Don't let his age fool you; Emmanuel Bellegarde has done a lot of living in his 28 years.

He's worked in both chambers of the state legislature. He's a Haitian immigrant who started a number of groups to empower minorities in Boston politics. He's lived in subsidized housing and owns his own real estate business. And he's a candidate for state representative in the 12th Suffolk district.

The youngest candidate in the 12th Suffolk race believes these real-life experiences help make him the most qualified candidate to succeed Tom Finneran.

'Land of opportunity'