle… It’s about relationships.”
He named the friendship he developed with Trainor as an example of a relationship he fostered despite having political differences and being a former competitor of hers.
“If I disagree with you today does not preclude us from working together tomorrow,” Jones said.
Jones’ district gained three Lynnfield precincts in 2002, and another one a decade later. He expressed pride in being able to represent Lynnfield and described it as a great community.
“I’ve had a great relationship with the local officials,” Jones said about the town’s leadership.
Jones lives in North Reading, where he governs over his family with his wife, Linda. His daughter, Alexis, graduated from Boston College earlier this year, while his son, Nicholas, is just starting his collegiate career as a freshman at Villanova University.
