New Bedford at-large City Council candidates state their platforms

NEW BEDFORD — There are numerous New Bedford residents throwing their hats into the upcoming 2023 municipal election. The preliminary election will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 3, with the top two mayoral and Ward 5 finishers, along with the top 10 at-large council candidates will compete in the municipal election on Nov. 7.

As part of the Standard-Times' coverage of the election, we reached out to the candidates for the upcoming preliminary election for candidate-submitted platforms.

Here, in their words, are the the at-large city council candidates' statements about why they should be elected.

Candidates for at-large city councilor:

Shane Burgo, incumbent

Hello New Bedford, I humbly ask for your vote, on Tuesday, Oct. 3 in our preliminary election and again on Tuesday, Nov. 7 for our general election, so that I may continue to serve proudly as your councilor at-large.

First and foremost, I want to thank you for your unwavering support and trust. You, the residents of New Bedford, are the heart and soul of this community. Your ideas, your concerns, and your dreams have guided my decisions and fueled my passion for public service.

Over the past term, I have had the privilege of serving this vibrant community, and it has been a tremendous journey of growth, progress, and dedication.

During my time in office, I have strived to be a voice for each and every one of you, working to address the critical issues that matter most to our city. Together, we have achieved a lot, but there is still more work to be done.

As I seek re-election, I pledge to continue listening to your voices, to be an advocate for your concerns, and to work diligently to make New Bedford an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

I ask for your vote, your trust, and your partnership in this journey. Together, we will write the next chapter in New Bedford's story – one of growth, prosperity, and unity.

Devin B. Byrnes

Hello, I am Devin Byrnes a resident of New Bedford,  most people may know me as the "soup guy" I opened my business, Destination Soups On Union Street in 2008 during the height of economic uncertainty. The last 15 years in business have been challenging, the Union Street reconstruction project, Covid and decades of high inflation have put the squeeze on small businesses.

Through it all, hard work, my solid team, resourcefulness, and community goodwill, have got us through this last decade and a half. Over the years, I have used my business to expand my reach and impact to positively affect the community. We have sponsored and hosted numerous events and community groups. When elected, I would use my position on the Council to further my efforts to make positive changes in the community through a lens of service, not status.

New Bedford is at a cultural crossroads, the MBTA commuter train, offshore wind, the loss of the Star Store in the heart of Downtown and a state-wide housing crisis are all on our doorstep. We need new perspectives and level heads to navigate these coming years.

I would make small business support, housing, protecting public spaces, and collaboration on the council my top priorities. I have shown commitment, resourcefulness, and integrity in running my business and I look to carry those same traits to better serve the community on the City Council. Please consider me for one of your votes for councilor at-large.

Naomi R.A. Carney, incumbent

Residents of New Bedford, my name is Naomi R.A. Carney, and I am your city councilor-at-large. I am in my fifth term serving the citizens of New Bedford, and respectfully ask for your vote and continued support in the upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

As an incumbent, I am an experienced voice in government.  As a single mom and a homeowner, I understand and share your concerns about rising taxes.  It is imperative that I remain fiscally responsible when addressing our city’s budget, and I have taken a conservative approach when spending your tax dollars. No matter your economic status, we are all impacted by the rising costs of utilities and essential goods and services.

I have and will always support our local economy and encourage new business growth.

I pride myself on constituent service, and it has always been my top propriety. Each community is extremely important to our city. I will continue my grassroots approach to solving problems by attending neighborhood meetings and answering constituent phone calls.

I will always be an advocate for our senior citizens, our veterans, and our youth.

Public safety is a right, not a privilege. I will continue supporting our police, fire, and EMS; and problems such as litter, street and sidewalk repairs, and recklessly speeding vehicles are at the top of my agenda.

It has been my honor and privilege serving you as your city councilor-at-large. Vote Naomi R.A. Carney on Oct. 3.

Thank you.

Bruce Duarte, Jr.

I’ve been married to my beautiful wife Michelle for 22 years and we have four wonderful children and three beautiful grandchildren. I currently work as a substitute teacher for Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational High School. I recently retired from the Bristol County Sheriff's Office after over 29 years of service. During my time at the Sheriff's Office, I served as chief stewart of the union for eight years. During my previous tenure on the City Council including council president, I worked tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of residents.

If I'm blessed enough to be elected, I plan to focus on several key issues, including jobs for New Bedford residents, economic development, public safety, and education. My experience as a former city councilor gives me a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges facing New Bedford. I'm known for my dedication, accessibility, and willingness to listen to the concerns of my constituents.

As a councilor at-large, I aim to be a strong voice for the community, working collaboratively with other council members and city officials to make informed decisions that benefit all residents. I am committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and represented. With my proven track record and passion for public service, I hope to earn the vote and confidence of New Bedford residents and continue my work as a Councilor at large.

Brian K. Gomes, incumbent

I am running after 30 years of representation on action, not words for the people and the city. I am committed and dedicated to serving the people of the city. More importantly Because “New Bedford is too important to quit.” I am running on my record of accomplishments and my drive for success not only for the city of New Bedford but more importantly the people.

Public safety I take very seriously I have fought against the closing of the Downtown and North End police stations, also for our firefighters and adequate equipment. The taxpayers of the city deserve strong public safety, a good educational system and city services.

I have taken the lead on the council against Parallel Products development in the New Bedford business park. I will continue the fight against the location while some have sold out the residences in that area. For the past four years voted against any tax increase in a budget that has increased over $42 million on the people of this city.

Fighting against any water or sewage increases due to mandates continuing to ask the leadership from the administration, state, and federal government on the issue.Fighting for students and faculty for safe schools with initiatives to be implemented. Fighting for our senior citizens for safe and clean housing.Standing up and addressing the downtown criminal activity drug dealing and loitering problem that is affecting the success of downtown and historical area.

As Chairman of Public Safety, and the Commission on Excessive Force, one of the strongest recommendations I have led the fight and called for body cams for all police officers. Proposed the South End waterfront walkway to be implemented and enjoyed by thousands of residents and tourists. Economic development is stagnant and needs a strong approach to plan and strategy for the future. Lastly, The American Rescue Act money of $30 million dollars left must serve the entire city.

Scott Lima

I, Scott Lima, in a departure from my role as the Ward 5 City Councilor, am now running for councilor-at-large.

Since 2018, it’s been an honor and a privilege serving the residents of Ward 5 as their councilor. However, I’m now ready to take my public service citywide in the expanded role of councilor-at-large.

During my six-year tenure on the City Council, I’ve put constituent services at the forefront of my agenda. I’ve worked tirelessly to see each constituent service request through to completion.

I’ve been a strong public safety advocate and I’m the recipient of the New Bedford Educators Association’s 2022 “Friend of Education Award.”

I’m a mayoral appointee to the Vacant Building Review Committee where we identify vacant and blighted properties for redevelopment into much needed housing stock, commercial space, and other uses.

Our goal is to alleviate the housing shortage, retain and attract new businesses to New Bedford, and ultimately add revenue by increasing the City’s property tax base.

I serve on the Whaling Museum’s Cape Verdean Advisory Committee, I’m a board member of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster, and I’m a former board member of the Waterfront Historic Area League.

I’m a graduate of Providence College where I earned a bachelor of arts degree (cum laude) in theology and I’m a graduate of New Bedford High School.

Together, we can accomplish much!

On Oct. 3, my name will be on the ballot seeking the office of councilor-at-large.

Please, vote for me, Scott Lima, on Oct. 3.

Linda Morad, incumbent

I’m Linda Morad, an incumbent councilor at-large and an independent voice on the New Bedford City Council. I have had the honor to represent the residents and business owners as councilor at-large for the past 10 years.

I am 69 years old and a lifelong resident of the city. I am the daughter of George and Florence Morad and of Lebanese descent. I was educated in the New Bedford public school system and a proud graduate of NBHS Class of 1972 and Providence College.

Often standing alone and unafraid to speak on issues, I strive to be your voice in city government. I have been accessible and responsive to issues and concerns. My professional experience provides me with the skills required to analyze and understand complex financial issues and to make sound decisions for the taxpayer. I am confident that my previous record as a member of the City Council demonstrates that I will continue to represent New Bedford as an experienced leader who can successfully face the challenges of our city’s future.

I will endeavor to make New Bedford the best it can be by working to provide better job opportunities, safer neighborhoods, more effective schools, and responsible financial management of taxpayer monies.

If you agree that experience matters, I respectfully ask for your vote in the Primary election on Tuesday, Oct. 3 to allow me the privilege to serve as your councilor at-large. Thank you.

Joyce Rowley

I was a community planner for 23 years in a number of small cities and towns as a municipal employee and as a private consultant. After retiring, I was a freelance writer on the Southcoast for seven years. The community planning experience taught me good governance as I worked for different councils, planning boards, and the public. My writing here on the Southcoast gave me an insight into the community, its history, and future direction. Because of this, I believe I have the right skill set to help the City move forward.

As a city councilor, I will push for six-year term limits for the City Council. I will also seek to rescind the recent residency waiver ordinance for new employees. I believe we should hire people who want to work and live in the City. And I will push for rent stabilization as our city grows so current residents aren't forced out of their homes through no fault of their own.

I believe the city's priorities need to be reset. We need to eliminate those facilities that are using funds better spent to serve public safety needs than a select few, such as the airport and the zoo. I will work to safely close the zoo and ensure the surviving animals get appropriate rehoming, saving $2 million annually and $5 million in capital improvement bonds. I will also vote for the airport's long-term adaptive reuse in light of leasing and legal obligations.

Guelmie Santiago

Roughly 25  years ago, New Bedford warmly welcomed me into its embrace,  extending opportunities for personal growth and achievement, even as I  navigated the challenges of being a Hispanic single mother raising three children. Today, I am compelled to reciprocate the generosity of this community that has enriched my life immeasurably. My commitment is resolute, dedicating myself  tirelessly to  ensure  that  every voice finds  its resonance, with  a special emphasis on championing the cause  of small enterprises and  amplifying the voices that might not readily converse in English

I have an unwavering commitment to the people of New Bedford, bringing a fresh vision that prioritizes community safety, small business support, affordable housing, and education enhancement.

I understand that a safe community is the cornerstone of growth and well-being. Through increased police-community engagement, targeted crime prevention initiatives, and support for social programs, I aim to create a secure environment where every resident can thrive.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our local economy. By providing access to resources, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and advocating for fair policies, they will champion the success of our small business community.

I will work tirelessly to address housing challenges by promoting affordable housing development, exploring innovative solutions, and collaborating with stakeholders to make housing more accessible for all.

Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for our youth. By advocating for increased funding, promoting technology integration, and encouraging community involvement in education, they will help provide our children with the tools needed to succeed.

Arya Witner

Hello everyone. My name is Arya Witner and I am an at-large candidate for New Bedford City Council. As a matter of fact, I am New Bedford’s first-ever openly transgender candidate.

I grew up in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, graduating from Hazleton Area High School in 2003. I moved here to New Bedford in 2009 and this is the first time I have run for public office. What I lack in political experience, I make up for with experience with working with the public. I was a tax preparer with Jackson Hewitt on the Ave for ten years and worked at the SRTA bus terminal for five.

My three primary focuses are to first work on improving the horrendous infrastructure of the city. Our roads are terrible and only getting worse and our current solution of patching them is just going to lead to more expensive fixes in the future. Next, I wish to assist our citizens suffering through drug addiction issues and work with the existing government to come up with an effective solution. Finally, I would like to work on finding housing for our unhoused residents, both by making it affordable for everyone, and also to help get our unhoused off the streets and into a home.

Thank you for your time and don’t forget to go out and vote on Oct. 3 and Nov. 7. Contact me at AryaWitner@Yahoo.com or search for my personal or campaign page on Facebook.

The following candidates are also running for at-large city councilor but did not submit a statement for the preliminary race: Ian Abreu and Carmen F. Amaral.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: New Bedford at-large City Council candidates state their platforms