The Mass. Secretary of Housing and Economic Development visited New Bedford on Thursday.

Secretary Jay Ash toured the State Pier with Mayor Mitchell and served as the keynote speaker at the Annual Meeting of the New Bedford Economic Development Council.

In an interview with WBSM News, Ash said the State Pier in New Bedford has great potential. "I'm fond of saying that its more important to have hope than vision. We have a hope that the New Bedford Seaport can be a robust part of the region's economy. What that vision is, is still evolving," said the Secretary.

Ash says the Baker Administration is committed to working with local officials to boost the economy in New Bedford and elsewhere. Ash is a former City Manger in Chelsea, Mass.

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