Here's what City Council candidates think would spur economic revitalization in Taunton
TAUNTON — With election day fast approaching, we thought we'd give voters a chance to get to know the 11 candidates vying for City Council seats a little better.
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, but early voting starts on Oct. 28. For the City Council, voters have a total of 11 candidates — including all nine incumbents and two challengers — to choose from.
The Gazette reached out to all 11 candidates for a Q&A. Each candidate received the same five questions. Questions were selected in part based on readership data and the topics which garnered the most interest this year. We will be publishing the replies from all 11 candidates to each of the five questions as separate stories. This is part two of five.
Question 2: How would you spur economic revitalization in Taunton?
What ideas/solutions do you have for working to economically revitalize the city of Taunton over the next several years?
Estele Borges (incumbent)
East Taunton has been ignored and needs to be part of the conversations. The residents in East Taunton need and deserve the same attention and recreational areas that are in other areas of our city.
We have many farmers in East Taunton, and Taunton needs to become a Right-to-Farm community. I will begin those discussions with farmers and the administration to make this a reality.
We need to increase the availability of affordable housing options in Taunton by collaborating with developers, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to create affordable housing initiatives that meet the needs of residents.
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Christopher Coute (incumbent)
I believe it is vitally important to adhere to our current policy of “Pay As You Go," along with severely limiting borrowing. These simple, yet important principles, allow the taxpayers to save money.
Kelly Dooner (incumbent)
Bringing in new streams of revenue is key and making it apparent that Taunton wants to help. The solar lease was just a start. I want to continue to help grow local businesses by working with them on grants that are available to them. There are a lot of options out there, we need to do more to help educate business owners on what those options are. As well as providing them the necessary resources they need to succeed and grow.
Phillip Duarte (incumbent)
The continued implementation of the Marketable Properties Program will spur the reuse of blighted and underutilized properties throughout the City, particularly old mills and industrial sites like Bacon Felt and the Whittenton Mills. Expansion of our programs to help small businesses, such as the Sign and Façade Program and Rent Rebate Program, will help attract a diverse array of businesses to our downtown and village centers. Improving and maintaining our parks, playgrounds and open spaces will increase the quality of life for our residents, as well attract visitors to try out our amenities and patronize our businesses.
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Edna Isaac (challenger)
As a small business owner, I understand the importance of a vibrant and prosperous community. That's why I'm committed to promoting the growth of small businesses and developing tourism and cultural attractions. These efforts will create more jobs and opportunities for local residents and make Taunton a more attractive place to live and visit.
Scott Martin (challenger)
We need to continue to show support of the businesses that have been in Taunton for years. We also need to get the word out that Taunton welcomes entrepreneurial and start-up businesses. Taunton has amazing resources to offer to businesses, not just in the industrial park, but in each section of the city. Something that is most likely needed is more staff in our departments that work with new businesses and developers to continue to make those steps as smooth as possible for the businesses and our city employees.
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John McCaul (incumbent)
My first legislative initiative will help our public safety departments make our residents and business owners feel safe and secure. We cannot attract new businesses to invest in Taunton without safety and security. We have made strides recently in addressing this, but more work needs to be done.
We must have a comprehensive review of the current regulations and update or rewrite outdated ones. We must focus on economic development in the Whittenton, Weir and East Taunton areas. There is a lot of potential in those areas.
Jeff Postell (incumbent)
I truly believe we must be more aggressive in our recruitment of new businesses for the economic development and revitalization in our city. Previously, I advocated for the creation of a business-friendly model and process that not only focuses on recruitment, but also strives to retain current businesses. I am proud to have supported many of the measures and efforts the (Mayor Shaunna) O’Connell administration has put forth to support and encourage development and revitalization. Efforts such as improving online permitting and a consolidated permitting center, the re-establishment of the Taunton Redevelopment Authority, and the Transformative Development Initiative, to name a few.
David Pottier (incumbent)
Taunton’s location is one of the greatest economic development advantages we have. We are equidistant from Boston, Worcester, Providence, and the Cape. We also offer an educated and motivated workforce and comparatively cheap utilities. Our industrial base is strong, and we have successfully attracted many mid-to-large-sized companies. If reelected, I would stress continued and added emphasis in attracting and supporting smaller businesses in our downtown and neighborhoods by working with our Office of Economic & Community Development to expand our existing rent relief, sign & façade and other targeted small business programs, leveraging both state and federal grants and resources.
Lawrence Quintal (incumbent)
Revitalizing The Weir Village will directly impact and increase foot traffic and visibility for our downtown. I support Taunton becoming a Right-to-Farm community and the subsequent opportunity for agricultural development. Also, bringing in developers who will invest in our community and help offset the tax burden of our residents.
Barry Sanders (incumbent)
Much attention has been paid to making Taunton more “business friendly,” and one of the factors that supports local business is investing in a vibrant, safe, affordable community. Attracting businesses that pay strong livable wages that support families and working people who then have an income that allows them to support local businesses. Supporting organizations that support the health and well-being of our community with engaging and enjoyable activities helps build that vibrant community. Investment in infrastructure including affordable housing and transportation and services that support people in need builds community that supports businesses. They lean on each other.
What is the last day to register to vote in the general election
Friday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m. is 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.
Early voting by mail
All registered voters qualify for a vote-by-mail ballot for the November election. You must complete an application for a vote-by-mail ballot to be mailed to you. You can download an application on the Massachusetts secretary of state’s website.
What is the deadline to apply for an early vote-by-mail ballot?
The completed, signed application must be received by the Taunton Elections Department by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31. It can be returned in person, by mail or by scanning and emailing it to elections@tauntonma.gov.
Early voting in person
Early voting in person for the Nov. 7 election will take place at City Hall, 15 Summer St., on the following days and times:
Saturday, Oct. 28, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.Monday, Oct. 30, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tuesday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.Wednesday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Thursday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Friday, Nov. 3, 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. An application for an absentee ballot can be found on the Massachusetts secretary of state’s website.
What is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot?
The completed, signed application must be received by the Taunton Elections Department by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31. It can be returned in person, by mail or by scanning and emailing it to elections@tauntonma.gov.
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 2023 Q&A: economic revitalization
