Candidate Statements: Board of Health

Barbara Acksen

I am Barbara Acksen candi­date for the Board of Health, and health care professional with nearly fifty years of experience. I previously served on the Board during the turbulent turbine years, and thus am familiar with how it functions. I also recognize the importance of the Board maintaining its independence in order to ensure the health and environment of the town. 

I hold a doctorate in psychology and have served as a direct care practitioner, clinical administrator, professor, research scientist and consultant to various organiza­tions, clinics and hospitals both locally and beyond. 

I chaired Greater New Bedford Allies for Health and Wellness for nine years. Greater New Bedford Allies is a coalition of health, human services, government, clergy and others from the nine surrounding towns including Fairhaven, who work together in cooperation with the Department of Public Health to improve the quality of health in our area. 

I believe my skills and training are a good fit with the needs of the Board. I also bring a long time resident’s understanding of the town. I grew up here, still live in the house I grew up in with my partner Jules, two cats, and a cockatoo. I’ve long been active in town as a Trust Commissioner, Cable Advisory,Chair, and Town Meeting member, and in non-profits that benefit the town. 

It has been my honor to serve as head of the Fairhaven Improvement Association for multiple terms and work with like minded people to foster meaningful traditions in town that bind us together as a community and help us through difficult times. 

Despite the shutdown of Covid being past, we are still left with residual health issues such as low vaccine rates for diseases such as measles, high incidence of respiratory viruses and a terrible mental health toll on our children. Food and restaurant management also are still feeling effects. The Board must respond to these as well as environmental issues such as air and water quality, waste management, the impact of extreme weather on our coast and insect control. Another concern is the Avian Flu in Bristol County which poses hazards to chickens and outside fowl. 

The Board functions to regulate and inform the public about these issues as well as listening to residents’ concerns. 

As a member of the Board of Health I would work to inform you about health safety issues, and enforce regulations designed to protect the public. I would work to keep the Board accessible and open and provide a respectful forum for all residents and businesses who come before the Board. 

I care deeply about your health and safety and will work diligently on your behalf. I ask for your vote April 1st. 

Sheila Dolan

I grew up in the house my grandfather, Patrick Sullivan, built. He arrived in Fairhaven in the late 1800s.

He was a gardener in Ireland and in town he worked for Henry Huttleston Rogers, later becom­ing his landscape foreman. 

I moved to New Bedford and became a police officer. Before retirement I came back home and bought a house on Chestnut Street.

When I retired I worked at a veterinarian hospital for 18 years. In 2003 I started a pet sitting business, Auntie Sheila’s Pet People. 

Whether acting on behalf of the citizens as a police officer, the first woman on the Planning Board, serving on the Conservation Commission or appointed to the Finance Committee for a short time, and caring for animals; I devoted much time and energy to the town of Fairhaven. I would like to continue serving the public as a member of the Board of Health. 

I have a proven record of upholding the health, safety and common interests of the residents. 

If elected I will follow through with all that comes before the board concerning people, pets or the environment. 

Thank you

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