Straus Supports Mello
I am writng to encourage voters in Fairhaven to support Natalie Mello for the open Select Board seat in the coming Town elec(on on April 7th.
During my thirty plus years representing Fairhaven in the State Legislature I rarely, if ever, expressed a view about candidates running in a town election. This year feels different to me, however, so I wanted to share some thoughts about Natalie and why I am respectfully urging voters in Fairhaven to support her candidacy. I know both candidates in this race and I endorse Natalie Mello as a positive affirmation about Natalie and in no way intend to criticize her opponent’s 2025 campaign for public office.
I have known and worked with over a hundred elected and appointed town officials in Fairhaven over the years and have learned about the qualities and character which contribute to individual and community success. Chief among them is a willingness to engage in an open minded and respectful exchange with others on the issues of the day; in this sense, I have found that listening is often more important than speaking when engaging with others on difficult policy issues.
Through this lens I am confident that Natalie’s life experience, work history and atitude towards others suits her well for the Fairhaven Select Board. Her election would contribute I believe to good things happening in Fairhaven.
Clearly, I am not a Fairhaven resident, but I offer these thoughts with respect to the town’s voters as someone who had the honor of representing you for many years in Boston.
Bill Straus, Mattapoisett
Mr. Straus was the elected state representative in the 10th Bristol District, which includes Fairhaven, for 32 years.
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