By Beth David, Editor
The results of the Fairhaven election, in addition to choosing elected officials, include the outcome of three ballot questions.
Three candidates competed for two seats on the Select Board. Pam Kuechler took the top spot with 1785 votes; Rick Trapilo got 143; Miles Grant received 1562.
Planning Board also had two contested races. Four candidates vied for three full term seats: Incumbent Kevin Grant (1734); newcomer Mona Phillips (1341); incumbent Sharon Simmons (1237) lost her seat.
Planning Board also had an unexpired term to fill, with two people vyng for that spot: Jennifer Cardoza (1648), and Andrew Panek (1148).
Uncontested races included, School Committee, with two candi-dates running to fill two full term seats, and one person running to fill an unexpired term. Donna McKenna (1949) and Erik Baumann (1614) won the full term slots; Michael Sherman (1866) was elected to fill the unexpired term.
Other uncontested races were: Board of Public Works, incumbent Brian Wotton (1844); Marcus Ferro, (1645); Board of Health, incumbent Justine Frezza (2034); Commissioner of Trust Funds, incumbent Louis Ponte (1961); Housing Authority, Jacob Galary, 2030.
Question one would have removed the fire and police departments from Civil Service. It failed 1936 to 1291. The departments will continue to be in Civil Service.
Question two would have authorized a Proposition 2 1/2 override that would have allowed the town to assess an additional $649,178 in real estate taxes for fire department overtime, tourism department, highway department, school department. It failed to pass 1906 to 1416.
Question three passed, accepting a town charter for the first time, 1850 to 1240.
With the failure of Question 2, the Office of Tourism is completely eliminated and Alyssa Botelho’s job as director no longer exists after 6/30.
In a post on Facebook, Ms. Botelho thanked the residents who supported the office and the work they did. As a result of the vote, she said the following events are canceled: the Food Truck Flavor Fest, Swords & Sails, Olde-Tyme Holiday town hall events (separate events at the nonprofits may continue), free historical walking tours. The website will remain live until December, but no new events will be posted. The office also was responsible for keeping the town’s social media sites updated.
“We also ask for patience during this transition,” she wrote. “The Office of Tourism, Community, and Economic Development has managed social media across more than 30 Town of Fairhaven pages. As responsibilities are redistributed across departments, there may be delays or gaps in how information is posted. Town staff will be working to ensure continuity of communication.”
Ms. Botelho noted that the department started as the Office of Tourism 30 years ago. In 2024 it was changed to the Office of Tourism, Community & Economic Development, branded as Discover Fairhaven, expanding its focus to include community programming, business support, and economic development initiatives.
“We are deeply grateful to the many residents, volunteers, local businesses, artists, vendors, performers, and visitors who have supported this work over the years,” wrote Ms. Botelho. “Together, these initiatives have brought thousands of people into Fairhaven and strengthened community engagement and local economic activity. Thank you for being part of this work.”
At its 6/15 meeting, the Select Board discussed options to keep the office running, or at least continue to offer the public events. See page 4 for story.
•••
Click here to download the 6/18/26 issue: 06-18-26 NoKings
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
