As the governor’s representative on the state’s Group Insurance Commission and the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission, Forman has been intimately involved in a variety of key issues facing public retirees. On his advice, Cellucci opted to direct the GIC to begin the process of developing a retiree dental/vision plan.

This year, Cellucci, with the urging of Swift and Forman, included a 3% COLA for state and teacher retirees in his FY2002 state budget. As legislators, both Swift and Forman were viewed as allies of retirees and are maintaining strong relationships with the Association now that Swift occupies the Corner Office.

The appointment of Forman as chief of staff is widely viewed as a positive step by the new governor to strengthen her position within the State House, along with healing possible rifts within the state GOP. Many had criticized Cellucci for not paying enough attention to the legislative process, as well as causing divides within the Republican base.

As a former legislative leader, Forman knows the inner workings of Beacon Hill and is known for his ability to work in a bipartisan manner. He is also well respected within the Republican Party.

“Peter Forman is the perfect choice to head-up the Governor’s staff. I may be slightly biased, but I cannot think of a better person for the job,” says Association Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel, who once served as an aide to Forman. “Peter has a record of supporting the Association, dating back to his time in the House. I expect that our relationship with the Governor and her staff will be far better than that which we have endured over the past ten years.”