David Desorches is running for re-election to the Acushnet Selectboard in the 5/14/22 election. Submitted photo.
David Desroches
Over the past few weeks, as I have been campaigning across this fine town, there has been one re-occurring question that I’ve been asked, why are you running for re-election?
To me the answer is simple —I’m running because my job isn’t finished.
My opportunity over the last 3 years to represent this town and its residents has been an honor and a privilege.
Challenges face this town and decisions still need to be made. Some contentious, some not.
I believe fiscal challenges are at the forefront.
You must remember 86% of our tax base comes from the residential sector, a burden which needs to be reduced.
I was a proponent of the New England Farms project which will add to our commercial tax base as well as add jobs to our town. I believe it is imperative that this town attract new business but to do so we must start with infrastructure improvements such as water and sewer. Grants and ARPA fund money the town will be receiving should be immediately directed at these issues, as well as the reconstruction of Slocum Street and the transfer of South Main Street from the State to the town of Acushnet.
We need to write a Master Plan that includes over 55 housing.
Also, over the next 3 years the town will be facing the challenges of rezoning for new housing as train service arrives to New Bedford and Acushnet becomes a MBTA community.
I will continue the town’s ongoing negotiations with PJK to achieve compliance with all federal, state and town of Acushnet by laws. PJK has a responsibility of protecting the environment and helping to solve sustainability challenges, such as air quality, water quality and land use. When they operate again, I fully expect that.
I’m happy to announce that for the first time the Senior Work Program will be funded, and eligible seniors can work for the town and receive a voucher for up to $1500 to be applied to their tax bill.
I’m proud of the work I’ve done as SRTA director. With the help of Lynn Berube and her staff at Presidential Terrace we were able to expand the On Demand Service provided by the SRTA to create Market Basket Mondays and Walmart Wednesdays. And for the disabled in this town, this service can be used for medical and personal rides.
I was also able to secure a retired SRTA 12 passenger van for $1 to help the Council on Aging with their transportation needs.
In conclusion I’d like to say — as a town we need to be pro-active not re-active in planning our town’s future.
I believe the true measure of any democracy — large or small — is participation. I challenge all the voters of Acushnet to let their voices be heard. As my first term comes to an end, I look forward to the prospect of my second term beginning. Therefore, I respectfully ask for your vote come Saturday May 14th. Thank you.
Bob Hinckley is running for Acushnet Selectboard in the 5/14/22 election. Submitted photo.
Robert Hinckley
My name is Robert Hinckley and I’m running for Selectman in our town of Acushnet. We are at a point where I can’t defend the actions of our town, so I’m choosing to fight for it instead.
I want to focus on infrastructure, education, and communication. I strongly believe that with an open dialogue, most of the issues in our town can be solved. We have a chance to make our town the best small town on the Southcoast.
This town means a great deal to me. Every day I can wake up proud of where I live and am raising my family. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t need work. I think I can be the one to make that happen. My family has been in this town for 5 generations and I’m hoping there are many more to come.
Asking you to trust me is a big request. I know it is. What I can tell you is I’m not a politician that says one thing and does another. I’ll never be a politician. I just want to help the town I love, run better than it has.
When I set out to run for Selectman, it wasn’t to obtain a position of power. It was simply to help hold the town to a higher standard of accountability. Acushnet has a rich history and we all deserve to continue that legacy of a wonderful little town we’ve all come to love.
Together as a town, we can make a difference. We can help fund our roads, our schools, and our parks. We run on a tight budget, so it’s important to do all this without running over budget. I look forward to working with our finance committee to help them not have to tap into any override funds.
We can accomplish a lot with a little bit of teamwork and a lot of accountability. Ultimately that’s my mission statement.
Accountability, availability, common sense.
Thank you for your consideration, and I ask that you vote for me on May 14th.
Vote in Acushnet
Acushnet voters will go to the polls on Saturday, 5/14, to choose officials on all elected boards.
The polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All precincts vote at Acushnet Elementary School, 800 Middle Road.
For more information contact the Town Clerk, 130 Main St./Parting Ways, 508-998-0215.
This year, the Selectboard and the Board of Health have contested races.
SB chairperson David Desroches will face challenger Robert Hinckley. And BOH chairperson Thomas Fortin faces challenger Douglas Thomas.
Several seats will have no one on the ballot: Moderator; Commissioner of Trust funds with one seat vacant for a three-year term; Planning Board with one five-year seat; Library Trustee, with two vacant seats; Park Commissioner with one vacant seat.
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Click here to download the entire 5/12/22 issue: 05-12-22 AcushTM
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