Seekonk Decides April 6

Over the last several weeks, I have had the privilege of walking our neighborhoods and speaking with residents about what matters most to them in our community. The “IWatch” clocked it at 43 miles in total.

I have found through this process that we as residents have so much in common, yet also have very diverse and passionate views on how the town should serve and support us every day. All of us. My recent experience has proven to me that speaking with folks in a public setting doesn’t compare to speaking with folks on their own front steps. Their turf so to speak. Their comfort zone. I have found you get a very genuine, from the heart conversation you might not get anywhere else.

The many conversations covered snow removal, trash bags, traffic congestion, public safety, town hall hours and schools to name a few. And by the way, taxes may have been mentioned a few times as well.

There is without question, a universal theme here in town that before we raise taxes once again, we need to look where to save. Easier said than done. The day to day services we take for granted at times are simply indispensable and necessary. Resident taxpayers point to cutting administration before ever cutting back on services. The services most of us count on. Public safety, Human services, the town clerk, teachers, planners, DPW, trash/recycling. The list goes on. Folks in town rely on essential services. Services provided by the hard-working folks you interface with day to day. A common theme throughout the Commonwealth as towns discuss their budgets.

The trends ahead for Seekonk point to a leaner more agile tact in my estimation, and from your feedback. I have found little appetite door to door for large scale tax increases. An example would be what the town of Arlington, has just voted for. Additional tax increases over Prop 2 ½.

With so many strong and engaged conversations with folks, I find myself often these days thinking of why so few of us vote in our town elections. April 3, 2023 town election turnout was only 18% of all registered voters. Yet, so many folks have vocal and passionate views about how our town should be run. A quandary perhaps, or maybe not. If just maybe. This time proves to be different.

My hope is that many will turn out April 6, not just for themselves, but for their children, neighbors, seniors and for their town. Or maybe for a 103 year old gentleman who simply needs a hand now and then.

The towns future will be shaped not only by the decisions of those elected, but also by the residents who show up, pay attention and actively participate. Even if that participation is only a few minutes in a school gymnasium, to cast a ballot.

“Seekonk is strongest when its residents are engaged and involved.”

Finally, I want to thank everyone who took their personal time to speak with me and reflect on their hopes and wishes for a better Seekonk. There are no easy solutions for us. Tough decisions ahead.

There is no doubt that I am a better person today for meeting and sharing time and thoughts with all of you. I thank you for that. I am forever hopeful that this time will be different. Perhaps more might find the motivation to vote. If I moved just a few to vote that otherwise would not have, I have made a difference. We can all make a difference one vote at a time. Please take the time to vote and if you can, maybe encourage others to do the same.

Thank you,
Bob Archambault