Longtime State Auditor Joseph DeNucci said it's an emotional time for him, looking back on more than three decades of public service.
"There comes a time when you have to go. After 33 years in public life, elected office, it's time to say goodbye," said DeNucci, 70, who first took office in 1987, after a decade serving as a state representative for parts of Newton and Waltham.
As state auditor, DeNucci said he considers his work ensuring laws intended to support children, the elderly, education and other services work as intended to provide "protections for the most vulnerable people."
DeNucci's budget in the current fiscal year is $18 million. His office oversees privatization, audits state contractors and vendors, and shields municipalities from unfunded mandates.
His first race for state representative was in 1974 he lost by three votes, though a recount found he lost by four but he ran again and won the seat representing parts of his hometown and neighboring Waltham in 1976. He'd hold that job until his election as state auditor a decade later.
Now, DeNucci said, he's the longest-serving auditor in state history.
"I pledged to be the watchdog for the underdog. I wanted to be more than a critic," said DeNucci, who chaired the committee on human services and elderly affairs while a state representative.
"I made a difference for the lives of people," he said.
DeNucci said he got his start in the State House as a 16-year-old page boy, when Speaker John Forbes Thompson met the young boxer through the owner of the Auburndale Cafe. His uncle worked in the State House as a window washer, and encouraged him to take the job.
DeNucci, a two-time Golden Glove winner, holds the record for most bouts and wins, he said in the old Boston Garden. He said boxing gave him name recognition in the area and "opened doors for me."
He credits his wife, Barbara, along with his colleagues and staff, for his success.
Among them is Alderman Scott Lennon of Newton, whom DeNucci said he placed in charge of overseeing implementation of the federal stimulus statewide.
DeNucci said he'd like to see Lennon succeed him as state auditor. Lennon works for DeNucci in the auditor's office, and has been a family friend for years, DeNucci said.
"I'd love to see Scotty win it," said DeNucci, who noted Lennon asked him whether he could run for DeNucci's position.
DeNucci said he plans on staying in Newton his wife, five children and 14 grandchildren all live here.
"I'm the luckiest guy in the world. The furthest (family member) away is at a slow walk 15 minutes," said DeNucci.
Lennon hasn't announced whether he'll run, but the field for state auditor could already include former Turnpike Authority board member Mary Connaughton, Sheriff Guy Glodis, along with Gov. Deval Patrick's top labor and workforce aide, the Democrat Suzanne Bump, Sen. Mark Montigny, D-New Bedford, and Sen. Marc Pacheco.
State House News Service material was used in this report.
