Candidate Statements Fairhaven Planning Board

The following three candidates: Incumbent Kevin Grant, Mona Phillips, and Incumbent Sharon Simmons are running for two seats on the Fairhaven Planning Board. The board also has two people vying for on unexpired term (statements follow the full term seat).]

Kevin Grant

My name is Kevin Grant, and I am run­ning for re­election to the Planning Board. 

Over the past 4 years, the Board has faced many challenges. We have had 3 Town Planners (one of whom was serving in a hybrid — and wholly ineffectual — -role) along with long periods of having zero Planner (including now). We have had 3 Town Administrators. Vast turnover in other departments has also negatively im­pacted the ability of the Town and the Board to function well or efficiently. 

We also saw the defeat of the two longest-serving PB members. While some relish a “fresh start” at any opportunity, the loss of decades of cumulative knowledge and experience (along with the turnover referenced above) helped set the stage for Open Meeting Law violations, conflict of interest charges, countless legal fees and chaos. The loss of public faith and trust in this board is well deserved. 

Through it all, I have been consistent and steadfast in my insistence on policy and procedure, transparency, honesty and integrity. I have de­manded that the public have access to Town Counsel when they are directly impacted by ongoing litigation, lead­ing a walk-out when that counsel was denied. I have brought my concerns about conflict of interest when it was decided behind closed doors to include Board members’ properties in the 40R district to the then Chair of the Board and the Town Adminis­trator. When I received no response, I brought those concerns to the public and to the press. An attempted censure of myself and Jessica Fidalgo by the remaining board members because of this had to be rescinded at the advice of Town Counsel for being groundless. 

I made the motion for an inde­pendent investigation into the Timothy/Hiller debacle and went before the Select Board to advocate for the necessity of it. This town cannot send the message that if you have enough money and time to run out a clock then court rulings will not apply to you, or if we have a certain level of negligence in our elected officials the rights and quality of life of the common citizen are not protected. 

The Planning Board of the past one to two years is not the one I was elected to in 2022. We were effective, thorough and respected. I have been working and fighting ever since to return us to that status. We are blessed to have Andrew Panek, with the affordable housing credentials we desperately need, and Mona Phillips, with an in-depth track record of climate change planning coupled with ZBA experience running with me this year. 

I do not serve because I feel the town has aggrieved me and I’m looking to undo a process which I feel has caused me harm. I don’t enjoy campaigning or even serving. Time away from my family, even 2 nights a month — is not something I look forward to. But our work here is not finished, and I do believe it is important. 

Thank you sincerely for your support. 

 

Mona Phillips

Protection. Resiliency, Optimism

My name is Mona Phillips and I’m seek­ing election to the Fair­haven Plan­ning Board.  

The Planning Board’s mission is to protect, sustain and build resilience for our community. Wise land use decisions today position us to meet future economic and environmental challenges while preserving our quality of life.

I have a deep appreciation for our coastal community, which boasts a rich social and maritime history, natural beauty, and a distinctive small-town atmosphere characterized by genuine neighborly care. Preserving these unique attributes is essential. 

Having relocated to Fairhaven from a small town in New Jersey where I served on the Zoning Board of Adjust­ment, my experience underscores the importance of making decisions prioritizing public welfare, safety, sustainability, and economic health. I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved and committed to upholding these same principles if elected to the Fairhaven Planning Board. 

As a coastal community, Fairhaven is increasingly vulnerable to severe storms threatening our shoreline, public and private property, open space, historical buildings and com­mer­cial waterfront. It is vital that we recognize the risks and prepare for this reality by coupling local land use expertise with innovative, forward-looking solutions. 

In my professional career as the Financial Controller for a mid-sized chemicals company, I was recognized for effective problem-solving, fostering teamwork, conducting thorough analysis, and collaborating with or learning from other organizations solving complex problems. As an environmental advocate, I’ve sup­ported practical, cost effective and forward-looking solutions to our climate challenges.  

A Planning Board Member’s role is to uphold by-laws, provide impartial judgment, offer strategic insights, and foster understanding. My Corporate, Public Service and Environmental Advocacy makes me well-suited for these responsibilities and I will bring my abilities and values, plus a large dose of optimism achieving the Planning Board’s Mission. 

 

Sharon Simmons

Meet Sharon Simmons —Candidate for Fairhaven Planning Board.

Hello my fellow towns­people. It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since you chose to have me as part of the planning board. I am humbled and grateful. There was and still is a lot to learn. T

he biggest addition to town was the adoption of 40R. There was much intense planning in many areas along with community workshops and public events for coffee and questions. For me, this was very exciting as I love a good challenge. Removing obstacles and thinking out of the box, is what I do best. 

I look forward to continue to work with the board to develop new ideas that would provide growth in the town. 

I’m a lifetime resident of Fairhaven with a strong passion for its people, its history, and its buildings. My family of 4 generations has resided here. I’m a graduate of St Joseph’s School, Hasting Jr High, and Fairhaven High School Class of 1979. 

Not only was I raised here, I also work here, play here and know the community and people well. 

I’ve been fortunate to introduce many people to Fairhaven to establish their place of residence. I believe my 30 years of work experience and knowledge brings value to the town and its people. Running for a second term continues the opportunity for me to give back to the community as they have given to me. 

I respectfully ask for your vote on June 9th, 2026, allowing me to serve a second term on the planning board.

Thank You! Sharon Simmons

 

The following two candidates: Jennifer Cardoza and Andrew Panek, are running for one unexpired seat on the Fairhaven Planning Board.

Jennifer Cardoza

I am a lifelong Fairhaven resi­dent, a mother of two daughters, and a candidate for the Planning Board. My husband and I chose to build our life here because of the strong neighborhoods, schools, and sense of community that make Fairhaven special and I’m committed to protecting that. 

I work in municipal govern­ment as an Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police, where I’m involved in budgets, procurement, and daily operations. That experience has given me a clear understanding of how local decisions are made and how they directly impact residents. I bring that practical, behind-the-scenes knowledge with a focus on accountability, efficiency, and transparency. 

My background is rooted in service and leadership. I previously worked for the Salvation Army, New Bedford as part of their emergency disaster team, coordinating relief efforts during critical situations. I currently serve on the executive board of Discovery Language Academy, where I manage projects that support students and staff. I also serve on the board of Blue Saddle Foundation, helping first responders access mental health resources and assisting in securing grant funding. 

I’ve also served on the Commission on Disability, advocating for accessibility and inclusion. I believe local government should work for everyone, and residents deserve clear communication and a voice in decisions that affect their daily lives. 

As a parent, I’m deeply invested in Fairhaven’s future. My daughters are active in school and the community, and I understand that the decisions we make today will shape this town for years to come. Those decisions should be made thoughtfully, considering infrastructure, traffic, schools, and neighborhood character not just what looks good on paper. 

I support exploring practical solutions to today’s housing challenges, including zoning options that allow for smaller, more attainable homes done in a way that fits Fairhaven and preserves what people value about it. 

I am running as an independent voice. I’m not aligned with any group, and I’m not interested in going along to get along. Every decision should stand on its own merits, guided by facts, fairness, and what’s best for Fairhaven. 

I’m running to bring a practical, common-sense approach to the Planning Board focused on transparency, responsible growth, and the long-term health of our community. 

 

Andrew Pank

Hello Neighbor, 

My name is Andrew Panek and I am running for the Fairhaven Planning Board. I started coming to Fairhaven in the 90’s when my parents bought a small seasonal house on the neck. We kept a little fishing boat at Earl’s, I caused trouble jumping off the causeway bridge, and lived any boy’s dream of a Summer at the beach. 

The Fairhaven I grew up with is the Fairhaven I cherish. Days spent in boat shoes and bathing suits, prime rib dinners at Mike’s, and the smell of Hoppy’s Landing reminding you of the true character of Fairhaven. It shaped my future by guiding me to Mass Maritime, where I graduated with an Engineering degree and a coastguard license to sail on ships. 

After more than 20 years abroad, serving our country, and experiencing the world, my family and I have returned to my favorite place on earth. Equipped with a wide breadth of experience and a Master’s degree in Education, I am excited about the opportunity to invest in my com­mu­nity. It’s been a dream to put down roots here and to see my children enjoy the Fairhaven I love. It’s these reasons I have decided to run for Planning Board. 

I hold a MA Unlimited Construction Supervisors License and I am the Director of Housing Development at PACE inc. in New Bedford and teach construction and OSHA at YouthBuild. I own a small business in St. Louis with some rental properties, however my passion is community development. I envision a bustling and picturesque future where thoughtful housing develop­ments are married with natural resources. 

I will bring a sharp, focused mind to the Planning Board. I will follow town bylaws and promote industry best practices. To me, this is an opportunity to preserve the beauty of Fairhaven, while thoughtfully growing into the future. 

I would be honored to receive your vote for Planning Board on June 9. 

Respectfully, Andrew C Panek, M.Ed. 

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