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Special Reports
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| John Lepper at the State House.(Staff photo by MARTIN GAVIN) |
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BY MAITE JULLIAN / FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE
On his 50th birthday in 1987, John Lepper announced to his wife Joan that he was going to run for Attleboro City Council.
Before then, he had never thought about getting involved in local politics. The decision would lead him to become a state representative - a Republican in a Legislature dominated by Democrats.
After 14 years at the Statehouse, Lepper has decided not to run again. He is retiring at the end of this session to dedicate more time to his family.
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| College, business then politics |
John Lepper's adult life has ranged from academia to work in the family's jewelry business to politics and public service.
Following are some highlights:
Enters Boston University on a football scholarship in 1953 to study to become a minister.
In 1954 he transferred to Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, where he shifts interest to political science and international studies.
Spent two years teaching political science at University of Tampa in Florida in early 1960s, but interrupts doctoral studies to help run the family business in 1963 when his father suffers a heart attack.
Resumes doctoral studies, traveling to the Philippines in 1965 to research student political activism.
Teaches at Providence College and earns doctoral degree in 1971, then returns to the family business for an extended period starting a couple of years before the recession of 1973.
Appointed to Attleboro Planning Board in 1986.
Elected to the city council in 1987, serving seven years.
Elected state representative in 1994, serving 14 years.
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| State Rep. John Lepper (Staff photo by KEITH NORDSTROM) |
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