With the untimely passing of Select Board member John DeCosta, Mattapoisett voters were asked to pick not one but two new Select Board members in 2021. While Jodi Lynn Bauer won the seat vacated by Paul Silva in the May 18 Town Election, a second special election is planned for a date in July yet to be finalized.
The Town Clerk’s Office told The Wanderer that, before releasing firm dates associated with the special election that will fill DeCosta’s unexpired term, the May 18 election needed to be conducted and closed. Now that the May 18 election is in the books, the July special election will reset the process with new regulated filings.
Select Board member Jordan Collyer said during the May 12 meeting that it is time to “get the wheels in motion” for the special election, given the timing involved in setting an election. Silva said that trying the conduct the town’s business with just two board members is difficult, thus the special election process needs to begin.
A preliminary schedule was shared but has yet to be solidified. The draft was outlined as follows: Nomination papers available on May 21; last day to request papers June 4; last day to file nomination papers with the Board of Registrars June 8; last day for submitting nominations papers to the Town Clerk June 22; last day to object or withdraw June 24; last day to register to vote in special town election July 7; last day to post warrant for special town election July 20; and polls open for special election on July 27 at Old Hammondtown School. Official days will be posted by the Town Clerk after May 18.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell