Peter DeTerra
I’m Peter DeTerra and I’m running for re-election to the Fairhaven Board of Health. A little about me for those of you who don’t know me. I grew up on the family farm in East Fairhaven and married the love of my life Melissa. We have four beautiful children together. I own an excavating company and I’m a parishioner of Saint Joseph Church in Fairhaven.
For the past 18 years I have been a member of the Fairhaven Board of Health. I have engaged in training and certifications related to serving the public health needs of Fairhaven. Being properly educated in public health related issues has given me the ability to work with the board and department personnel to properly serve the residents of Fairhaven.
My education and training consist of Title V Inspector, Soil Evaluator, OSHA Certified, NIMS 700, National Certified Food Manager and other certifications and classes related to public health. I am currently the only board member certified to do soil evaluation, restaurant inspections and septic inspections. In the absence of the Health Agent I’m the only member of the board certified to do these inspections. This provides seamless services to our town residents and businesses.
I believe education is critical. Education in the right field related directly to the Board of Health. That is why I have spent the past 18 years taking the proper classes and training courses to serve on the Board of Health.
Going forward if re-elected I will continue to work on education, training and public outreach. The last two years have been trying times for everyone. Life as we knew it has changed. We had ever changing mandates, updates, and regulations. We spent the past two years learning how to effectively manage this pandemic. I look forward to using the lessons I have learned, good and bad to re-evaluate our town’s response to the pandemic and work with my fellow board members and the Board of Health Staff to adjust our SOP’s and response to future pandemics.
The pandemics isn’t the only thing we have to focus on at the Board of Health. Working with our Food Establishments to make sure Fairhaven has top quality food choices with clean sanitary facilities. I will use my training as a Title V Inspector and Soil Evaluator to make sure quality septic systems are installed in our community protecting the sensitive eco systems of our town. I will work will the board to provide continued community outreach and address residents’ concerns in a timely manner.
If re-elected to the Fairhaven Board of Health I will continue to work with the board and the Health Agent to protect the public health of Fairhaven. I will continue to listen to and work with the residents of Fairhaven. I will use my training and experience on the Board of Health to do what is needed to keep Fairhaven a safe and healthy town to live in. I invite you to reach out to me on my Facebook page “Peter DeTerra Fairhaven Board of Health” or email me: peterdeterraboardofhealth@gmail.com. I want to earn your trust and your vote on Monday April 4th.
Heidi Hacking
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The First Wealth is Health”.
Since deciding to run for the Fairhaven Board of Health, I’ve been asked why. My answer has been to give back, but it is also to move forward.
I believe the town of Fairhaven is moving forward and the Board of Health needs to be a part of its progress. I hope to bring to the board not only my knowledge of healthcare but also my experience in team building and quality improvement. I want to open a dialogue about many public health issues facing the town.
Covid has been front and center for two years now, but it’s time to talk about more. I’ve mentioned my interest in tick and mosquito borne illnesses, the opioid crisis and mental health issues. I hope to investigate ways to protect and educate the community about these public health issues.
I would like to examine how the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards can be a resource to us. Since we are a member, we should put that membership to good use. I want to explore how the Fairhaven Board of Health can increase effective communication with the community.
Mostly, I want to work collaboratively with others. I want to be able to have an open, respectful and productive dialogue with others. I’m not an expert on everything but my role will be to research and seek out those who have the knowledge that will assist us in our mission. I believe we can best serve the people of Fairhaven through cooperation, good communication and teamwork.
Also, we need to think about the future of Fairhaven. We need to think about the next generation and how we can be good role models. Participating in town government shouldn’t be intimidating or exclusive. It should welcome all people, ideas and involvement.
We may not agree on everything but the more ideas we can generate the better chance we have of developing a better plan. My promise is to treat people respectfully and listen to your ideas. I was recently asked in a virtual Meet and Greet what would be the first thing I would bring to the Board of Health. My response was dialogue. Let’s talk!
Lastly, remember to exercise your right to vote. I hope you will support me with your vote on April 4th.
If you have specific questions, please email me at HackingBOH@gmail.com or to see more information about me follow me on my Facebook page” Heidi Hacking for Fairhaven Board of Health.
If you would like to meet me and ask me your questions in person, please join me on Sunday, March 13th from 1pm-3pm at 42 Main Street in Fairhaven. Soups, Sweets and Music! $20 donation.
Thank you.
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