Governor Deval Patrick kicked off his “listening tour” of the Commonwealth in Salisbury, talking with residents on the Town Common. The Governor talked about some of his second term priorities, including jobs, health care cost containment, closing the educational achievement gap, and issues of urban violence. The Governor talked about how his Administration has tackled each one of those issues, and some of the challenges that lay ahead on all of them. The Governor had a pretty good give and take with the crowd that was assembled, and once again showed that this type of forum is one in which he excels. His mastery of the details of policy show up very clearly, and he is not afraid to engage with folks who may have a different point of view. The Governor was introduced by Senator Baddour, and had Mayor Thatcher Kezer of Amesbury, Mayor Donna Holaday of Newburyport, Manager Neil Harrington of Salisbury, and Rep. Marcos Devers of Lawrence on hand to do some listening as well. Nice job by the Governor.