East Bridgewater Voter Guide

Everything you need to know about the town's May 2024 election

About the East Bridgewater Voter Guide

Local elections matter most because local officials’ decisions affect our day-to-day lives, our schools, roads, public safety, and local businesses. Your vote makes a difference.The East Bridgewater Voting Guide is designed to help you make informed decisions. Lack of information about candidates and the positions they hope to fill is a primary reason that voters do not turn out at local elections.We reached out to every candidate who filed to run as a candidate for the May 18th, 2024 election, and requested the following information:

1) 100 – 150-word bio
2) A 1 - 2 sentence statement about why he or she is running for office
3) A photo
4) Any website, social media channels and LinkedIn profiles

Many, but not all, candidates responded to our inquiries, which enabled us to share the information they provided. We hope that this information can help you to make informed votes and hope that you will share it with your friends and neighbors and encourage them to vote.There is also a one-pager to print out and take with you to the polls.This guide is intended for informational purposes only and is correct to the best of our knowledge.We welcome your feedback and questions. Email us at [email protected]

Location & Hours

East Bridgewater election day is May 18, 2024

Elections are held in the gymnasium of the Jr/Sr High School at 143 Plymouth St.Polls are open 11 AM - 7 PM.

Voter Registration

The deadline to register to vote in any election is twenty (20) days prior to the date of the election.Confirm your registration, register to vote, see voting requirements, and more at

• www.eastbridgewaterma.gov

Candidate's Night

Meet the candidates: May 9th, 2024 at 7 PM.
EB Town Hall, Conference room. 175 Central St, East Bridgewater, MA
and live on EBCAM.

Candidate:
Sandra Luddy-Ross
- This candidate did not respond to the request for information.

Responsibilities:

It is the mission of the East Bridgewater Housing Authority to provide decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing to the citizens of East Bridgewater by working with state and local agencies.

Candidate name

Who I am:

TBD candidate bio

Candidate:
Carole Julius
- This candidate did not respond to the request for information.

Responsibilities:

The Board of Selectmen is recognized by the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the Town's body of chief elected officials with authority to enact rules and regulations establishing Town policies not otherwise governed by bylaw, the Charter, or by statute.The Board is composed of three members who are elected to staggered three-year terms. The powers and duties of the Board of Selectmen include appointing the Town Administrator, Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Town Accountant, as well as various boards, committees, and commissions.The Board of Selectmen also issues certain licenses and permits such as alcohol, car dealerships, common victualler, and entertainment; enforce special sections of the Town Code; and regulate the public ways.

TBD candidate name

• Link1

• Link 2

Who I am:

bio

Why I'm running for Select Board

TBD why

Candidates:

David Phillips (3-year term)
Susan Mulloy (2-year term)
- These candidates did not provide responses to the request for information.

Responsibilities:

The East Bridgewater Assessing Department consists of an elected 3 member Board of Assessors, including a chairman, a clerk and a member. The office staff consists of the Director of Assessing, the Administrative Assistant, the Principal Clerk and the Senior Clerk.The core responsibility of the Assessing Department is the yearly revaluation of all real and personal property located within East Bridgewater. Assessors are required by Massachusetts state law to assess all property at its full and fair market value as of January 1 of each year. The department is responsible for the maintenance of all property tax data records and maintains accurate parcel ownership data based upon recorded property transactions at the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds.

Candidates:

• Amy Gallagher Berry

• Daniel Picha

• Scott Walker

Responsibilities:

The East Bridgewater Public School district, in partnership with the community, continues to provide an academically challenging, safe, and supportive learning environment that promotes the pursuit of excellence for all.

Amy Gallagher Berry

Who I am:

As a proud wife and stepmother of two children who attend East Bridgewater schools, I am committed to the educational, and social well-being of our community. My direct involvement as a parent, provides me with a firsthand understanding of the needs and challenges facing our schools. Professionally, I bring over two decades of expertise in operations and finance, specializing in driving operational enhancements that fuel organizational success. Beyond my family roles, my heart beats for our furry friends as a passionate dog lover and advocate for rescue. My journey has been one of resilience, overcoming breast cancer, a battle that's only strengthened my resolve to embrace each moment with gratitude and determination.

Why I'm running for School Committee

If elected, I will be committed to advocating for students' needs and concerns within the school system and focused on finding ways to support a learning environment conducive to academic and personal growth. I will actively support the district's endeavors to bolster post-high school preparedness among students, ensuring our kids have the necessary skills and resources to succeed beyond graduation, be it college pursuits, vocational endeavors, or employment opportunities. Please consider me when voting on May 18th!

Scott Walker

Who I am:

My name is Scott Walker. My wife and I have lived in East Bridgewater for more than 15 years and have raised our four children in this town. While my oldest is now away at College, I have 3 children that still attend the East Bridgewater schools.

Why I'm running for School Committee

This coming May 18th, I am seeking reelection to the East Bridgewater School Committee so that I can continue to help and support and students and families in East Bridgewater receive the best education that can be offered. Now more than ever we need to make sure the students feel supported and safe in our schools and demonstrate that we are utilizing the most modern and practical educational practices to prepare them for life after high school. I have served on this committee these last three years, having recently been voted to serve as vice-chair. My desire is to always understand where we are thriving and where we can make improvements. I have learned to embrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our school as I feel that this is the best method to find the best ways to reach every student and find the means to reach and to educate every student, no matter what the obstacle.Three years ago I joined the School Committee to have a more active hand in the school systems and to better understand the challenges we face. I am 100% invested in the students success in East Bridgewater and ever decision I have made, or will make, will be in hopes of constant improvements. We have a lot of challenges in education and I hope to continue to help navigate these matters for as long as I am able.

Daniel Picha

Who I am:

I have been a resident of East Bridgewater since 2004. My wife and I feel very fortunate to have raised our daughter, who is now at Sophomore at the Jr/Sr High School, in such a great town!Professionally, I have been in the banking sector for the past 27 years. Currently, I am the Chief Banking Officer for South Shore Bank and have worked at the bank for the past eight years. In my current role, I provide oversight tied to strategy, budget and regulatory compliance to seven different areas of the bank with over 100 employees working on our various teams.Over the past ten years, I have become more involved volunteering in town. Over this time, I have served as a community representative on the Central School Parent Council and as a member of the town’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan) Committee. Currently, I am finishing my sixth year and currently serve as Chair of the town’s Finance Committee; additionally, I am also a member of the Central School Building Committee. Over the past two years, my wife and I have also been volunteers with EB Hugs.

Why I'm running for School Committee

My decision to run for School Committee has been driven by my desire to provide a learning environment that is inclusive and meets the varying needs of all students in East Bridgewater. My involvement overseeing both the budget of the town and budgets related to my job, provide me with very valuable experience that will assist in overseeing the school department’s budget. It is critical that we provide the best education for our town’s children while also acknowledging that the schools must work collectively with the town to prioritize spending. Over the past three years I have served as the Finance Committee liaison to the School Department and have worked with the Superintendent, School Business Administrator and School Committee members to improve the budget process between the schools and the town. I want to see this momentum carry forward.
Additionally, one of the most critical roles the School Committee holds is the establishment of educational goals and policy for the district. I will be an advocate that all educational goals and policy are developed to drive student learning forward. While oftentimes, policy needs to be drafted to meet state requirements, having clearly defined and measurable educational goals helps to ensure that the policy is effective and advancing the educational atmosphere of the district. Likewise, the School Committee must work collectively in its evaluation and goal setting for the Superintendent. For the district to be successful, the leadership must have clear SMART goals that have well defined actions along with measurable results.

Candidates:

Jennifer Lonergan
Anne Marek
- These candidates did not respond to the request for information.

Responsibilities:

The East Bridgewater Public Library’s mission is:To serve the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of our community by providing access to professional staff and the highest levels of materials, programs, and library services in a welcoming environment.

Jennifer Lonergan

Who I am:

tbd bio

Why I'm running for Planning Board:

Why I'm running
TBD why

Candidate:

Rob Lyons
-This candidate did not respond to the request for information.

Responsibilities:

Boards of Health were established by state and local statures in the 1700s to protect the health and safety of citizens, their food and water supplies, and safe housing. As the industrial revolution changed our lifestyles, and medical research developed vaccines and drugs to counteract illness and disease, public Health Departments focused attention on Environmental problems created by our changed economy, such as air and water pollution, solid waste disposal, toxic chemicals, and natural resource protection.While today's Boards of Health still address infectious disease control such as TB, Hepatitis, Influenza and Pneumonia, and Foodborne illnesses, much of our work focuses on environmental health issues like sewage disposal, well water supplies, lead paint and housing conditions, food service inspections, and general environmental complaints associated with our mobile society, including the development of urban subdivisions in a previously agricultural setting.In order to react spontaneously and effectively to life-threatening situations, local Boards of Health were given authority to promulgate local regulations and policies by the State Legislature. This procedure differs from by-laws or State statutes, which must be approved by Town meeting, or the State House of Representatives. This local Board of Health can also implement and enforce state laws and regulations through enabling House legislation.

Candidates:

John Lawlor
-This candidate did not respond to the request for information.

Responsibilities:

The Planning Board is responsible for managing the growth and development of the town through the implementation of the Zoning Bylaws. Some of the specific responsibilities of the Planning Board include: reviewing and approving subdivision plans; reviewing and making recommendations on zoning bylaw amendments; issuing special permits for certain land use projects; site plan review; long-range planning, and public outreach.

TBD name 1

• TBD link

Who I am:

tbd bio

Why I'm running for Planning Board:

Why I'm running
TBD why

tbd name 2

Who I am:

tbd bio

Why I'm running for Planning Board:

TBD why

Candidate:

• Kathleen Cavanagh

Responsibilities:

The Town Clerk is the chief election official, recording official, registrar of voters, public records official, and licensing officer. The Town Clerk oversees the polling places, all elections and election-related activity, and records all actions of the Town Meeting. The Clerk's office maintains the official town bulletin board, oaths of office, appointments, and resignations of all Town Officials. The Clerk's office issues licenses and permits, such as marriage licenses, business certificates, dog licenses, fuel storage permits, and raffle/bazaar permits

Kathleen Cavanagh

Who I am:

I'm Katie Cavanagh, a lifelong resident of East Bridgewater, and I'm running for the office of Town Clerk. I was born and raised here, and I currently live on my family farm I purchased in 2017 with my husband Brian, our son Max, and my mother Norma. Alongside Brian, I manage a small pumpkin farm. I have dedicated over seven years to serving our town, spending the last ten months as Interim Town Clerk and the previous five years as Principal Clerk. Earlier, I served as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Council on Aging. I am deeply involved in our community, actively participating in numerous local committees and commissions. My profound connection to our town and my extensive experience in town governance make me a dedicated candidate, committed to the well-being and future of East Bridgewater.

Why I'm running for Town Clerk

My vision for the Town Clerk's office is to be approachable, responsive, and adaptive to the needs of all our residents. I am passionate about community engagement and eager to develop and implement programs and initiatives to keep you informed and involved in all aspects of town governance.

One-Pager

Leave this site and be taken to a google doc you can print out and bring with you to the polls.

• Take me to the East Bridgewater May 2024 Election One-Pager