Seekonk Republicans Endorse Candidates

After listening to speeches Saturday from most of the candidates in the April 1 Seekonk election, members of the Republican Town Committee handed out endorsements Monday. The committee is backing Paul Buckley in the three-man contest for one board of selectmen seat, Evan Berwick and Kyle Rose in the seven-man race for two school committee seats and Larry Havrylik, who is challenging incumbent Water Commissioner Christine Allen.

In a press release (which is attached), the committee had the following to say about its endorsees.

Buckley:

He has proven to be a steady and dependable civic leader. He has worked to upgrade the IT capabilities of the Assessor's office and he will do the same in town hall. Buckley's proposal to audit the Sanitation Enterprise Fund is necessary, and his proposal to change the 30-day temporary sign law is common sense we need to help businesses who create jobs and revenue in Seekonk. We also believe that Seekonk needs someone new on the Board of Selectmen, and Mr. Buckley's calm demeanor will be a welcomed addition to the board.

Evan Berwick: 

Brings the fresh perspective of a recent student who watched the school committee up close broadcasting school committee meetings from 2009-2012. We applaud his bold proposals to find new revenues without raising taxes, his plan to strengthen relationships with our business community, and his proposal to help jumpstart an active Seekonk High School Alumni Association.

Kyle Rose:

Brings a different perspective to the School Committee. His dedication to Seekonk schools was evident in his plan to move his family from Bristol to Seekonk to make sure that his children experienced the same great education he received in our town. His background in construction and technology are skill sets that will be helpful to move the school district forward.

Havrylik:

We believe the Water Commission needs an experienced engineer to help the Water District develop a plan for changing times.  We believe both candidates brought great qualities to the table, but we believe that Mr. Havrylik is the person our Water District needs now.  With potential development looming near our aquifers, Mr. Havrylik, with his vast experience in public utilities, will be able to lead the Water District towards a proper course of action.

Candidates gave speeches and took questions from the audience during the forum, which took place at the Seekonk Public Library. It was a mostly civil affair until toward the end when school committee candidate Jeffrey Starr Marian took his turn on the stage. Following Mararian's speech, which included a comment that "there's a lot of pork" in the school district budget, School Committee member John Bilodeau noted the candidate had not shown up to the recent budget workshop.

"My opinion is if it's that critical to you ... and you're complaining about the pork in the budget, then show up to the meeting and have input," Bilodeau said.

Mararian responded that he did not attend the meeting because his daughter was sick, and then he fired insults at Bilodeau.

"You are heartless not only to every humanoid, but toward people who want their money in their pockets and not have you take it out of it because you're on the school committee," Mararian said.

He added, "Keep your voice down like your IQ and sit down. You want to ad-lib with me, I'll check my brain and we'll start even."

Selectman Bob McLintock then raised his hand to ask a question, but Mararian wasn't interested. 

"Put your arm down please, your deodorant just wore off," he said.

Patch has sent questionnaires to the school committee and selectmen candidates. Look for their answers on the site next week.