Cliques, arguing, what voters really care about — best quotes from Taunton debate
TAUNTON — With the election less than a week away, we've put together a list of some of the most memorable quotes from the recent City Council forum to give voters one last chance to get to know the 11 candidates a little better.
All nine incumbents are running for re-election as well as two challengers.
There is also a contentious race for mayor, with incumbent Shaunna O'Connell facing a challenge from her former Chief of Staff Ed Correira.
Candidates for the City Council met Thursday night, Oct. 26, in the studio of Taunton Community Access & Media (TCAM) for a forum. TCAM President Bob Jacobs and panelist James DuPont from WVBF Radio led the forum and asked all the questions.
Estele Borges on arguing among councilors
Incumbent Estele Borges: “Sometimes, we’re so passionate about the issues. We’re not trying to be disrespectful. We walk out every night respecting each other. We should all behave, but that’s not always the case. I’ve been attacked, but I hope voters see me hold my head up high.”
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Christopher Coute on what voters really care about
Incumbent Christopher Coute: “There’s been a lot of focus on the charter and technicality with the rules. I don’t hear a lot of this from people in Taunton. People want to talk about what matters more. They want to talk about the progress in the city. Voters care about issues that affect them financially. Not whether we meet on a Monday or Tuesday night. Not about how many members should be on a committee.”
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Kelly Dooner on what she's proud of and the pain of inflation
Incumbent Kelly Dooner: “Over the last two years, I was able to make Taunton a Purple Heart Community, which is something we strived for for a long time. I’ve worked with Mayor O’Connell on doubling the senior tax credit. I intend on moving that forward. Some of my focuses next term will be on the cost of living. Everything is rising. Especially for seniors, so anyway I can help seniors.”
Phillip Duarte on working with the mayor
Incumbent Phillip Duarte (chair of the Committee on Finance and Salaries): "There is so much that’s been done working with Mayor O’Connell and the entire finance team, bringing the city’s standing to the next level, which will result in savings of millions of dollars on projects over the next 20-30 years. This allows us to triple our investment in roads and make much-needed improvements in our public buildings and parks. I’m looking forward to continuing the work we’ve done.”
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Edna Isaac on running as a challenger
Challenger Edna Isaac: “I’m running again because I have a passion to serve this city. I understand the need to represent underserved communities. I will strive for more inclusion and diversity on this Council.”
Scott Martin on expanding housing in the city
Challenger Scott Martin: “We’re building at an incredible rate in this city. We put a lot of stress on the Building Department. Every time something is built, there are a lot of different departments involved. We need to ensure they have proper staffing. Also, make sure our services, such as police and fire, can handle new people.”
John McCaul on taxes
Incumbent John McCaul (on taxing residential properties at a lower rate than commercial properties): “We have to keep taxes low as much as we can. People are struggling and living paycheck to paycheck. We need to show homeowners that we respect what they’re going through.”
Jeff Postell on being 'unpredictable'
Incumbent Jeff Postell: “I’m the most unpredictable, independent voice on Council. There are times where I hear about the impacts our decisions will affect the public. We have to listen to the residents’ concerns. I always go in open-minded.”
David Pottier on financial experience
Incumbent David Pottier: “I’m the only one on Council with 30-plus years of financial experience. To quote 'A Few Good Men,' 'You want me on that wall. You need me on that wall' on a Tuesday night to make sense of the numbers. You have a lot of vendors trying to sell us a bag of beans for a pot of gold. I’m one of the few councilors with the financial experience to cut through that.”
Lawrence Quintal on hard work
Incumbent Lawrence Quintal: “I work 24/7 with my job. I won’t change the person I am. I have always been there for the underdog, and am always there to extend my hand to help. I take time away from my own family to be there for others and won’t change who I am. I hope to earn your vote.”
Barry Sanders on City Council cliques
Incumbent Barry Sanders: “In a perfect world, we all look at the issue with clear eyes. Too often, it’s about what team you are playing for. It shouldn’t matter where you live, what your last name is, who you go out to drink with. It’s about what serves the community the best possible way. I’ve been clear since the beginning: I work for the residents. That’s my loyalty. You are my boss.”
Can I still register to vote in the Nov. 7 election?
No, Friday, Oct. 27, was the deadline to register to vote, change party affiliation, or change your address for the general election on Nov. 7.
Where do I vote on Election Day?
Registered voters can vote in person on Election Day at their designated polling places, which can be found on the city's website.
Can I vote by mail?
All registered voters qualify for a vote-by-mail ballot for the November election. But the deadline to apply for a vote by mail ballot, Oct. 31, has passed.
Early voting in person
Early voting in person for the Nov. 7 election takes place at City Hall, 15 Summer St. The remaining dates and times are: Thursday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Friday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
What is absentee voting?
Not everyone is eligible to vote via absentee ballot. Absentee ballot voting is restricted to people who won’t be in Taunton, for whatever reason, on election day, have a disability that keeps them from being able to physically get to the polls, or have a religious reason for not voting in person.
Can I still apply for an absentee ballot?
No, the completed, signed application had to be received by the Taunton Elections Department by Tuesday, Oct. 31.
How can I contact the Taunton Elections Department?
All inquires can be directed to your Elections Department Office, located in Taunton City Hall, or by calling them at 508-821-1044.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton City Council election TCAM candidates debate
