Fall River Election Update

Two school committee members in Fall River will definitely not be seeking re-election this fall, and a third one is considering not to run again as well.

Both Ed Costar and Gabe Andrade both decided to give up their seats. Back in March, Andrade told FRC Media News that he had decided at that time not to seek re-election citing family considerations. He wants to spend more time, he said, with his grandchildren whom he cares for along with his wife.

“I want to vacate the seat and see someone with more time and energy to take on this important role,” he said, adding that it has been a pleasure working under the direction of School Superintendent Matt Malone.

“The new superintendent is doing a marvelous job,” he said. “Any new school committee members will find him fair and reasonable to work with.”

Costar wrote in a post to his facebook page that he will not be running for re-election either, saying that medical and related family considerations is making it increasingly difficult for him to meet the standard of effort the job requires.

He also expressed his thanks to his fellow members saying that “when parents and schools work together in the spirit of cooperation and communication, anything is possible.”

So far, the only incumbent to have pulled nomination papers is Joe Martins. Three newcomers also took out papers: Sean Connell, Mariam Morales, and Jessica Wong.