Public Service Runs in the Family

Politicians hear a lot.

But to do that, they have to listen.

That is an important lesson Peter Carlson learned from his father, John Carlson.

The two are both father and son and fellow town officials. John serves on the Board of Selectman. Peter is a member of the School Committee.

“I listen to what people have to say,’’ Peter said. “That’s the only way you’re going to hear anything.’’

As Father’s Day weekend approaches, the Carlsons believe they are the only father-and-son public official team in recent town history.

And they serve on boards that are occasionally at odds. For sure, they said, there are times when they have to keep certain information confidential.

“Some things are for your committee’s ears only,’’ John said. “We have to be guarded in what we say to each other. If one of us shouldn’t know something, we don’t talk about it.’’

And both men are happy about the collaborative efforts between the two boards, including working together on capital planning.

Peter also learned an important lesson from another family member, his wife, Wendy.  

“Local officials have more impact on people’s day-to-day lives than any state or national’’ politician, she taught him.

And with that comes a responsibility to the public, John said. “A certain amount of people put their trust in you and look up to you for your advice,’’ he said.

Public service runs deep in the family. Besides father and son, siblings, cousins and other relatives have been active in town.

 “You’ve got to see our Sunday dinners,’’ Peter quipped.

Family social times have been known to transform into debates. John and his sister, Dorothea Frederico, stood at opposites side of the smoking debate when she served on the Board of Health.

She and her board supported a ban on smoking in all public places; John, although sensitive to the dangers of smoking, believed that veterans who served their country had a right to smoke at veterans organizations.

“There were several times when we knocked heads,’’ John said, chuckling. “But we never left the table mad at each other.’’

The ability to disagree without being disagreeable and the right to take a stand, even when it is unpopular, are American values that John cherishes.

“Wars have been fought and countries toppled for that right to raise your hand’’ and have your voice heard, he said.

And he is proud of the Carlson family tradition of public service. “I feel quite honored that we have so many family members who have stepped up to the plate,’’ he said. “It’s an honor for me to see my son on the School Committee.’’

Peter is equally proud that his father returned to public service after a stint off the board. “When you’re a public official, you belong to everyone and you can’t please everyone. It’s the principles and the traditions that keep us going.’’