MaryEllen Fletcher Launches Swampscott Select Board Re-Election Bid

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — MaryEllen Fletcher will seek a second term on the Swampscott Select Board after serving as the board's Chair for the past year.

Fletcher told Patch on Tuesday she will run for re-election in an effort to build on her "proven track record of fiscal responsibility and community engagement."

"I have had the privilege of serving the residents of Swampscott, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for a second term," Fletcher said. "Together, we can forge a positive path forward, with a strong focus on fiscal responsibility, accountability, and inclusive governance."

Fletcher also spent seven years on the Finance Committee as vice chair and Capital Improvement Committee liaison. She was also on the Recreation Commission, Harbor and Waterfront Committee and Article 6 Committee, as well as the Massachusetts Municipal Association Finance Committee.

Fletcher said she has been instrumental in ensuring Swampscott maintains a stable financial future and that her achievements include reallocating $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds for critical sewer pipe rehabilitation, negotiating the Land Disposition Agreement for the Hadley and Pine Street projects, balancing the 2023 budget between the school and town, securing public parking at St. John's parking lot, and restoring the town paddle board program.

"With both looming challenges and opportunities on the horizon, including significant infrastructure needs, the hiring of a new town administrator, and increasing budget constraints, it is vital to have a candidate with a strong municipal financial background," former Selectman Dan Santanello said. "MaryEllen's balanced approach keeps the needs of residents at the forefront."

As a 37-year resident of Swampscott and local business owner, Fletcher raised her niece, who attended and graduated Swampscott schools, and actively engaged in volunteering as a Girl Scout leader and coach in softball and field hockey.

Fletcher said her priorities for her next term include:

• Fiscal Responsibility: Preserving reasonable property taxes and evaluating all town spending.
• Qualified Leadership: Hiring a qualified town administrator to steer critical decisions.
• Infrastructure Improvement: Focusing on coastal protection and resilience, directing resources to eliminate bacteria and keeping the beaches open.
• Affordable Housing: Facilitating access to affordable housing while honoring open space.
• Controlled Development: Preventing unreasonable and overwhelming development initiatives.
• Senior and Veterans Resources: Implementing tax exemptions for qualifying seniors and veterans.
• Maintaining Structures: Ensuring the upkeep of existing school and town buildings.
• Support for Small Businesses: Encouraging the revitalization of small businesses and responsible economic development.

She said she is "ready to continue serving the community with integrity, conviction, and a commitment to making sure every resident has a voice."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)