Submitted by Stasia Powers, Fairhaven Select Board Chair
I write this letter in my capacity as the Chair of the Fairhaven Select Board, as it is my wish for the residents and businesses of this community to know how hard our Town Administrator is working for you and how much she has accomplished already in her first few months in office.
Angie Lopes Ellison hit the ground running upon commencement of her term in Fairhaven on April 4, 2022 and has actively moved numerous projects along to keep Fairhaven not only functioning but progressing and thriving.
Ms. Ellison’s accomplishments to date include hiring key personnel to lead Fairhaven in important aspects of Town government, including a new Human Resources Director, Conservation Agent, and Town Counsel, who serve key functions to keep Town businesses running smoothly. She is currently negotiating seven labor contracts, has brought clarity to the roles of boards and committees, has provided guidance on the process for allocating $5M in ARPA funds, has developed a process to streamline Select Board Goals and Objectives, and has created documentation to establish procedures and guidelines accordingly.
I will not respond directly to recent controversy or any criticism. Instead, I will point to this list of Ms. Ellison’s achievements in the face of great challenges.
Ms. Ellison joined Fairhaven during a time of significant transition. Despite the looming backlog of tasks, she has identified key areas in need of attention so that the Town may improve internal processes and facilitate citizens’ access to services. This endeavor includes facilitating the efficient use of our beloved Town Hall building and preserving its unique features and historic value while also serving the important function as a central meeting place and service center and working to make it accessible to all. Balancing these interests is a daunting task but one that Ms. Ellison has embraced with efforts such as relocation of the Veterans office to the Senior Center where they are pleased to be with the community they serve.
As part of this initiative, and at the recommendation of our Historic Commission, Ms. Ellison sought and obtained approval from the Massachusetts Historical Commission to relocate a counter from one location to another within Town Hall. The relocation will not only improve the counter’s functionality but will also allow for preexisting damage to be repaired. Due to the volume of inquiries the Town has received with respect to this project, it is currently on hold to allow the Town to receive input from the residents and address any concerns. Angie is a great listener, is open, and transparent, and her decision to pause this project to engage with residents is a prime example.
Beyond Town Hall and the geographical borders of Fairhaven, Ms. Ellison’s efforts recognized the importance of regional connection and representation on a state and federal level. One notable example is Ms. Ellison’s recognition that Fairhaven had been overlooked on a United States Environmental Protection Agency superfund site award presentation, and she took the steps necessary to make sure Fairhaven was represented. She is also working with the School Department and Police Department to direct funding obtained in connection with the settlement of opioid litigation.
I extend my support and gratitude for Ms. Ellison’s tireless work from early in the morning until late at night every day, bookended with a commute of over an hour each way. It is not uncommon for her to be in her office at 8:30 on a Friday night to help us accomplish those goals. This dedication is one of the many valuable qualities that led the Select Board to select Ms. Ellison to lead us, and she has risen to the challenge. She holds herself and all key players to the highest standard that Fairhaven deserves.
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Click here to download the entire 8/25/22 issue: 08-25-22 MusicNight
Click here to download the Mattapoisett Fire Department Press Release from 8-22-22: MattapoisettFirePR
Click here to download the No-Trespass order against Wayne Oliveira: 2022.08.17 No Trespass- WOliveira
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