Editor’s Note: The Wanderer invited candidates for contested seats on elected boards and committees in the tri-towns to submit up to 350 words stating their case to the voters. This week we hear from candidates in Mattapoisett and Rochester. The respective elections in these towns are scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, and Wednesday, June 17. Marion’s election is set for Friday, June 26. The Southeastern Massachusetts League of Women Voters supplied the following seven questions for candidates’ consideration in this presentation:
1. What office are you running for and what inspired you to run in this election?
2. What experience and expertise do you bring to the table and how does that qualify you for this position?
3. What initiatives would you create to prioritize the Town’s goals of being more supportive to Seniors “Aging in Place?”
4. If you could change one thing in the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, what would it be?
5. How would you generate more interest in people serving in public office?
6. If elected, what would be your first priority in improving the Town’s financial standing?
7. If the Town received a $1 million grant to use any way you wanted, how would you allocate it and why?
Board of Selectmen: John DeCosta
My name is John DeCosta and I am seeking a seat on the Board of Selectmen. My inspiration to run comes from my family’s service to the community, especially my dad’s 21-year run as a selectman. I chose this year to run because I am in a position in my personal life to dedicate the time and energy needed to the job.
I feel I am qualified for the job because of my own town service, which includes 40 years as a town meeting member, having served on the Fire Department, been a employee of the Water Department, served on the Capital Planning, Community Preservation, Open Space and Town Administrator Screening committees. I also have a history of commitment to the community that goes from helping my dad with the Memorial Day parade as a boy to today, volunteering at Harbor Days and Christmas in the park.
There are normal issues facing the town and as always new challenges coming up. Case in point is the COVID-19 pandemic. It is bringing a whole new set of issues to the town that will require dedicated leadership to solve. How to open schools, operate town services, support our vulnerable populations, maintain our traditions and provide support for our affected business community and organizations are just a few of these challenges.
I see some of our contemporary issues as affording the major capital needs of Town Hall, the wharfs and outstanding road repairs. A lack of affordable housing for seniors and young families. Understanding the complete financial and regulatory issues involved before continuing construction of the multi-use path, and zoning issues around the increasing number of solar arrays in town. I want to ensure that any growth in a town department or the town’s equipment fleet is truly needed and benefits the taxpayers.
I would like to bring my experience and my commitment to the Board of Selectmen. I wish to be a new voice who brings some new and some traditional ideas to the way we run our town.
I ask for your vote on Election day.
Respectfully, John DeCosta
Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen: Tyler Macallister
Many ask, “What does a selectman do?” The Selectmen are charged with many things, but the most important task for the Selectmen is to act upon the will of Town Meeting. Every spring, long hours are spent with the town administrator, Finance Committee, department heads and superintendent of schools, developing a budget that fits within revenue forecasts and work with the town administrator to prepare for Town Meeting.
I graduated with an MBA from Isenberg School of Management, a B.S. in Marine Biology, an advanced degree in Education, and Master Captains License. I founded or co-founded several successful businesses and have fished commercially for 35 years.
I often visited Mattapoisett while in college for Nick’s Pizza or adult beverages and entertainment at the Mattapoisett Inn. My wife and I settled in Mattapoisett in 2001. I joined the Conservation Commission in 2005 and then ran for Selectman in 2011. My wife Cindy, daughter Alex and I volunteer annually to serve food at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Shipyard Park.
Over the last nine years, the selectmen, town administrator, employees, department heads, and finance committee have worked hard to improve the fiscal health of Mattapoisett. Mattapoisett’s bond rating was raised to the highest attainable by establishing stabilization funds to smooth the impact of highly variable costs and addressing future unfunded liabilities. Maintaining this premier fiscal status requires a solid understanding of municipal finance to prepare balanced budgets and accurate revenue forecasts.
Representing the town, I negotiated contracts with the Patrolman’s and Local Teachers’ unions three times. I was fortunate to work with professionals from both unions.
One of the issues important to me while selectman is supporting the aging population in Mattapoisett and the Council on Aging. I am looking forward to continuing that work with Jackie and the COA.
I consider the waterfront to be the focal point of the town. Hiring Jamie McIntosh as full-time harbormaster was pivotal to improving the waterfront and its facilities. I will continue supporting all efforts to improve and upgrade Mattapoisett’s waterfront resources.
Thank you for your support on June 16.
Tyler Macallister