Rick Trapilo is running for Fairhaven Select Board in the 6/9/26 election. Submitted photo.
Today, I am proud to officially announce my candidacy for the Fairhaven Select Board.
I believe deeply in public service — and in the spirit of never giving up.
As a financial business leader with a master’s in business administration and decades of executive experience, I understand budgets, revenue strategy, and long-term planning. I have built businesses and had to make payrolls for all my valued employees. I will listen carefully, act with maturity, and honor the responsibility of serving on our Select Board.
Again, this year, we face town budgets that force difficult choices — deep service cuts, tax overrides, or increased fees for trash pickup, water, and sewer. At the same time, every household is grappling with rising heating costs, insurance premiums, groceries, and medical expenses. This cycle — where the financial burden of government continues to fall squarely on the backs of our residents — must end.
I will pursue innovative, responsible ways to strengthen Fairhaven’s revenue base through smart, thoughtful growth — without repeatedly forcing residents to choose between overrides, reduced services, or leaving the town they love.
Why vote for Rick?
Because I will provide leadership you can trust. I will work diligently to ensure that every family, young, old and those on fixed income can build a future they can afford right here in Fairhaven.
Over the past year, I have had the honor of serving as Chair of the Atlas Tack Working Group. The former Atlas Tack property is designated as a Superfund site by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and presents one of the most significant environmental challenges in our community. Our team has focused on securing the perimeter of the site and supporting enforcement of Fairhaven’s Building Commissioner’s demolition order. Our work has been grounded in data, consensus-building, and a commitment to protecting public safety while removing the stigma from the surrounding neighborhood.
Leadership also means standing up when it is difficult.
I was a voice for respect and due process when a neighborhood and our Town governance were denied their rightful legal procedure to review and approve or not the subdivision plans for the Timothy/ Hiller Subdivision. Elected officials were wrongly attacked, and a neighborhood was wrongly denied its due process. The lesson we should learn from the independent report published February 18, 2026, is that our Town government must be properly funded and managed by professionals who give their best efforts on behalf of the Town. Leadership requires fairness, integrity, and the courage to defend respectful civic service.
I continue to work with SRPEDD to champion clean water for our beaches and recreational areas. I have proudly stood with neighbors impacted by wind turbine noise and shadow flicker — because protecting the quality of life in our neighborhoods is a fundamental responsibility of Town leadership.
Fairhaven deserves professional leadership — leaders who stay at the table, focus on solutions rather than personal disputes, and commit to a generational plan for financial stability and community prosperity.
I respectfully ask for your vote.
Rick Trapilo, Fairhaven
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