Community Voices - The New Bedford Light

▶︎ Community voices

As an independent, nonpartisan news outlet dedicated to diverse community voices, The New Bedford Light welcomes guest essays or op-ed pieces (750 words max) or letters to the editor (400 words max). Opinions expressed in our Community Voices essays are those of the individual writers.

In addition to our longer Community Voices submissions, we welcome short comments (100 words max) related to our news coverage and all aspects of life in New Bedford. Use our online comment form; send your thoughts via email to voices@newbedfordlight.org; or share them on our Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) accounts.

Opinion: High energy costs in Mass. are about constraint, not volatility

The underlying problem is that New England’s energy infrastructure has not kept pace with demand, leaving the region vulnerable in extreme cold.

by José Costa / Northeast Gas Association June 7, 2026June 10, 2026

Opinion: Urine diversion could help save aging sewer systems, solve runoff issues

Municipal departments, clean water groups and others are working to create policies to separate urine from other household waste and recycle its nutrients.

by Milly Burrow and Susan Mann May 26, 2026May 26, 2026

Opinion: Mass. has a pre-K challenge but New Bedford may be part of solution

The city has a strong foundation in early childhood education with myriad programs to address complex issues. The next step: Better connect what already works.

by Kathleen Treglia, Pam Kuechler, Sandra Ledvina, Sarah Rose, and Andrew B. O'Leary May 24, 2026May 24, 2026

Opinion: The incredibly inconsistent Massachusetts Legislature

It is unfortunate that simultaneously the legislative and executive officials are defying the will of a majority of citizens who voted for an audit of the Legislature.

by Betty Ussach May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

Opinion: More sunshine needed for Mass. state and local government

Massachusetts should lead government transparency starting with an overhaul of public records procedures and better access to public meetings.

by Antonio F.D. Cabral, Massachusetts State Representative April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

Opinion: Winter proves New England can create a clean energy future

As costs soar for propane, oil and gas, the Northeast must do everything it can to pursue long-planned offshore wind projects on the drawing board.

by Kate Sinding Daly, Conservation Law Foundation March 30, 2026March 30, 2026

Women, power, and the future of democracy

If we understand women’s leadership as democratic infrastructure, then investing in that leadership becomes not aspirational, but strategic.

by Christine Monska / Executive director of the Women’s Fund SouthCoast March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

Opinion: Super Bowl was a dream come true — for one Fairhaven uncle

Steven J. Bouley may have spent most of his life as a Pats fan, but all that changed when his nephew became the coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

by Steven J. Bouley February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

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Make your voice heard

If you have a short comment, a first-person essay, a poem or a topical opinion piece, an image, a short video — or some other form of creative expression — you’d like to share, please submit it here or email us at VOICES@newbedfordlight.org. We want to hear from you. Comments must be civil and will be edited for clarity and length.

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