Steve Bickerton, Jr.: Mayor of Dorchester, 2009This year’s Dorchester Day will be presided over by the new honorary mayor of the neighborhood, the Honorable Stephen Bickerton, Jr. of Adams Village. With professional experience as Assistant Director of Facilities Management at MassBay Community College and his interest in public service, the 25 year-old Bickerton is poised to keep the civic machinery of Dorchester in tip-top shape. When not running in grueling local campaigns (he ran unopposed this year for the position — which is secured by raising funds for the parade committee) Bickerton enjoys weekends on Cape Cod, sailing and spending time with his friends.

Reporter: Where did you grow up in Dorchester and go to school?

Bickerton: I grew up and still live in the Adams Village area, went to grammar school at St. Brendan’s, high school at Boston Latin Academy, and got my BS in Facilities and Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Reporter: What parts of your education prepared you for public service?

Bickerton: Going to Latin Academy introduced me to other people from all different parts of the city from all sorts of backgrounds, and while I was at MMA I was elected to the Board of Trustees as the student member. It was a great learning experience and it got me interested in politics.

Reporter: What’s your favorite memory of growing up here?

Bickerton: Playing Dorchester Youth Hockey, and playing tennis-ball during the summer in the Kenny School schoolyard.

Reporter: Why did you run for Mayor of Dorchester?

Bickerton: I think it’s important for people my age to be involved in the neighborhood, whether you do fundraising, coach a youth sports team, get involved in a civic association, etc. I feel that everyone has something to contribute and that someone who is not involved in making the neighborhood better and stronger has no right to complain about it.

Reporter: How much money did you raise?

Bickerton: $6,000.

Reporter: How did you celebrate your mayoral win?

Bickerton: I coached a little league game that afternoon (Shout out to my Cedar Grove Little League Giants!) and then had dinner at CF Donovan’s.

Reporter: How have your friends and family responded to you being Mayor of Dorchester?

Bickerton: They no longer run when they see me coming, because I am done hitting them up for donations.

Reporter: How did you raise so much money?

Bickerton: I organized some raffles, and held three different parties/fundraising events, thanks to everyone that came out and supported [the effort]! I also was fortunate enough to receive donations from many local businesses, elected officials, and neighbors.

Reporter: How long was the race?

Bickerton: About two and a half months.

Reporter: What do you plan to do with the mayor’s role?

Bickerton: Milk it as long as possible, and use the title to pick up girls.

Reporter: What are your career ambitions?

Bickerton: I hope to get more involved in local politics, and maybe someday run for city or state office. Somewhere along the way I also hope to move out of my parents’ house.

Reporter: Since being crowned mayor what is your schedule? Are there any projects you are currently working on?

Bickerton: I intend to spend the summer resting on my laurels, and then go from there.

Reporter: Dorchester was annexed by Boston 139 years ago – is it time to reincorporate on its own?

Bickerton: Absolutely not. The city would collapse without Dorchester.

Reporter: What is the best part about being mayor?

Bickerton: It’s an honor to have my name among the ranks of O’Shea, Mackan, Galvin, and Woods.

Reporter: What is the worst part about being mayor?

Bickerton: I haven’t encountered a negative aspect yet, but I am looking forward to my first political scandal!