Marion Election Candidates

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Editor’s note: Since the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 interrupted the South Coast League of Women Voters’ annual sponsorship of candidates’ nights, The Wanderer has been offering a platform for candidates in contested races for elected offices in the tri-towns a platform to explain their candidacy. This year, candidates were invited to submit up to 250 words in one paragraph. Candidates in each race are listed in alphabetical order. Statements from candidates in Marion and Mattapoisett appear in this issue; those towns’ elections will be held on Friday, May 16, and Tuesday, May 20, respectively. Statements from Rochester candidates will appear in the May 22 issue.

Marion Select Board

Four candidates are on the ballot for one, three-year term, but George “TJ” Walker told The Wanderer on Tuesday morning that he has suspended his campaign and was removing his signs. The Wanderer decided, because his name will appear on the ballot, that the best place for him to explain his decision is in the place allotted him as a candidate for the open seat. Below are the candidates’ statements.

Cynthia Callow

            For 57 years I have been on the waters of Buzzards Bay on one kind of boat or another. As a result, our harbor is especially important to me and as a Select Board member it will be a priority of mine to keep the community informed about how things are maintained and run with our harbor and its surrounding waters. I have experience serving on various boards and commissions for the town, Conservation, Zoning Board of Appeals, former board member of the Sippican Lands Trust, Affordable Housing Trust, Marion Cultural Council, Town Administrator Search Committee, Finance Director Search Committee, Town Party Committee, Election worker, Town Meeting worker, and Board of Registrars. Due to this recent experience, I know the town, I know how it works, and I have the time to devote myself to the job. Water and Sewer, Town House, roads, infrastructure, and affordable housing would be my priority in working with you as a team to improve our town. Our issues are mostly man made, and so they can be solved by us working together. I ask for your vote on May 16th.

John Hoagland

            I served as your Marion Select Board member from 1986 to 1992. I’m running again because I believe Marion deserves leadership that truly listens to residents – that’s why our campaign slogan is, “John Listens.” After knocking on over 750 doors across Marion, there are four concerns consistently voiced by our neighbors: government costs outpacing residents’ incomes; deteriorating infrastructure; high utility rates lacking transparency; and insufficient housing options for seniors. If elected, my immediate priorities are launching a comprehensive sidewalk and street improvement plan, targeting our most dangerous areas first. I’ll create a Water/Sewer Rate Transparency Initiative providing quarterly reports to all residents about current rates, future projections, and specific actions to control costs. Half of Marion’s population is over 62 – their message is clear, “We want to stay in Marion – this is our home. But where do we go when our house is too big or not designed for our changing needs?” Therefore, I’ll champion creative housing options around Marion village that allow our longtime residents to remain in town while generating incremental property tax revenue. The education of Marion children is paramount. We must ensure that the three towns collaborate with the junior high and high school leadership to support both faculty and students. Marion deserves a Select Board person who listens to you, communicates transparently, and acts decisively on the issues that matter most. I will serve all residents, fairly, diligently and with respect, and I ask for your vote on May 16th.

Sean Sweeney

            I am excited to be a candidate for the Marion Select Board – a role that carries immense responsibility and requires unwavering dedication to our community. Serving on the Select Board is not just about governance; it’s about leadership, stewardship, and commitment to the people who call Marion home. Marion’s infrastructure is showing its age, and it’s time to act. From repairing our roads to upgrading water and sewer systems, we need to invest in the backbone of our town. Our residents face some of the highest water and sewer rates in the region, and potential Title 5 compliance costs could be catastrophic for many families. I will work to find innovative solutions, such as exploring regional partnerships, securing grants, and advocating for state-level support to alleviate these financial burdens. No family should have to choose between basic utilities and other necessities. Marion’s charm lies in its rich history and natural beauty. I will work to preserve our historic landmarks and protect our open spaces, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same Marion we cherish today. By balancing development with conservation, we can maintain the character that makes our town so special. Above all, my campaign is about looking forward. It’s about ensuring that Marion remains a place where families can grow, businesses can thrive, and neighbors can come together. It’s about making decisions today that will benefit our children and grandchildren tomorrow. Thank you, and I humbly ask for your vote. Together, we can move Marion forward.

George ‘TJ’ Walker

            It has been a pleasure and honor to both run for Select Board and lead the citizen’s petition drive on Article 51, which would make major inroads on addressing the crumbling sidewalks and streets identified as a priority for over a decade. Campaigning door-to-door has sparked numerous thoughtful conversations with the people of Marion. In the course of those conversations, it has become clear that being both a Select Board candidate and the leader of a citizen’s petition has had the effect of politicizing Article 51 – the last thing I want to do. Article 51 is about the quality of life for our people – especially our oldest and youngest residents, for whom safe sidewalks and roads are paramount. Seeing it pass is my highest priority; therefore, I am suspending my campaign for Select Board, so that I may focus my full efforts this week on its passage, and to end its politicization. Studies going back to the 2000s have highlighted this exact sort of infrastructure investment as critical, and the money is available, if we choose. Above all, however, this is about quality of life – the core purpose of local government. You shouldn’t have to worry about needing a realignment to drive to the grocery store, and your kid or aging parent shouldn’t have to walk in the street because the sidewalks are unwalkable. We have the resources to address this long-identified need in Marion, and improve our quality of life. I hope you’ll join me in supporting Article 51.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

Three candidates, incumbent John Rockwell and challengers Adele Sands and Shaun Walsh, are running for two open seats, both three-year terms.

John Rockwell

            My name is John Rockwell, and I am asking for your vote for a position on the Open Space Acquisition Commission. I currently serve as commission chair, where I have had the privilege of working with the Sippican Lands Trust, Trustees of Reservations, Wildlands Trust, Coalition for Buzzards Bay, and US Department of Agriculture to permanently protect over 1,100 acres of land in Marion. Since my first involvement with the commission, I have written grants that have brought in $1,300,000 to defray the cost of purchases and improvements to the town’s open space. My first foray into open space protection was in 1994, when I offered to help the town write an open space plan – on one condition – I insisted that the committee base the plan on the results of random survey of Marion residents. Since 1994, the survey has been repeated three times, with another round on the way. A random survey is the best way for the Open Space Acquisition Commission to stay up to date with the thoughts Marion residents have about open space. After all, I work for you, and this is the best way to hear from all voices, not just the loudest voice. (You can read about past surveys and review the results at the Open Space Acquisition Commission page at marionma.gov). Please remember to vote on May 16th.

Adele G. Sands

            When speaking about my candidacy for the MOSAC commission, I am often asked what made me decide to run for this position. The short answer is, my father, who died in 2002, would be disappointed in me if I didn’t. My father raised me to believe that if you fish (and we did), then you have an obligation to take care of the water and the fish. If you love walking in the woods (and we did), then you have an obligation to take care of all the life within those woods. It was never a lecture on his part, just a lead to follow. As an adult, I continued this practice in both my personal and professional life. I am the former superintendent of Bristol County Agricultural High School, a school dedicated to conservation, land and natural resource management, environmental and animal sciences. I am extremely proud of this school that works with students to develop the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in these fields. As superintendent I worked with both local and federal agencies dedicated to environmental protection and conservation. I feel enormously grateful to live in this idyllic town with so many wonderful neighbors. I enjoy and take advantage of all that it has to offer. I would not be my father’s daughter if I did not recognize my obligation to help conserve and protect Marion’s open space for the generations to come.

Shaun Walsh

            I’m Shaun Walsh and I’m running for the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission, a 5-member board whose purpose is to acquire, maintain, manage, and improve open space land in Marion. As an environmental lawyer who has served our town as a member of the Conservation Commission for the past 9 years and as a member of the Stewards of Community Open Space board, my skills and experience make me uniquely qualified to contribute to MOSAC. I hold a law degree and a Master’s degree in Environmental Law & Policy from Vermont Law School and a Bachelor of Science degree from UMass Amherst. My wife and I moved here 26 years ago in part because of the natural places that make Marion special. We have a number of beautiful open space parcels that provide wonderful passive recreational opportunities and enhance our quality of life here. These open spaces are not only scenic, but they provide us with places to be active, to get outside and unwind, and to connect as a community. If elected, I will listen to residents about how we can make the best use of our open spaces, work collaboratively with partner conservation organizations and town departments to improve our current open space inventory, and consider the fiscal impact when evaluating potential land acquisitions. I want MOSAC to be a board where all members contribute, where public input is welcomed, and where creating quality recreational green spaces is our top priority. I thank you for your vote.

ORR School Committee

Each of the tri-towns elects members to the Old Rochester Regional (district) School Committee; these two candidates from the Town of Mattapoisett are running for one, three-year term.

Nina Datshkovsky Ennis

            I’m running for the Old Rochester Regional (ORR) School Committee because I believe parents must have a strong voice in shaping the future of our schools. I aim to be a voice for parents and their contribution to the vision for ORR schools. As a mother and active community advocate, I bring a passionate, common-sense approach rooted in family values and a deep belief that parents are essential partners in the success of our students. I am committed to a bold vision that prioritizes academic excellence, fosters meaningful family engagement, and empowers our entire community to be active partners in every student’s success. Through my work in educational, medical, and judicial settings as a Spanish interpreter and translator, I’ve supported diverse families and witnessed firsthand the gaps in communication and access. I know how critical it is to ensure all students feel supported and all parents feel heard. I’ve also led programs focused on youth development, reinforcing my belief that strong schools are built on trust, transparency, and collaboration between families and educators. With a multicultural and multilingual background, a deep respect for parental rights, and a passion for high-quality education, I will advocate for nutritious food programs, increased physical activity, open communication, and transparent decision-making that puts students first. I’ve served in leadership roles across civic and community organizations and understand how to communicate, build consensus, and deliver meaningful results. Together, we can build a school system that educates with excellence, engages families openly, and empowers our children to thrive.

Betsy Stewart

            My name is Betsy Stewart and I am running for ORR School Committee because I believe in the value of public education and know that a strong school system supports and sustains the health and vitality of its local community. Our public education system must prepare students for tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges. I believe that with my work and life experience, I can make a significant contribution to the school committee and to our community. My combination of professional expertise, leadership experience and community service uniquely position me to serve on this school committee. As a wellness professional and small business owner, I bring extensive knowledge to this role with a passion for education, community well-being and smart resource management. My priorities are accelerating learning improvement, lowering the town’s tax burden through budget reform, investing in civics education, ensuring student safety and increasing civil discourse. I ask that you put your confidence in me and vote for a candidate who will thoroughly research and evaluate current issues which will come before our committee, advocate for students, teachers and staff and work diligently to improve and build upon current academic standards and educational outcomes in the ORR schools, making it an even better educational institution than it already is. Our children deserve the best possible junior and high school experience. I believe my contributions will help foster a thriving educational environment for all students. Please remember to vote on May 20th and ensure that your voice is heard. Thank you.

Mattapoisett Water/Sewer Commission

Two candidates, incumbent Dana Lebaron Barrows and challenger Mason Mathieu, are running for one open seat, a three-year term.

Mason Mathieu

            My name is Mason Mathieu. I have been a resident of Mattapoisett for most of my life. I attended Center School, Old Hammondtown School, Old Rochester Regional Junior High and ORR High School. After high school, I attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting before obtaining a Juris Doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Law. I passed the Massachusetts Bar Exam in 2023 and the Bar Exam for Florida in 2024, and I am currently licensed to practice in both states. I am employed in my family Law Firm of Mathieu & Mathieu in New Bedford and Marion. I am also a part time assistant city solicitor/tax title attorney with the City of New Bedford Treasurer’s Office. I am currently on the Board of the Human Rights Committee for the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC). I am seeking to be a commissioner for Mattapoisett’s Water & Sewer Commission because I see it as an opportunity to give back to the community that I have been a part of for the majority of my life. I feel my experience and training would be beneficial in decision making as a board member on the commission. This town has provided me with a safe and fun environment to grow up in, and I would be honored to dedicate a portion of my time and efforts in order to help ensure that it continues to improve and prosper. Thank you for your consideration.

Mattapoisett Board of Health

Two candidates, incumbent Michelle Bernier and challenger N. Douglas Schneider, are running for one, three-year term.

Michelle Bernier

            For the past three years, I have been honored to serve on the Mattapoisett Board of Health. I became interested in serving on the Board in 2023 when I retired from my job as Solid Waste director for the Town of North Attleboro. For 20 years I was responsible for the town’s landfill, gas flare and monitoring system, their transfer station and curbside trash collection program for 8,000 households. Since my retirement, serving on Mattapoisett’s Board of Health has given me the opportunity to use the knowledge and experience I gained in that job. In addition to reviewing septic systems, the Mattapoisett Board of Health is responsible for your weekly trash collection, the operation of the transfer station and compost site and maintenance of the capped landfill. The town has recently signed a five-year contract with a new waste-hauling company; we are starting a swap shop for reuse and have ordered a new scale for the transfer station. I have lived in Mattapoisett since 1987. I served on the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen from 1996 to 1999. I did my undergraduate work at Providence College and my graduate work at the College of William and Mary. Prior to my employment in the recycling industry, I had a varied career including teaching for a couple of years at Riverview School in East Sandwich. I believe I am making a significant contribution to the town with my expertise and experience, particularly in the area of recycling and composting. I would appreciate your vote. Thank you.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

Three candidates, incumbent John Rockwell and challengers Adele Sands and Shaun Walsh, are running for two open seats, both three-year terms.

John Rockwell

            My name is John Rockwell, and I am asking for your vote for a position on the Open Space Acquisition Commission. I currently serve as commission chair, where I have had the privilege of working with the Sippican Lands Trust, Trustees of Reservations, Wildlands Trust, Coalition for Buzzards Bay, and US Department of Agriculture to permanently protect over 1,100 acres of land in Marion. Since my first involvement with the commission, I have written grants that have brought in $1,300,000 to defray the cost of purchases and improvements to the town’s open space. My first foray into open space protection was in 1994, when I offered to help the town write an open space plan – on one condition – I insisted that the committee base the plan on the results of random survey of Marion residents. Since 1994, the survey has been repeated three times, with another round on the way. A random survey is the best way for the Open Space Acquisition Commission to stay up to date with the thoughts Marion residents have about open space. After all, I work for you, and this is the best way to hear from all voices, not just the loudest voice. (You can read about past surveys and review the results at the Open Space Acquisition Commission page at marionma.gov). Please remember to vote on May 16th.

Adele G. Sands

            When speaking about my candidacy for the MOSAC commission, I am often asked what made me decide to run for this position. The short answer is, my father, who died in 2002, would be disappointed in me if I didn’t. My father raised me to believe that if you fish (and we did), then you have an obligation to take care of the water and the fish. If you love walking in the woods (and we did), then you have an obligation to take care of all the life within those woods. It was never a lecture on his part, just a lead to follow. As an adult, I continued this practice in both my personal and professional life. I am the former superintendent of Bristol County Agricultural High School, a school dedicated to conservation, land and natural resource management, environmental and animal sciences. I am extremely proud of this school that works with students to develop the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in these fields. As superintendent I worked with both local and federal agencies dedicated to environmental protection and conservation. I feel enormously grateful to live in this idyllic town with so many wonderful neighbors. I enjoy and take advantage of all that it has to offer. I would not be my father’s daughter if I did not recognize my obligation to help conserve and protect Marion’s open space for the generations to come.

Shaun Walsh

            I’m Shaun Walsh and I’m running for the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission, a 5-member board whose purpose is to acquire, maintain, manage, and improve open space land in Marion. As an environmental lawyer who has served our town as a member of the Conservation Commission for the past 9 years and as a member of the Stewards of Community Open Space board, my skills and experience make me uniquely qualified to contribute to MOSAC. I hold a law degree and a Master’s degree in Environmental Law & Policy from Vermont Law School and a Bachelor of Science degree from UMass Amherst. My wife and I moved here 26 years ago in part because of the natural places that make Marion special. We have a number of beautiful open space parcels that provide wonderful passive recreational opportunities and enhance our quality of life here. These open spaces are not only scenic, but they provide us with places to be active, to get outside and unwind, and to connect as a community. If elected, I will listen to residents about how we can make the best use of our open spaces, work collaboratively with partner conservation organizations and town departments to improve our current open space inventory, and consider the fiscal impact when evaluating potential land acquisitions. I want MOSAC to be a board where all members contribute, where public input is welcomed, and where creating quality recreational green spaces is our top priority. I thank you for your vote.

Majority Not Enough for Historic District

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            The Marion Annual Town Meeting took place over two days, Monday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 13. Much was discussed, argued, and voted upon. On the docket were 51 articles (three of those being citizen’s petitions), one special article, and two questions. See the end of this article for a summary of voting results.

            The meeting began with Town Moderator Brad Gordon taking the podium, greeting the crowded room, and outlining the night’s schedule. The Town Meeting took place in Sippican School’s large multipurpose room. Every seat was filled with many on the wings and even some crowding into the school hallway. More seats were brought in, but there could not be enough to provide all in attendance with a seat. As more residents kept piling in, Gordon mentioned he was pleased with the large turnout and mentioned the importance of the night’s meeting, saying, “we must recognize the fragility of our democracy.” Gordon also mentioned, should they not be able to get through all of the meeting’s voting, the meeting would have to take place over multiple days. This eventually turned out to be the case.

            Article 1 was passed unanimously, making the first article to garner serious public comments Article 2, or the approval of the FY26 budget. Questions were raised by two members of the public as to the nearly doubling of the Finance Director/Town Accountant budget. Finance Director Heather O’Brien stated this increase was due to staff moving to the Finance Department from other departments, primarily Administrative Services. This article was then passed and was followed by the passing of Articles 3-11 without serious discussion or contention.

            Article 12 regarded the acquiring of new math curriculum. It was questioned why this proposal was not included in the FY26 budget or if the other district-member towns, Mattapoisett and Rochester, would also be chipping in. It was stated both other towns would be voting on identical articles at their town meetings (Mattapoisett’s passed May 12), and the curriculum didn’t appear on the budget yet as it had not been voted upon. It was approved with a majority, with some voting “nay.”

            Article 13 also saw heavy discussion and regarded the appropriation and transfer of funds for pavement and sidewalk management. Some members of the public took time to air their grievances over road/sidewalk quality. Others supported burying the powerlines while the roads during excavation. Primarily, there was heavy discussion and criticism of pedestrian safety and utilities, urging the repair and addition of sidewalks and increased measures to facilitate signal and light safety for pedestrian crossing. This article was passed unanimously. Articles 14-16 were then passed with minimal comment.

            Article 17 was for Town House renovations (ADA and building code compliance, fire suppression, and HVAC). A presentation by Building Commissioner Bob Grillo initiated discussion, where it was stated there would be no elevator installation but a lift, similar to the new Harbormaster building. This decision was said to have seriously lowered costs. The Finance Committee did not recommend the article, with Chair Shay Assad calling for an amendment to split HVAC installation into a separate vote. He stated the removal of this item would lower costs by $606,075.

            Board of Health member Ed Hoffer said it was unwise to split the vote, saying “we shouldn’t kick the can down the road” in terms of HVAC necessity. Assad stressed his case, noting worry of debt increases and subsequent tax raises. Eventually, a vote on Assad’s proposed amendment was levied where it was not passed by the public. There was also discussion on building an entire new town hall, with another member of the public stating the matter had already been decided by voters a few years ago, adding “so now it’s our responsibility to keep it up.” Article 17 was passed in its entirety by roughly a two-thirds split.

             Articles 18-30 were then passed without substantial debate. The Special Article, Article S1, was also passed. Importantly, there was a break to check the Celtics’ score from Gordon. With the Celtics leading, he asked “do we support?” to which the crowd cheered “yay!” and raised their yellow cards.

            Following this was the discussion on Article 31, or the removal of the Stretch Energy Code from the Code of Marion. Following a presentation, Planning Board Chair Andrew Daniel rose and stated, “I’m sorry for endorsing it,” referring to his previous support following the town’s original adoption of the code. Daniel spoke of “skyrocketing” building costs and the state’s decision to change the code without deliberation with town bodies. He finished, saying “We gotta get out of this, and quickly.”

            A member of the public later responded, asking, “What’s your alternative? The clock is ticking. The state committed to net-zero percent – and the Stretch Code is the way to do it.” Another citizen brought forth the idea of a secret ballot, to which numerous members of the audience shouted “no!” The suggestion was rescinded with a “never mind.” A vote was held where the article was approved, thus removing the Stretch Energy Code.

            Before going to the discussion of the town’s proposed historic district, the moderator made a motion to jump to the other “money articles” or, the articles dealing with the allocation of funds, as those articles required a vote before 10:00 pm.

            Article 38 was passed and was followed by a lengthy discussion on the first Citizen’s Petition, Article 51. Select Board candidate George “TJ” Walker, a member of the town’s Board of Assessors, presented his petition, with members of the public following to cite their grievances with public infrastructure. Nearly all stated their displeasure and the inconvenience of the town’s sidewalk and road situation. One citizen stated, “I gave up on the sidewalks. I walk on the yellow lines. Please change the priority. Fund sidewalks.” The article was passed with a majority.

            On Tuesday morning, Walker told The Wanderer he has suspended his campaign for Select Board. His full statement can be seen in the Marion Select Board candidates’ statements section of this paper.

            The final article discussed on Monday night was Article 32, regarding the proposed historic district. Will Tifft, chair of the Historic District Study Committee, began with a short presentation on “how’d we get here?” as to the article and accompanying district. He noted more than 120 other towns in Massachusetts with similar districts and ended his statement by saying “a historic district is the best way” to protect Marion’s historic architecture.

            Lengthy discussion followed, taking over two hours from introduction to vote. Another presentation followed, this time by Andrew Bonney in opposition. “A historic district infringes on private property rights and is fundamentally unfair.” Often throughout this presentation, Bonney used the words imposed, infringed, and unfair. Bonney also stated his displeasure with two properties being opted out of the district, belonging to the Hillers and Bardens. He and many locals wanted the option to opt out. He finished his statements by saying, “if there is a problem with zoning, let’s fix that before incremental bureaucracy.”

            The chair of the Historic Commission, Meg Steinberg, and other members came to speak in support of a historic district. Some locals living within the confines of the proposed district cited numerous concerns, those primarily being fears of overreach by the district’s accompanying committee, the restriction of property options, increased insurance costs or insurance dropping, and the feeling of the rest of the town imposing their will on the smaller population that would be in the district. Finally, there was a motion to end comments that was passed by the majority of voters, thus beginning the vote for the article itself.

            Incorrectly, the moderator, citing a member of Town Counsel, stated a simple majority was needed for the vote to pass. Tellers were required to count the close vote, with a final tally of 154 in favor and 150 against. The moderator declared the article passed, to immediate outcry from the audience. Resident Johanna Vergoni rose and shouted, “What? Please explain to me why things have changed tonight!” She cited being told numerous times that a two-thirds vote would be necessary for approval. Eventually, a consultant for the interested committee stated that a two-thirds vote is necessary, to which the moderator corroborated and declared the vote actually had failed. The original ruling was overturned.

            For the first day, in summary, 32 articles, one Citizen’s Petition, and the one Special Article, were passed. One article was rejected, that being Article 32, or the creation of a historic district.

            The second day of the meeting saw roughly half the seats in the room filled and began with Gordon thanking town staff for allowing Town Meeting to go on and told the people present to “give yourself a hand” for attending two days of meetings.

            A lengthy discussion on Article 33 kickstarted the second night, with Daniel presenting on accessory-dwelling units. He explained that both the Planning Board and Select Board presented the bylaw to protect residents and expand the town’s ability to increase housing while limiting ADU’s to one per property. Though Daniel and the moderator stressed that public comment on this article stay strictly on ADU’s, most discussion diverted into short-term rentals (STR’s).

            Some residents were upset, with one saying, “no one has any clue,” referring to the number of STR’s in town. Wording and the mixing of topics led to another resident rising only to begin “I’m confused.” A motion to table Article 33 indefinitely failed. Town Administrator Geoff Gorman warned, “we do not have short-term rentals in our bylaws,” with Select Board Chair Norm Hills adding, “we do need control over the ADU’s not becoming short-term rentals.” Eventually, the article was approved.

            After Articles 34 and 35 were approved, Daniel again rose to give a presentation on Article 36, or the one focusing on short-term rentals. “The town currently has no regulation regarding short-term rentals,” he said. Planning Board member Ryan Burke made a motion to add an amendment that would cap the number of STR’s in town to 5% of total homes. This motion failed. A resident added before the motion failed, “we need to get a handle on this or there will be no limit to how far this will go.” While discussing another failed amendment addition, this one relating to parking, Gordon said, “we are having a sidebar. You can entertain yourselves. Anybody know any jokes?” This article was eventually approved.

            A speedy approval of Articles 37-48 began. Select Board member Randy Parker paused the approvals to state this Town Meeting was the last official duty of Select Board member Carleton “Toby” Burr Jr., thanking him for his service and dedication.

            Article 49, a Citizen’s Petition to withdraw Marion from the state’s Green Communities program, was retracted by its owner due to it having been superseded by Article 31’s approval.

            Finally, the last article, Article 50, was put forth. Select Board member Toby Burr gave a presentation for his Citizen’s Petition regarding the separation of the Police and Harbormaster departments.

            “The purpose of this citizen’s petition is to have a discussion,” he began. He added the police “have a different job than managing Marion Harbor.” He stated his regret for his former decision to support merging the Harbormaster and Police a few years ago. The Chair of Marine Resources Commission, Vincent J. Malkoski Jr., was upset that neither he nor the commission was consulted before putting the article forth. He mentioned his two years of work in the original department merger. “You are being asked at 9:00 pm, Tuesday night, on the second day of Town Meeting to consider this.” He also talked of compensation and Harbormaster workers losing pay and benefits. “Does anyone here believe a rotating Board of Selectmen is capable of running law enforcement?”

            Burr later added, “What matters is what kind of harbor management we want – do we want police or managers, customer service? Do you want harbor management to focus on police activities or to focus on customer-service activities?”

            Police Chief Richard Nighelli spoke about the challenges of the state’s police-reform movement. “The truth is, now they have rules and regulations – it takes away from the town’s liability.” He spoke against splitting, though he initially stated his neutrality. He completed his statements by complimenting the Harbormaster and the department as a whole. “One department,” he ended.

            Harbormaster Adam Murphy also voiced his disdain for the proposal, saying he liked the current arrangement and benefits greatly from having access to police databases and correspondence. He also mentioned he and his colleagues would be treated differently and that police officers are more respected. “Marion used to be a model I was proud of.” Rather than voting on the article itself, a motion was put forth by a citizen to table the article indefinitely, and that motion passed. Thus ended the 2025 Marion Town Meeting.

Marion Annual Town Meeting

By Sam Bishop

Spring Migrant Bird Walk

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Join the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Nasketucket Bird Club in welcoming back our avian Spring migrants with an all-level bird walk on Saturday May 17 at 8:00 am. This walk will be led by Mike Labossiere, a member of the Nasketucket Bird Club. It will be a delightful morning in nature and a wonderful opportunity to learn about local wildlife. Mike will lead us through the woods and out to the salt marsh, identifying birds by sight and sound along the way. We will welcome our migratory avian friends and celebrate our resident birds who call Mattapoisett home all year round.

            The walk will take place on MLT’s Brandt Island Cove District North. Meet just before 8:00 am at the trailhead at the intersection of Tara Road and Anchorage Way. Bring your binoculars and dress appropriately for the outdoors, including sturdy footwear. This is a free event open to all, no matter your birding ability – Rain or Shine. Hope to see you there.

Mattapoisett Food Outreach

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The Lamb of God Christian Church of Mattapoisett will be holding their monthly no-cost Food Assistance Outreach at the Mattapoisett American Legion Hall, 3 Depot Street, Mattapoisett, MA on Sunday, May 18 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

            This Monthly Food outreach will have frozen meats, non-refrigerated 1-2% milk, assorted juice, frozen vegetables, and non-perishables. Supplies are limited with all food distributed by the Dartmouth Full Plate Project, via the Boston Food Bank.

            All Mattapoisett residents needing additional help with the rising costs of food are welcome. As supplies increase this outreach will be opened up to all of the area towns.

            For more information call (508) 998-6990, or E-Mail: pastor@lambofgodma.org or Facebook: Mathew Vangel.

Appointed Town Clerk

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To the Editor;

            I encourage Rochester voters to vote yes on an appointed Town Clerk. If you vote yes, the Town Clerk will not simply be “appointed,” but will go through a hiring process which ensures that we get a qualified candidate to fill the non-decision making clerk’s role. The process would be similar to the hiring process used to appoint our Town Administrator. In our last election we had only one person officially running for the position. Under our current system only individuals who live in Rochester can run. This significantly reduces the number of qualified and experienced candidates. A yes vote would allow the town to hire from a much larger pool of qualified candidates thereby assuring that we get the best possible person to fill the role. The clerk’s position is not a partisan one, and the clerk does not have any decision-making power, so why do we elect them in a partisan way now? In our last town wide election, we experienced a grievous mistake by the inexperienced clerk which skewed the election and cast doubt on several outcomes. Mistakes certainly happen, however under our current system there is no yearly performance review or reporting structure. If a clerk fails to perform or break the law the only recourse is a costly recall election or wait for the term to end. The demands and complexity of the job are increasing yearly with new laws, reporting regulations, and technological requirements. Additionally, the position itself has no health care option, no paid vacation or sick time. The position would be a professional one for the employee with benefits. A yes vote would not terminate the current clerk’s tenure and now that she is experienced, she could reapply in 2026. The town deserves the best we can find; a yes vote would allow that to happen.

Michael Kovacevich

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

And Then There Were Five

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            There was a lot riding on the Mattapoisett Spring Town Meeting Warrant. Some might say the very character of the community. But when all was said and done, the people spoke affirmatively for a five-member Select Board versus the historic three-member.

            Nikki Demakis, a nearly life-long resident and an active member of the Mattapoisett Democratic Committee, pursued the inclusion of a home rule petition to put the question of whether or not the community had an appetite to increase the size of the Select Board. A hiccup in the number of votes in an initial petition that garnered sufficient signatures for placement on the warrant required an additional number of signatures to be collected. But that was handily accomplished.

            Demakis stated in her remarks that by expanding the board a wider range of expertise could assist in complicated decision making, especially on difficult projects. She said that there were people ready to come forward to lend their talents to the town, “… it would offer a more robust system of checks and balances, it would be more democratic.”

            Demakis pointed out that many municipal boards, including Planning, Conservation and others, have larger memberships that help facilitate those boards in moving business through the system. But others, both Town Meeting voters and some elected officials, held that the increase wasn’t necessary.

            Demakis stressed that many cities and towns throughout the commonwealth have five-member select boards and that there would be fewer recusals than is currently the case.

            Select Board member Tyler Macallister reminded Town Meeting that, leading up to the meeting, the board works closely with the Finance Committee and that other boards and committees review each level of spending and spending needs throughout monthly meetings. He said, ”we are supported by strong boards and department heads.” Chuck McCullough suggested looking at the role of town administrator to see if some decisions now made by the Select Board might be moved to that position, calling the current administrator the “hub in a wheel.”

            McCullough held that the town should postpone voting on this article until further study can be conducted. After some technical wranglings that involved considering the question of postponement (the entire article took 45 minutes to debate), Town Meeting voted in favor of moving forward with the pursuit of a five-member board. Next steps include the Select Board’s vote to send the petition on to the state for legislative consideration.

            In a follow-up Damakis said, “I’m exhausted, excited for positive change, and encouraged.”

            Another article that garnered considerable debate on Town Meeting floor was the permanent movement of Community Preservation funds from an undesignated category to the housing category. The committee asked Town Meeting in Article 30 to move $250,000 from the undesignated category to the Affordable Housing category. The effect of doing so would mean those funds would be locked exclusively for the purpose of affordable housing.

            Gary Johnson of the Finance Committee voiced his concern that, since there were not presently any plans from any corner for the development of such housing, it wasn’t prudent to lock away funds that might be needed for other projects.

            McCullough stressed that by moving the funds the town would be demonstrating its desire for such development. He said affordable housing development would likely require the town’s ponying up some matching funds and that this was one way to accomplish that goal. Both the Select Board and the Finance Committee withheld movement on the article, but in a close vote that required a hand count, Town Meeting carried the motion.

            Before Town Meeting began, the Select Board met with the Finance Committee as part of their regular meeting schedule. The agenda item was the consideration of the CPA Committee’s Article 30, the beforementioned movement of $250,000 into the Affordable Housing Fund. As noted, no action was taken.

            The board also approved a request from Flatiron Works for filming in the community, a one-day wine and malt license for St. Anthony’s Parish for May 3, and the acceptance of a donated ladder truck from the Fire Fighters Association.

Mattapoisett Spring Town Meeting

By Marilou Newell

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Kids in grades K-4 can join Miss Macy for springtime 3-D designs. On Thursday, May 22 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, come us the library’s 3-Doodler 3D pens to create 3-D objects from our selected designs, or build whatever you can imagine!

            May is Water Safety month, and the Elizabeth Taber Library will be a Family Water Safety Day on Thursday, May 15 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Join us outside at the library for activities, demonstrations, giveaways, and more!

            On Saturday, May 17 at 1:30 pm join the Elizabeth Taber Library and Morgan Browning, a doctoral student in clinical psychology, for a Fun with Feelings Storytime. After the story, we’ll make a craft that can be used as a tool to help kids check in with their big feelings.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org.

ORRHS Unveils Alumni Wall

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to report that Old Rochester Regional High School celebrated the unveiling of the ORR Alumni Wall with a reception held on Thursday, May 1, sponsored by the National Honor Society and attended by the graduates of the Classes of 1962-1965.

            About 30 members of the four original classes of Old Rochester Regional High School attended the event, celebrating the new Alumni Wall and paying tribute to the school’s establishment in the fall of 1961, when 718 students from Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester first entered its doors. After alumni viewed the wall, NHS students led them on tours of the school.

            The wall has been a two-year effort by the National Honor Society and its advisors, English teachers Kathleen Brunelle and Randy Allain. The funding for the project and reception, as well as gifts for the alumni, came from National Honor Society fundraising efforts.

            The school’s opening in the fall of 1961 marked the first time that students in the tri-town area came together under one roof, including grades 7-12.

            “The classes of 1962 through 1965 are more like one large class, bonded by that experience,” said Kathleen Brunelle, an English teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School, who spearheaded the ORR Alumni Wall project and the reception.

            Brunelle read the following dedication at the event, which is now posted on the wall.

            “The Class of 1962 started the year as seniors. They were the first official graduates of Old Rochester Regional High School, establishing the Bulldog tradition,” Brunelle said. “The Class of 1963 entered as juniors and spent only two years in the new school but quickly made it their own. The Class of 1964, sophomores, enjoyed three years in their new home and pulled together despite turbulent times. The Class of 1965 earned the distinction of being the first graduating class to have competed all four years of high school at Old Rochester.”

            “These four classes remain forever bonded by their years at ORR. They established ties and traditions that continue to guide the school today,” Brunelle continued. “They are our foundation, and they are our history. For these reasons, we dedicate this alumni hallway to them — the classes of ’62-’65 — the original students of Old Rochester Regional High School.”

            The National Honor Society offered thanks to the following individuals for helping to make the Alumni Wall and the reception possible: Tony Tranfaglia, Allison Barker, who helped design and place the letters for the Alumni Wall, Michael Bauer, who put up the images that make up the Alumni Wall, Principal Michael Devoll, who gave approval for the project and helped choose the images and fonts, Alumni Dick Morgado, Vincent Pina, and Edyie Johnson, for their emails, support and communications that helped make the event a success, Dana Palmer-Donnelly, vice president of the Bulldog Pride Association, and National Honor Society students, for their preparations for the event, especially Nolan Bushnell, who helped to spearhead the event.

            Superintendent Nelson thanked the National Honor Society for its work to make the Alumni Wall possible, along with its co-advisors English teachers Kathleen Brunelle and Randy Allain.

            “It was a pleasure marking this historic event nearly 65 years later, bringing our alumni together to celebrate and unveiling the new ORR Alumni Wall,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Thank you to our National Honor Society co-advisors and all of our National Honor Society members for all their hard work to make the ORR Alumni Wall come together and for making this event such a success.”

Steven J. Krol

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Steven J. Krol, 36, passed away Friday, May 9, 2025 peacefully at home after a courageous 3 year battle with brain cancer. He was the beloved husband of Sara B. (Schwanke) Krol of Marion, MA. Born in Attleboro, MA, he was a son of Jozef and Bogumila “Nila” (Fura) Krol of Smithfield, RI.

Steven was the owner of Krol Installs and was proud of establishing his own company within the last year. He grew up in Smithfield, RI and has lived in Marion, MA for over 4 years. Steven received his Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Design from New England Institute of Technology. He was an avid lover of brewing his own beer under the label of Krolski Brewing. He enjoyed the outdoors hiking, running, and biking. Steven was someone who could fix anything and loved his blue truck.

Steven had the most contagious smile and was a devoted father, husband, son, brother and friend. He loved his family and children deeply. He relied on his faith in God to sustain him at all times.

In addition to his wife Sara and his parents he is survived by his children Noelle (4), Penelope (2), and Quintin (5 months). He was the brother of Julie DeCosta and Michelle Martins. He was the son-in-law of Bryan and Sharon Schwanke of Duxbury, MA. He was the brother-in-law to Janelle and Corey Morris, Kayla and Daniel Abunaw, Noah Schwanke, Ariana Schwanke, Damien Schwanke, Arthur DeCosta and Matthew Martins. He was the beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 16, 2025 from 4-7 pm in the Tucker-Quinn Funeral Chapel of Patrick Quinn Funerals & Cremations, 643 Putnam Pike, Greenville. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10 am in St. Michael Church, 80 Farnum Pike, Smithfield. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute The Adult Brain Tumor Fund c/o Dr. Patrick Wen 450 Brookline Ave, Boston MA 02215.

Kindly visit PatrickQuinnFuneralsandCremations.com for online condolences.

“Summer is Here!”

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On Thursday, May 1, the Marion Board of Health met to discuss various correspondences and hold two public hearings for variances. The Chair, John Howard, was absent, but the meeting carried on as usual due to the board’s scheduled appointments.

            Following the approval of the minutes from the board’s March 6 and April 17 meetings, Member Edward Hoffer began the Variance Request Public Hearing for 2 Edwards Bridge Road. The request was made in order to install a Title V septic system without a denitrification system. The argument made against a denitrification system was the property’s far distance from the bay. It was also stated there are no well or water resources within 200 feet of the site, though there is a cranberry bog uphill from the property.

            Some concern was levied against the property’s proximity to Mary’s Pond by board members, though it was stated the pond lies half a mile away. The two present board members, Hoffer and Johnson, were concerned over making decisions without their fellow member and Chair and whether starting to omit denitrification systems may “start a slippery slope” according to Co-Chair Johnson. Following this, Chair John Howard arrived stating “Cape Cod traffic” delayed his arrival. “Summer is here!” he added. After the board discussed among themselves, the board asked for a continuance in order to meet with the Town Administrator to ascertain whether the Board of Health has a case-by-case authority to decide themselves whether a property needs a denitrification system. This hearing was continued to May 15.

            The next hearing began, also for a Variance Request, for Register Road. The request would allow two Title V percolation tests at 34 minutes per inch and 40 minutes per inch respectively, rather than what is stated in Marion’s sanitation code, being 38 minutes per inch. The land in question is vacant and undeveloped. The current owners have owned the property for 50 years, since 1975. They seek the percolation tests in order to develop the property some time in the future. The board was concerned with development, as it is a “water sensitive area” as Hoffer said. The Variance Request was approved unanimously, with much discussion as to whether Marion would eventually change its current regulations or match that of the state in terms of percolation tests.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for May 15 at 4:30 pm at the Marion Town House.

Marion Board of Health

By Sam Bishop