He retired after 24 years with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, formerly Massachusetts State Racing Commission in several roles including State Inspector, State Racing Judge and Licensing Coordinator. In addition, Rick and his wife, Tina, are small business owners for over 30 years running Little River Inn. Additionally, Rick served 18 years as Ward 7 Councilor and Vice President for the City
of Lynn before retiring in 2016. During his tenor, he had worked with hundreds of developers and assisted with a number of issues that surrounded these projects. One of his main responsibilities and attributes, as a City Councilor, was being proactive in the community. Rick’s goals were, and always will be to listen to his constituent’s concerns, provide them with assistance, and keep them informed on local topics. During his time as City Councilor, Rick had the privilege to serve on executive boards and spearhead projects in the community. Some of these boards and projects included; Council Representative on the Economic Development Industrial Corporation Board of Directors, Council Representative on the Lynn Housing and Neighborhood Development Board of Director, and acting as a conduit between residents and developers on numerous projects. A few of those aforementioned projects included; The Brownfield’s Remediation Project, Devlin Park Development Project, Water Works Development Project, Relocation of power lines, and the development of Lynn’s waterfront. A proud graduate of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute class of 1975, Rick has been happily married to his wife Tina M. Ford for 35 years. His daughter Erin M. Sheehan, son-in-law Eric J. Sheehan, and granddaughter Madison M. Sheehan are also Lynn residents. His son, Joseph R. Ford, is also a resident and public-school teacher for the city of Lynn. While his youngest son, Richard A. Ford, is currently serving active duty as a Navy Officer. If elected, Rick will pick-up where he left off before retirement and work tirelessly to advocate for all Lynn residents, while helping to make Lynn a better place to work, live, and raise a family. For his entire life Rick has continually demonstrated his “City Wide Pride” and is honored to call Lynn his home.
