Matt Carlucci doesn’t think he was built to “sit in the shade.”
Sitting back and relaxing, that is, instead of becoming involved with local issues.
The three-time City Council member and former council president hasn’t been in office since 2003, but he’s stayed in touch with issues.
In 2012, he served as a strong supportive voice for passing a human rights ordinance. Recently, he’s been part of a possible solution for the city’s public safety pension plan that continues to escalate and threaten city finances.
The shade doesn’t suit him, but being able to occasionally help on key issues serves as enough sunlight, he said.
“Sometimes, I’ve had too much of it and had to get out,” he said. “Sometimes, when you’re at the forefront, you can get just enough.”
Many might say he takes after his father.
Joe Carlucci spent close to 20 years in politics, some at the local level, some at the state level.
There were lifelong maxims; some that transcended politics. “Everyone deserves a fair shake” was a constant. Another that rang true: politicians simply look toward the next election, while statesmen look to the next generation.
There was one piece that stuck with him the most, though. He remembers it to this day: he was riding in his father’s 1974 Ford Bronco along Hendricks Avenue when the topic of history popped up. Matt said he was a fan of history, even at a younger age.
“I love history, too,” said his father. “But, I’d rather make it.”
Now 58, Carlucci ran for office the first time in his early 30s. He won a council seat in 1987, but his father didn’t live to see it. He passed away a little over a year before.
“I think my father would say that he’s proud of my political career … and how I grew,” Carlucci said.
Early on, he said it was a struggle. Many of his father’s constituents were still alive. On any particular issue, he’d be faced with “this is how your dad would do it” pressure. On the other side, friends and colleagues might say “this is how you should do it.”
“It was really hard,” he said.
There was another piece of advice his father gave him, one he said has always been a necessity.
“You’ve got to keep family first,” he said.
After his last stint on council, he entered what he calls the next chapter of his life. Focusing more on his State Farm insurance business he’s owned along Hendricks Avenue since the early ’80s. Watching his two sons grow into adults and getting married. Welcoming his first grandchild. And rededicating himself to the person he calls his best friend and adviser, his wife, Karen.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have a wife who has supported me,” he said. “It’s not easy being the wife of a politician.”
But like with the pension issue, he still finds a way to become involved, to lend his experience and help. Sometimes, he wishes it could be more.
“I would be less than honest if I said there were times I didn’t wish to be on the other side of the dais,” he said, “To have a voice back in that arena, to cast a vote.”
Not now, but maybe down the road there could be a possible return.
He’s 58 — “A young 58,” he says with a grin — and stays in good shape. He’s still involved and likes the local level.
“Local government lights me up,” he said. “I enjoy it. It’s a place to leave your fingerprints, hopefully for the better,” he said.
That would be a whole new chapter, but he’s enjoying the one he’s on now — being able to pop in and out of that shade.
@writerchapman
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