A true champion of the public interest

Statement from Janet Domenitz, Director of MASSPIRG, on the death of Congressman John Olver

All of us at MASSPIRG are saddened to learn of the death of U.S Rep. John Olver of Amherst. Over MASSPIRG’s five decades, few allies were as stalwart as John was. From the State House to Congress, he was a true champion of the public interest, never shying away from a battle if winning meant a chance to improve his constituents’ lives. At the same time, he was kind, thoughtful and even-keeled. It’s safe to say that our organization would not be what it is today without his help in building it, and without his support of the Bottle Bill and so many other issues, since back in the early days. We hope that he rests in peace and people remember him for his powerful contributions to Massachusetts and beyond .