VIDEO: Public Meets the Candidates

Candidates for office in Seekonk had a chance to talk about themselves and what they believe in during a Meet the Candidates forum held on a sunny Saturday morning. But the coffee and pastries weren't sweet enough to quell strong statements, including those on illegal student activities and town government fumbles. 

Russell Horsman, a newcomer to the political scene, is running for a seat on the Seekonk Planning Board. Horsman said he would be a key link in relaying information pertaining to town issues to the general populuous. He has experience in public relations serving as a commander of the American Legion. 

When asked his opinion on big box stores versus small family-owned enterprises, he said the board's job is uphold, not to interpret, town guidelines. "The laws are the laws," he said. 

Incumbent Phoebe Dunn would like to see Seekonk remain a rural town. She believes the future of the town should be a mix of small businesses and residential areas.

"I think our reliability on the automobile may prove to be a liability," she said.

She further explained that it is important for the Board of Selectmen to communicate with the Planning Board. She said several issues concerning the town's future have not been fully addressed, including an affordable housing plan and assisted living bylaw.

"They never wanted to consider these issues," she said. 

John Bilodeau, a candidate for school committee, said he is in favor of level-funding the school committee's budget, not service-funding. He thinks a good education can be provided for students while maintaining the current budgets. 

"I don't want to spend money on technology when it's more important having a teacher in the classroom," he said. 

He also is in favor of upholding federal Title IX by supporting women's sports in schools, and he wants to crack down on student behavior that is considered illegal. He noted there should be harsher consequences for those who drink underage besides suspension from sports teams.

According to Board of Selectmen candidate Webster Larkin, a resident engineer employed by Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT), he has a solid grasp on how stimulus money is allocated, and experience moving along long-term projects by negotiating with those in Statehouse. 

"You've got to go up to Boston. You can't wait for the funding to come to you," he said.

Moreover, he has a direct communication style.

"The previous board is weak ... I say what's on my mind. What you see is what you get," he said. 

Bill Rice, a current member of the Seekonk Planning Board is trying his hand at Board of Selectmen seat. A staple participant at their Wednesday night meetings, he is also an advocate of direct communication between the school committee and the Board of Selectmen. 

Bob McClintock also took the podium; he is running for Board of Selectmen. His political resume touts six years of service on the Board of Selectmen and six years on the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District's committee. 

"This is not the time to bring amateurs in," he said.

According to McClintock, employment contracts are being signed away from public view.

"People are getting jobs; it has to stop," he said.

John Turner was the last to take the stage. A former member, he explained he would be a great asset to the Board of Selectmen because he believes in the spirit of the community and could communicate effectively with individuals.

"I've had the opportunity to work with the school department ... I'm an open-minded person ...Usually my opinions hold weight," he said. 

He also was instrumental in the genesis of the Seekonk Capital Improvement Committee, which oversees town projects. "It's part of the town structure," he said. 

According to Paul Buckley, chairman of the Seekonk Republican Committee, Bob Richardson did not attend the forum. He is currently chairman of the Board of Selectmen and running for school committee.

Who's running:

• Board of Selectmen: Bob McClintock, Webster Larkin Sr., Bill Rice
• Town Moderator: Michelle Hines
• Town Clerk: Jan Parker
• Planning Board: Phoebe Dunn, Russ Horsman
• Board of Assessors: David Pitassi
• School Committee: John Bilodeau
• Water Commission: Philip Campbell
• Library Trustee: Cheryl Faria, Deborah Bostian
• Housing Authority: Teresa Letendre