Waltham, MA – Today, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy announced a firm commitment to full transparency in the wake of the escalating scandal involving LaMar Cook — Governor Maura Healey’s former Western Massachusetts deputy director who was arrested for allegedly trafficking large quantities of cocaine through her office.

Kennealy pledged that, as Governor, he will release all emails, text messages, personnel files, and internal communications detailing what Maura Healey knew about Cook’s past and the vetting process that led to his appointment. 

“It is abhorrent that Governor Healey refuses to release documentation about how LaMar Cook was hired,” said Kennealy. “Cook was hand-picked by Governor Healey, despite having 2001 gun charges on his record, and he was later arrested for trafficking massive amounts of cocaine through her Western Massachusetts office. If I was Governor, my first question is simple: What went wrong? And my first action would be to show the public every step we’re taking to fix it.”

Kennealy continued: “Right now, we’re getting stonewalling instead of answers.The people of Massachusetts deserve the truth — not secrecy, not political spin, and not a Governor who hides critical information from the public. We must get to the bottom of what Governor Healey is concealing. And I pledge this: When I’m Governor, every document will be released and the citizens of this Commonwealth will finally get the truth.”

Kennealy emphasized that respect for public records laws and transparent government is essential to rebuilding trust — and that Healey’s refusal to comply raises serious questions about judgment, accountability, and leadership at the highest level of state government. Kennealy will release all documents, texts, etc. pertaining to the case that is permissible under the law and his office will be subject to public records laws on day one. 

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