Patrick to kick off town hall tour

Gov. Deval Patrick (D)Gov. Deval Patrick (D-Milton) will kick off a five-week town hall tour across the state next week, his office announced late Wednesday.

The tour will have 11 stops, beginning July 8 in Salem and ending August 23 in Boston.

"As we continue to rebuild our economy and our people, it's important that all our residents feel part of these initiatives," Patrick said in a statement. "I look forward to hearing from all of my constituents on issues they care about most, and how the state can be a better partner to local communities. "

The town halls will be open to the public and Patrick hopes they will provide an opportunity for Massachusetts residents to voice issues they care about. According to the governor's statement, Patrick expects these issues to include education reform, health care and the economy.

The governor will also conduct four public four public cabinet meetings in four different regions of the state. These meetings will begin July 17 in Amherst and end July 30 in Worcester. They will be composed of all Patrick's cabinet secretaries and some commissioners.

For more information on the tour or to see when Patrick may be coming to a town near you, click here.