Since Matt Light left New England patriots ten years ago, he devoted much of his time to his “Light Foundation” and to raise her four children – all of whom have attended or are currently attending Foxboro public schools.
Now, the former NFL player turns to his next challenge…a run for the school committee. Why?
“You know, there was that little pat on my shoulder that said hey, it’s time for you to serve now,” Light shared.
Residents of Foxboro and nearby towns say they are concerned about the impact a plan to cut trees for free parking outside Gillette Stadium could have on them.
Professional athletes who run for political office usually run for the US Senate or Congress.
Light decided to run for such a local elected position because, he says, “If I’m going to do something, I want to make sure it’s going to have an impact and not just be worth my time, but be worth you. know the real effort… and know that I am part of something that will make a difference.
As for what doesn’t satisfy him in the school system, Light says the mask issue is an important topic.
Light thinks it was wrong that children were forced to wear masks at school when research has shown the vast majority are not seriously affected by COVID-19.
“We saw other ways of doing things and when we brought them up or offered you other ideas or you know studies that have been done… it just didn’t seem to carry much weight,” he said. he declares.
Masks are no longer worn in schools in Foxborough, but Light thinks what will happen next.
“And you know, it’s something that people tell me like, ‘hey, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. It’s over,” he said. “But what next time?…And I was never an anti-masker. I’ve been an anti ‘tell me what to do and expect me to line up.'”
Light says local leaders felt too uncomfortable to take a stand. And he said on issues like mask mandates, other members of the community agree with him. But says Light, “they were too scared to step in and say anything.”
“But I think there are times when you have to push things because it’s the right thing to do and not be afraid to do it,” he added.
So is he running as a Republican or a Democrat? Is it registered as anything?
“You know, that’s a good question,” he replied. “I don’t think I am. I wouldn’t necessarily know. I’ve never felt the need to align myself with any party.”
When asked to name the hardest thing for him when it comes to running for the school committee, his answer may surprise you.
“Put a sign in a yard that has your name on it,” Light revealed. “This is perhaps the most difficult thing I have done so far during the election campaign.”
The Foxborough School Board election is May 2; Light faces four opponents including three current members of the school committee.