Three candidates have taken out papers to run for Mass. State Representative in the 10th Bristol district, the seat held by long time rep William Straus of Mattapoisett. Rep. Straus announced that he would not be seeking re-election this year. The 10th Bristol District includes Fairhaven, Marion Mattapoisett, Rochester and parts of Acushnet and New Bedford.
Two Republicans and one Democrat have jumped into the race: Robert “Bob” McConnell, R, of Fairhaven; Joseph “Joe” Pires, R, of Rochester; and Mark Sylvia, D, of Fairhaven. Their announcements follow.
Robert Mcconnell, R, of Fairhaven, is running for state rep for the 10th Bristol District in Mass. Submitted photo.
Bob McConnell
My name is Robert S. McConnell, or known to most people as “Bob.” I seek to serve you and others as your sincerely humble, loyal and always available Representative in the Massachusetts General Court.
I began this campaign on Feb. 21, nomination papers had been issued Feb. 7, then my grandson and I traveled to the Secretary of State’s office in Fall River after waiting two weeks. This began my second campaign as a Republican candidate for the 10th Bristol District State Representative. This position represents the 42,862 good souls of Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Fairhaven, and a small part of Acushnet and New Bedford. My political activism began as an elected Town meeting member, followed by a 2021 election to chair of the Fairhaven Republican Town Committee, A State Rep. candidate in 2022 and now just elected in the March 5 Presidential primary to State Committeeman for the Second Bristol and Plymouth District.
I am 67-years-old, a proud Father, and Grandfather by the grace and blessings of GOD. A Licensed Practical Nurse since 1992, a sworn Deputy Sheriff and Officer with the Plymouth County Sheriffs since 1987.
I’m currently a P.O.S.T. (Police Officer Standard Training Commission) Massachusetts certified as a Police Officer.
As a member of the Acushnet-Wesley United Methodist Church, I’ve served as an active member since 2008, singing in the choir and serving on the Board of Trustees.
I need your vote! I need you to exercise your civil rights and vote! We all need to “Get out the vote.” We all need to urgently participate in Government or we shall lose all our freedoms. Vote for me to bring a very loud notice of change to Beacon Hill. Tell them you’re sending a Republican Representative up there now. Tell them he is a Deputy Sheriff, POST Certified, he is a Licensed Nurse, and a Republican State Committeeman. We are confident he will do the right thing and serve us well. This is self- evident and predictable based on a decades long track record of good service, character and success. Show them you don’t have to be a wealthy, connected, over-educated progressive elitist to be elected. You don’t even need to be a Democrat. Please let me be the one to express your will, the people’s will!
Cheers, Bob McConnell
Joseph “Joe” Pires, R, of Rochester, is running for state rep for the 10th Bristol District in Mass. Submitted photo.
Joe Pires
Joe Pires, a long-time resident and active community member of the Southcoast, has officially announced his candidacy for Massachusetts State Representative in the 10th Bristol District. After gathering the necessary signatures, which have been certified, Pires is honored and humbled to have the opportunity to represent his community at the state level.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me in reaching this milestone. Your faith in me strengthens me in my efforts to serve our community and address the challenges we face,” stated Pires.
About Joe Pires:
Born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Joe Pires’s life story is one of resilience and determination. The son of immigrants from Cape Verde, Pires was the first in his family born in the United States. His upbringing by a single mother in a hardworking household set the foundation for his values and work ethic.
Pires attended St. James St. John Catholic School before moving to Dartmouth. He furthered his education at New England Institute of Technology, Boston University, and Emerson College, achieving his degree and certifications in Electronics Engineering, Information Technology, and Mass Communication.
Beginning his career at Polaroid Corporation, Pires specialized in process control instrumentation/ automation before moving into Information Technology. And now for nearly 20 years, he has been a managing partner at Pioneer Basement and Grate Products, a local family-owned business.
Beyond his professional life, Pires is married with three children and has been deeply involved in his community. His passions include spending time with his family, coaching baseball, practicing martial arts, and serving as a school committee member for Old Rochester Regional for over three terms.
As a dedicated club member of Club SS Sacramento, sponsor of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, Pires served as IT Chairman, showcasing his commitment to community and heritage.
A Vision for the 10th Bristol District:
In announcing his candidacy, Pires has emphasized his determination to address the myriad issues facing the district, including the declining state of standard of living, increased taxes/fees, and the need to prioritize the needs of citizens.
“As a moderate Republican, I believe in working across the aisle to find solutions that benefit everyone in our community. I am committed to protecting and improving the wonderful place we call home,” Pires added.
Pires’s candidacy represents a new hope and optimism for the residents of the 10th Bristol District, offering a vision of unity, progress, and dedication to the welfare of the community.
For more information about Joe Pires and his campaign, visit www.electjoepires.com.
Mark Sylvia, D, of Fairhaven, is running for state rep for the 10th Bristol District in Mass. Submitted photo.
Mark Sylvia
Mark Sylvia declared his candidacy for State Representative on 5/6/24. Sylvia is running to succeed Representative William Straus, who is retiring after serving the 10th Bristol District for 32 years.
“The 10th Bristol District is made up of hard working people, who care about each other and want to make things better for everyone. I grew up here, raised my family here and I believe in us. I ask the voters of our district for their support in this election to be their voice in Boston. If elected I will put my experience to work for the people of Acushnet, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford and Rochester on day one, fighting for affordable healthcare and housing and for an economy that works for everyone,” said Sylvia.
Sylvia continued, “Our families, seniors, veterans, and small businesses are the backbone of our community. I will fight for our fair share of state aid for schools, public safety, our seniors and veterans, for pathways to grow our small businesses and support our fishing industry, and for continued investment in the South Coast’s transportation system. We can do all this while creating more jobs and protecting our climate and the environment. That is the promise of the amazing place we all love and my commitment to you”
Mark Sylvia currently serves as the Chief of Staff at BlueWave Solar and was previously Undersecretary of Energy and Commissioner of Energy Resources for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Sylvia was also the Town Manager in Plymouth. He holds a BA and MPA from American University in Washington D.C. Sylvia resides in Fairhaven, where he grew up, attended public schools and has raised his family. He currently serves as the Town Moderator and previously served on the School Committee.
For more information please visit: www.marksylvia.com
•••
Click here to download the 05-09-24 issue: 05-09-24 CherryBlossomFest
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
