There is a slim section of Fall River where residents will vote in a contested race for state representative on November 5. That’s on the east side of the city near Westport in the 8th Bristol District.
Earlier this year State Representative Paul Schmid decided to retire at the end of his term and not seek re-election. Five candidates are on the ballot in the district encompassing part of Fall River, the entire town of Westport, and portions of Freetown, northern New Bedford, and Acushnet.
Democrat Steven Ouellette has served as a Westport Selectman for nearly 30 years and works as Facilities Director for the Acushnet Public Schools. If elected he says he will focus on affordability and quality of life issues.
Mr. Ouellette says he wants to work closely with all cities and towns in the district to meet their needs. He served as a reserve police officer in Westport for nearly 20 years and will advocate for more funding for public safety.
The Republican candidate in the race took an unusual path to qualify for the ballot. Current Westport school committee member Christopher Thrasher recently registered with the GOP and did not secure signatures for nomination. Instead, he amassed over 150 votes in the state primary as a write-in candidate to earn the nomination. He is concerned that for too long the Democratic majority in the House has not served all state residents.
Mr Thrasher says he, too, will look to make life more affordable for residents in the district. He also wants to keep a close eye on the impact offshore wind will have on the region. In terms of working with members of the local delegation, all Democrats, he feels there is room for compromise.
The other candidates on the ballot are all running as independents. Westport attorney Laura Hadley is making her first run for office. She is driven to run to change what she says are some misguided policies coming from Boston.
Ms. Hadley plans to push for greater transparency from the state legislature and will advocate for policies to improve affordability and an increase in funding for local education. She will also work to keep the interests of the communities she will serve at the forefront of her work.
Manuel Soares, Jr. has owned his own business in the SouthCoast for over 40 years and, two years ago, won a seat on the Westport Board of Selectmen. He says he wants to work on housing insecurity and homelessness.
Mr. Soares feels it’s important for more elected representatives to bring an independent voice to state government.
The only non-Westport resident in the race is Jesse St. Gelais. He was born in New Bedford, lives in Acushnet, and runs his family’s insurance agency. His goal as an independent candidate is to put people over politics.
Mr. St. Gelais says if elected he will keep an open dialogue with officials within the five communities he represents. He also wants to work on ensuring the cities and towns receive adequate funding from Boston.
Watch our interviews with the candidates by visiting our Election 2024 page.
