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ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) – On Tuesday, September 21, voters will go to the polls to vote in the preliminary election for mayor of Attleboro.
Outgoing Mayor Paul Heroux will face Todd McGhee and Jim Poore. The two best-ranked candidates will face each other in the legislative elections in November.
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12 News asked each of the candidates about their priorities. See their responses below:
Mayor Paul Héroux
Why do you want to serve another term as mayor?
I am leaving for my third and final term to complete a few projects. I would like to complete the new high school on time and within budget. I am in the process of building a performing arts pavilion in Highland Park. I have many sidewalk and pavement projects that I would like to complete. There are a number of new businesses and projects going on downtown that I would like to see come to fruition. I also want to continue to expand the Special Education Stabilization Fund and continue to increase funding for schools to bridge the structural gap that has existed for years. There are a number of other things I would love to do within the police and fire departments to give these employees the resources they need to do an even better job.
What past experiences make you well suited to be a mayor?
I am the only candidate who has experience as a mayor. Even if you were to take that experience away and look at what experience I had before being mayor, I am the only candidate with political experience. I am the only candidate who worked in a municipal department, two different state organizations, and I worked for the YMCA of Attleboro for seven years. These work experiences give me a unique and diverse perspective on what works and what doesn’t in government. I am also the only candidate to have a master’s degree in public administration.
What do you think is the biggest problem the city will face over the next two years?
The biggest problem that the city faces year after year is ensuring that the budget is properly balanced so that each department is funded in the best possible way in the face of limited funds limits and competition with other departments. Apart from that, it is extremely important to protect city employees in the public from COVID-19. It is important to continue to revitalize the city center in order to have a more solid economic base. It is also important to ensure that we do not back down in funding education. And making sure we finish the new high school on time and on budget.
What is a hidden gem in your city?
Attleboro is home to a dozen walking and hiking trails.
Where can voters go to find more information about your campaign?
paulheroux.org or my Facebook page
Todd McGhee
Why do you want to be mayor?
The city of Attleboro is a great place to live and work, and I have been proud to have resided there for 21 years. However, I have witnessed firsthand the gap in leadership, collaboration and vision. The current state of the city and the direction it is heading are cause for concern. The culmination of my experiences in the public and private sectors will benefit the needs of the city. The vision that I have as mayor is to give back the abundant blessings of my life experiences to enhance the capabilities of our city. Indeed, wetland garbage cans are important materials, however, my vision focuses on the entire Attleboro ecosystem. I am running for mayor to bring these qualities and servant leadership to the city’s executive office. Campaigning for mayor is not my concern, as I am not seeking to gain influence for future political aspirations. It’s about serving the residents and the needs of our city.
What past experiences make you well suited to be a mayor?
I have learned a lot over the past 34 years during a career in the public, private and government sectors, and it would be an honor to employ these skills in the City of Attleboro Executive Office. After serving 24 years with the Massachusetts State Police on Patrol, Investigation, 10 years at Logan Airport after 9/11 and Coordinator of Defensive Tactics, I retired in 2011. Thereafter , I trained, consulted and developed programs for the police, on the front line. school security and employees as well as a media security analyst, international program developer and senior trainer for the US Department of State, Office of Anti-Terrorism Assistance. In addition, I served for 18 years on the board of directors of my old church and 10 years as chairman of the trustees. I was educated with the Northeastern University Class of ’87 and Anna Maria College Class of ’96, where I obtained BS and MS in Criminal Justice. Currently, I sit on the board of directors for Bishop Feehan High School and co-chair the strategic planning committee. Working with municipal, state and federal governments allowed me to understand budgets, contracts and procurement rules. I also have management experience, which has taught me the value of collaborating and bringing out the best in others. I will govern with state-of-the-art servant leadership and collaboration, able to recognize gaps, take a pragmatic approach to problem solving with a passion for championing the issues of others.
What do you think is the biggest problem the city will face over the next two years?
To further expand on why I want to be mayor of Attleboro, I will highlight the many issues facing our city. The garbage and waste management contract does not meet residents’ needs and will increase by nearly $ 1 million by the end of the contract; there is a growing problem of rat infestation; aging hydraulic infrastructure; and poor road conditions. I am concerned about our aging and underserved population. Since I have been doing canvassing for the campaign, I have met residents who can no longer afford to live in their homes and others who cannot afford their rent and must make difficult choices. to balance their quality of life. There needs to be a decent, sustainable and thoughtful balance for low-income and fixed-income residents. I believe our most vulnerable population – our seniors – deserves better care by establishing cooling centers and warming centers. I’m afraid our public safety professionals from the police and fire department are leaving for jobs in other cities. I’m concerned that our school system needs more teachers for smaller classes and more adjustment counselors to deal with potential at-risk students. All of these listed elements require a great deal of collaboration between elected officials, city department heads and the community. I believe servant leadership is needed to address these concerns and I am the best candidate to guide us through the economic hardships, the pandemic crisis and the road to recovery.
What is a hidden gem in your city?
I have discovered that the greatest hidden gems of our city are the gifts and talents possessed by our municipal employees and public safety professionals. We have untapped talent in our own city residents who are eager to volunteer their expertise. I have met some great people who have made a great contribution to the city over the years in the areas of development, conservation, chambers of commerce, education and senior services. As mayor, I will seek the wisdom and guidance of these hidden leaders to help our community.
Where can voters find more information about your campaign?
You are welcome to visit my website: toddmcghee.com and follow the campaign on Facebook.
Jim poore
Why do you want to be mayor?
I feel that the city and the country are going in the wrong direction. If citizens want change, it starts at the local level. The general attitude in the city is terrible, and I want to make sure that my children and all the families have a nice place to live.
What past experiences make you well suited to be a mayor?
I have no “experience†in politics, but I was part of a city committee where I saw budgets and a sense of what is going on in the community. I’m just an ordinary guy, with a wife and a family. Often governments just need that – a regular guy. A politician is not always the best solution.
What do you think is the biggest problem the city will face over the next two years?
The biggest problem in the city is the general attitude. A lot of people don’t get along, and this can make it difficult to govern a city. Everyone has to work together, regardless of political party, to accomplish what needs to be done. Happy employees and happy citizens create a much nicer atmosphere, which makes the community much better.
What is a hidden gem in your city?
There are several, from Capron Park to great restaurants and underrated medical facilities. The biggest hidden gem, however, is the citizens of Attleboro. There is no place with better people, from the city center to the outskirts. They are what makes this city great – and will only make it bigger.
Where can voters find more information about your campaign?
I have two Facebook pages: a personal page and a page for my campaign. Both are public and can be viewed by any resident.
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