Peters, Dead at Age 38

Now that I am in my forties, it strikes me a bit hard to learn of people I knew in years past when they pass. Matt Peters is no exception — I remember him from the Young Democrats many years ago. We went down to Philadelphia to Young Democrats of America convention in 2005. I haven’t seen him in a decade but it’s sad to hear of his passing.

He died of a heart attack after previously having a aortic dissection. Uncommon in somebody so young but it happens. But it’s a warning of what can be lurking under the surface and how precious life really is. I don’t think he was particularly unhealthy in his life choices, and may have been bad luck or genetics, but it really is a wake up call for somebody like myself to make sure I eat healthy and exercise every day. Regular exercise, healthy eating is important even though we live in a culture that seems to be completely opposed to such things, encouraging a sedentary lifestyle and eating processed junk food most meals of the day. I think a lot about my health each time I lose another friend or colleague.

Certainly Matt Peters chose a different life then I did — he was intimately involved in politics, serving as Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Albany and later as the Albany Parking Authority director, the later a rather cushy job at the Parking Authority with an equally cushy salary. But then again, as I’ve worked my way up into management, I do respect how much work management can be and the tough decisions often that have to be made, along with all the contracts and hiring decisions that have to be made. And it’s actually not that much money he made in these inflationary times. Maybe I’m just a bit jealous.

I could never see myself being out in the forefront of politics. While I know many people who have ran and served in office, I don’t think I’d ever want to be involved in politics besides being behind the scenes, advising based on statistical data or assisting in the hard work that makes government and political campaigns run. Unlike Matt, I have zero desire to run for County Legislature, nor do I want to be in the public eye bar occasionally speaking at public hearings. It’s just not the life for me, but it’s necessary work for those who choose to do it. I’m much more private, focusing on improving my own life and not saving the world.

Maybe I shouldn’t compare myself to him. I chose a different career path and lifestyle, is both Democrats and involved with politics but with very different views and involvement in the system. He was a good man, even if I didn’t always agree with him and I will miss him even if we went our own ways the over the decades come and gone. I’m quite devestated that he’s gone even if we were very different people.