Fairhaven's town election is Monday. Here's what to know about the candidates.
FAIRHAVEN — It's been an especially active local election season this year in Fairhaven, resulting in a slew of contested races for voters to decide on the April 1 ballot that carry the potential to change the makeup of five town government bodies: The Select Board, School Committee, Planning Board, Board of Health and Board of Public Works.
The races as voters can expect them to appear on the ballot are as follows:
In a race for two three-year Select Board terms are candidates Patrick John Carr, Jean P. Lemieux, Donna L.S. McKenna, Andrew Scott Romano, and Andrew B. Saunders.
In one of two Planning Board races, candidates Jessica M. Fidalgo (incumbent), Jeffrey Thomas Lucas (incumbent) and Diane Gail Tomassetti — a current appointee — are competing for two four-year terms. In the other, Richard F. Trapilo, Karyn Lyn Ferreira, and Despinia Longinidis vye for a one-year term.
In the race for two three-year terms on the School Committee are candidates Colin W. Veitch (incumbent), Erik W. Baumann and Nicole Marie Pacheco, a current appointee now looking for election to a full term.
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The following profiles are the made up of Select Board, School Committee and Planning Board candidates' responses to a "candidate profile" questionnaire sent out by The Standard-Times. Candidates in those races not included below did not respond in time for publishing.
Note: Some responses have been abbreviated and/or summarized for formatting purposes.
Select Board: Donna L.S. McKenna
How long have you lived in Fairhaven?: 55 years
Occupation/former occupation?: "I am a Mortgage Broker/Team Lead/Senior Advisor for the past 38 years. I started in Banking/Lending in 1986."
Why have you decided to run for election this year?: "To give back to my wonderful Town of Fairhaven, my passion and dedication to my town and making Fairhaven fair to all."
What do you feel you have to offer in the position you're running for?: "I am on the Fairhaven School Committee as of today (this is my 4th term 12 years) ending on 4/1/2024. I have dedicated my last 12 years to my great school system here in Fairhaven. My experience comes with budgets, policies and the superintendent. My Background of my Job is also working with budgets for my clients purchasing a home and making sure they can budget to make the biggest purchase in their lives. I have decided to give back to our town and run for the Select-board position and make Fair to all. I love my town and have volunteered in Fairhaven for the past 23+ years. My dedication and passion is well known in Fairhaven."
Select Board: Jean P. Lemieux
How long have you lived in Fairhaven?: 24 years
Occupation/former occupation?: Retired/pipefitter, Local #51
Why have you decided to run for election this year?: Lemieux said a primary motivation for his Select Board run is that he feels Fairhaven's town administrator position "has too much control," and would like there to be a heightened level of board oversight on spending. "Other than the TA I also want to protect the gift account the Fairhaven shelter has/had," he wrote in a message to The Standard-Times.
What do you feel you have to offer in the position you're running for?: "My decision making has always been based on a large group of people for one, the union two. Being No. 10 of a family of 11, I will listen to the people of Fairhaven to hear which direction to head in. I've been involved in contract negotiations with the union, my four years of trade school learning all types of piping with a background of welding in high school GNBRVTHS. I've learned trust issues working for family at a young age."
Lemieux said his background includes 39 years working as a union pipefitter, group contract negotiations, serving as his union's recording secretary and Sargent of Arms, job leadership experience as a foreman, and working for the town of Acushnet.
Select Board: Andrew B. Saunders
How long have you lived in Fairhaven?: 29 years
Occupation/former occupation?: Attorney and President of New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal, LLC.
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Why have you decided to run for election this year?: "Town government does not run itself. It needs individuals willing to serve as part of that government structure," Saunders said, noting two appointments to the Conservation Commission, which he currently serves on. Noting a $450,000 budget shortfall last year, and a forecasted $2.1M one this year, Saunders said: "Creative solutions are needed to (i) reduce spending on non-essential services where possible and (ii) increase revenue through non-Tax increase measures (which are prohibited by Proposition 2 ½). Increasing local aid from the State is an area which needs exploration and I believe I can work to assist in crafting a solution to the revenue shortage."
What do you feel you have to offer in the position you're running for?: "Legal experience, business experience, problem solving experience and just as important, a reasonable temperament," Saunders wrote. As outlined in his response, Saunders has been admitted to practice law in Mass. for 32 years "while also serving as a director to numerous corporations (both in the US and internationally)." Saunders said early career experience working in the Mass. State Senate and as New Bedford Harbor Development Commission's General Counsel has provided "insight on how government structures function."
Saunders wrote that the Foss Marine Terminal offshore wind staging facility project he leads"has a first-year capital budget equal to the yearly operating budget for the Town of Fairhaven," he wrote. "I believe I am the most qualified of the present 5 candidates to be able to identify and develop a plan to resolve the present financial issues the town is facing."
School Committee: Colin Veitch (incumbent)
How long have you lived in Fairhaven?: 28 years
Occupation/former occupation?: "I am a Senior Manager of Packaging Development for the Acushnet Company. That means I am responsible for procurement, planning, design, engineering and quality for all Titleist golf ball packaging globally."
Why have you decided to run for election this year?: "Given our current challenges I feel it is important to maintain a mix of experience and new passion on the committee for the next three years as new members become experienced ones," Veitch wrote. "This is a complicated role and requires time and deep knowledge of the issues to maximize the contribution of all six of us. The budget constraints now and forecasted for the future require experience and a collaborative work ethic. I bring both qualities to the work of our School Committee."
What do you feel you have to offer in the position you're running for?: Veitch wrote that in his Acushnet Company position, he is "responsible for a significant budget, long term planning and strategic relationships with suppliers around the world," providing "perspective and a level of comfort with large numbers and how systems work together efficiently for a common purpose," which he says he "very similar to a school system."
Veitch wrote that all four of his children being recent graduates of Fairhaven schools who've moved onto college and careers has given him "first hand knowledge of what a parent experiences in our schools and has revealed over the years areas where we excel and areas of opportunity."
Aside from serving on the School Committee, Veitch said his 18 years of town service has also included a "brief tenure" on the Finance Committee.
School Committee: Nicole Marie Pacheco
How long have you lived in Fairhaven?: "I’ve lived in Fairhaven nearly my entire life," Pacheco wrote, noting she's a 2003 Fairhaven High grad. After moving to New Jersey with her husband for work for two years, Pacheco says they moved back to Fairhaven "once we had our oldest daughter."
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Occupation/former occupation?: Pacheco wrote that her work experience includes "marketing within the supply chain industry." "After welcoming our second daughter, I decided to be a stay-at-home mom," she wrote, noting she currently sits "on the board of a local nonprofit for children in the performing arts based in Fairhaven."
Why have you decided to run for election this year?: " I’m hoping to retain my seat after my November appointment. I have three children, and next year, they will be spread throughout our schools - elementary, middle, and high school. With my youngest entering the school system I have the availability to put in the work for our kids. My flexible schedule allows me to participate in subcommittees and join online workshops such as those hosted by the Massachusetts Association for School Committees which gives me a better insight into what’s going on throughout all Massachusetts school districts."
What do you feel you have to offer in the position you're running for?: "I had a wonderful educational experience in Fairhaven and want that and more for all of Fairhaven's children, not just my own. We have great momentum and some exciting programs in the pipeline and I want to continue that work and expand on what we offer for our students. I strongly believe that investing in our schools is investing in the future of Fairhaven," Pacheco wrote.
As outlined in her responses, Pacheco has a bachelor's degree in marketing communications from Johnson & Wales University.
School Committee: Erik W. Baumann
How long have you lived in Fairhaven?: "I first bought a house in Fairhaven nineteen years ago. After a few years away, my wife, two daughters and I have lived in Fairhaven since 2017."
Occupation/former occupation?: "I currently work at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth as a Program Coordinator for College Now, an alternative admissions program that seeks to provide opportunity. access, support and structure for students who have historically been unable to attend college. I coordinate admissions for the program and work with a cohort of incoming first year students each year supporting them on their journey to college success."
Why have you decided to run for election this year?: "I have decided to run for the School Committee because we face significant challenges in Fairhaven. It’s no secret that our town faces some substantial budgetary challenges. I want to make sure that our schools continue to be fully funded and that every student in Fairhaven has access to a first-class education. I also want to make sure that people understand the challenges and obstacles that teachers, administrators, students, and parents are facing in public education today."
What do you feel you have to offer in the position you're running for?: "I believe I have a unique perspective when it comes to education. Throughout my career in higher education administration, I have had several opportunities to work and collaborate with students, faculty, staff, and administrators in both elementary and secondary education. As someone who works closely with many students fresh out of high school, I know and understand the challenges they face, the skills they have and the skills they need to develop. It is my hope to bring my experiences to the Fairhaven School Committee and give back to a community that my family and I love being a part of."
Planning Board (four-year term): Jessica M. Fidalgo (incumbent)
How long have you lived in Fairhaven?: "I have lived in Fairhaven most of my life. My husband & I moved back to Fairhaven and purchased our first home in 2015."
Occupation/former occupation?: Fidalgo has been a hairdresser specializing in hair replacement, wigs, etc., working in a salon for 19 years. She's also been in food services. "I have always had a passion for helping people, problem solving, and teaching others," she wrote.
Why have you decided to run for election this year?: "The main reason is that my first term is coming to an end. I want to continue my work in advocating for planning and community growth/development by using 'place making' and destination strategies that enhance the well being of our community members and the financial viability of the town in the long term by being an attractive place to live," Fidalgo wrote. "Fairhaven’s issues are shared with other towns in the Commonwealth: how we adapt now is vital to our future. The answer lies in our community, within the neighborhoods, beaches, and parks we all love and adore.
What do you feel you have to offer in the position you're running for?: "I am a big advocate for the concept of Belonging and a strong, resilient community," Fidalgo wrote, outlining her volunteer work as current chair of the town's Belonging Committee, Wood Elementary School PTO president, N.F.I.A. secretary, a new Rotary Club member and SRPEDD commissioner for the Planning Board. "I have a well rounded understanding of the needs, desires, and problems that we are being faced with," she wrote.
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Fidalgo wrote that the town "should think" about the economic trends of "lifestyle businesses, restaurants, arts and community events that bring people to our town." "This will help to guide economic growth, strengthening our hometown, and create alignment with Fairhaven’s Master Plan," she wrote.
Fidalgo added that proper land use and code enforcement "is what will make our community sustainable without risking future health or wealth while mitigating climate change."
Planning Board (four-year term): Diane G. Tomassetti
How long have you lived in Fairhaven?: About 28 years, "though I moved to Hawaii & Colorado for a few years and returned about 4 years ago," she wrote.
Occupation/former occupation?: "Variety of careers; Speech & Language Pathologist; Financial Planner w/ American Express; Sales Director & Project manager for natural stone companies; Realtor 25 years, current w/ Anne Whiting RE; FAA commercially licensed pilot for Hot-Air Balloons; Corporate director positions in health care." Tomassetti also owned a bed & breakfast business in town at one point, she wrote.
Why have you decided to run for election this year?: Tomassetti wrote that she's a current appointed Planning Board member seeking a four-year term. "I have significant planning experience across a wide variety of community planning venues in other states as well as MA and I feel it's important to support the quality of life for Fairhaven residents, growth & development of our community," she wrote. "The PB is a focal board for bringing businesses into town and expanding residential housing needs such as Additional Dwelling Units (ADU's) and 40R smart growth zoning to enable mixed-use districts."
What do you feel you have to offer in the position you're running for?: "I was a Fairhaven Town Meeting Member for about 10 years; Integral part of the Fairhaven Business Association; Built two homes on the Fairhaven harbor - have been before all of the regulatory boards for permits and approvals, FEMA and waterways directives," she wrote. "As a current PB member I have an understanding of the scope of the regulatory purview of this board and where we as a town can further develop growth.
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"My experience in planning, development, and as an architectural liaison gives me a diverse perspective and outlook that meshes well with the Fairhaven Planning Board. I bring my experience, integrity and passion to the residents of Fairhaven."
Planning Board (one-year term): Richard F. Trapilo
How long have you lived in Fairhaven?: "We moved to our home on Sconticut Neck June, 2021. We have resided and worked on the South Coast for 20 plus years."
Occupation/former occupation?: "I have earned; MBA, BA, International Business certification, Massachusetts Real estate Broker. I have served on nonprofit and publicly traded Boards. I have led the Asia Region as Division President, served as General Manager & Executive Vice President/Board member for the Americas Business Division, #1 Global Division Sales Leadership at Xerox, entrepreneur of two ... start up businesses, presently a Commercial / Residential Broker with Coastal Realty based in New Bedford Mass."
Why have you decided to run for election this year?: "The Town of Fairhaven is at a critical juncture. The decisions made by the leaders we elect must not perpetuate the challenges we face but must pave the way for innovative solutions," Trapilo wrote. "With a background as a president of a large corporation, a business owner, and the holder of an MBA, I bring to the table the essential elements of effective leadership. ... I commit to drawing upon the best ideas from our Town's Master Plan, aligning them with short-term and long-term objectives."
Trapilo wrote that he believes it's important to safeguard public health "by protecting all our natural resources," and that "Safety isn't just about physical security; it's about fostering a business environment that respects and enhances the values of our coastal community."
"Prosperity, too, is within our reach," he wrote, noting the importance of supporting "initiatives like Accessory Dwelling Units and innovating with 40R overlays in pre-development areas, ensuring sustainable growth while caring for our families and neighbors."
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What do you feel you have to offer in the position you're running for?: Trapilo wrote that his "educational accomplishments serve as the bedrock for strategic business acumen, encompassing proficient business planning, meticulous budgeting, and adept integration of cutting-edge technology."
"Moreover, my hands-on experience in the trenches of business has instilled a cardinal principle: fiscal responsibility. I staunchly believe in the axiom that expenditure must never exceed revenue—a maxim gleaned from real-world enterprise."
In terms of town and public service, Trapilo mentioned his participation as a Town Meeting member, "contribution to the Town Finance Committee," and most recently has served as a poll worker in the Clerk's office. In 2022, he ran for 10th Bristol Representative, challenging Rep. Bill Straus.
Other races
In other Fairhaven election races, Barbara A. Acksen and Sheila C. Dolan face off for one four-year Board of Health term, and Robert D. Hobson (incumbent) and Hillary Kesner Rotondo vie for a six-year Board of Public Works term.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fairhaven town election candidate profiles
