Buckley for Seekonk

I would like to tell you why I am the best candidate for the upcoming special election for selectman in Seekonk on Monday, Sept. 24. 

I grew up in this town with my sister Ann and my two parents. My older brothers and sister were out of the house when I came along. My father Al worked for National Cash Register (NCR) and my mother waitressed at Arnolds/Micheletti's while I was growing up. My father also was part owner of Al and Harry's Garden Center on property where the DB Mart is today on Newman Avenue. My family had strong roots in the North End of town.

Going through the Seekonk school system and later entering the work force, I started to get involved in politics during my early 20s while I was bartending at a social club in Pawtucket. The candidates, including Patrick Kennedy, Buddy Cianci and Bruce Sundlun, would come with their fundraisers and I would see them move the crowd with their shtick and canned talking points. I soon understood that these people can make decisions that affect my life. Before long I realized my political persuasion, Republican, and reached out to participate in my hometown and state.

When I was 37, I ran for the Board of Selectmen in Seekonk—not having a clue on how to run a campaign. The town clerk told me I should "get my feet wet" before I took on the personalities and egos of Town Hall. I did not listen and went through with it anyway. I came in fifth place out of six candidates. I learned my lesson that you need to build your reputation and relationships to earn respect. And I have done just that over the intervening years.

The next few years brought me to the Personnel Board, where I worked with wonderful and dedicated people like Pat Viera, Tom Harms and Richard Perry, and on the Board of Assessors alongside Dave Pitassi and Robert Caruolo. All these people had a passion for the town and were highly respected in the community.

In 2005, I became involved with the Seekonk Republican Town Committee and became chairman in 2007. I took over a committee that was at the time comprised of five men and now has 30 male and female members. We had a few bumps in the road, but with everyone working together we kept this group strong and growing. I am most proud of the committee for what it has given back to the community.

But now this election boils down to two issues—experience and leadership. I have proven to myself and my peers that I am capable and the right person to contribute as a member of the Select Board. I am my own person. I think things out and do not shoot from the hip. I like to listen rather than talk. I have made many friends and garnered relationships in Town Hall and will continue to do the same as your selectman.

To the voters of Seekonk I promise you this: Paul Buckley will be fair and impartial. I will take my time to review and form opinions. What counts is that I will do my best and be committed to the citizens of Seekonk.

All voting will take place Monday at Seekonk High School from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.