Candidate Voices: Meet the 2025 City Council, School Committee candidates

> Candidate interviews

Candidate Voices: Meet the City Council, School Committee candidates

The New Bedford Light invited all candidates running for New Bedford municipal office the chance to introduce themselves.

Meet the candidates for New Bedford councilor-at-large, Ward and School Committee seats who accepted The Light’s invitation.

Candidate profiles were written by Colin Hogan. Email Colin at chogan@newbedfordlight.org. Video is by Eleonora Bianchi. Email Eleonora at ebianchi@newbedfordlight.org.

Cast your vote! Find out how and where to cast your ballot for the Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, election in New Bedford.

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▸ School Committee race
▸ Ward councilor race
▸ At-large councilor race

School Committee

Marcus Coward

NAME: Marcus Coward
OCCUPATION: Riccardi’s Restaurant
AGE: 26
OFFICE SEEKING: School Committee
INCUMBENT: No
EDUCATION: Associate’s degree, Bristol Community College

First-time political candidate Marcus Coward says, “I am a prime example of what New Bedford’s future will look like.” Coward says he’s getting involved in this election because “I want to try to inspire the next generation to get involved in politics.”

In crafting the School Department’s budget, Coward says his priority would be “to hire more qualified teachers and mental health professionals.” He says the biggest problem in New Bedford is class sizes, and that hiring more teachers will improve educational outcomes. Coward also says that he’ll emphasize the need for more mental health services and extracurricular activities.

Coward says he is a “big fan of Andrew O’Leary,” the district superintendent. As a School Committee member, Coward says he’ll maintain regular contact with the superintendent, including asking about his plans for the future.

As for improving educational outcomes, Coward says, “I want to focus on making a cohesive policy around artificial intelligence. Coward says that AI is impacting students from elementary through high school. He says that he’d be in favor of “implementing some old-fashioned learning methods,” such as typing and handwriting, to help students improve their reading.

Coward will be on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose three School Committee members, all 11 city councilors, and a city assessor.

Melissa Costa

NAME: Melissa Costa
OCCUPATION: Social Worker — Department of Mental Health
AGE: 49
OFFICE SEEKING: School Committee
INCUMBENT: Yes
EDUCATION: Master’s in social work, Boston University; Doctorate of Education candidate, UMass Dartmouth

Incumbent School Committee member Melissa Costa says that she is a “tireless advocate for our schools.” In her first term, Costa points to new playgrounds at the Carney, Brooks, and Rodman elementary schools. She says that she played a key role in securing funding for the “long overdue” central kitchen, and that she helped develop the new school-based health center.

On the School Department’s budget, Costa points out that she sits on the finance and operations subcommittee, looking “line by line” to make sure all transfers and spending “align with our mission.” She says that once the School Committee is presented with a budget, members are making sure it meets the statewide minimum requirements. Costa says she uses an “equity lens” when it comes to education and financing to “make sure every child gets what they need.”

Costa says that she meets with Superintendent Andrew O’Leary on a monthly basis to oversee the work he does. In addition, Costa says she attends professional development, and uses what she learns to bring ideas to O’Leary and his staff. She says that O’Leary has brought a “collaborative and team approach to managing the school systems.”

Costa says that her educational goals will be that “every child leaves high school with a commitment for employment, education, entrepreneurship, or enlistment.” She also hopes that schools become a “welcoming place for children and families,” and that schools can function as “community hubs.” This includes collaborating with local nonprofit organizations so that every child can find connection to their neighborhood.

Costa will be on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose three School Committee members, all 11 city councilors, and a city assessor.

Von Marie Moniz

NAME: Von Marie Moniz
OCCUPATION: CEO/President, South Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
AGE: 39
OFFICE SEEKING: School Committee
INCUMBENT: No
EDUCATION: Associate’s degree in communications, Bristol Community College

First-time candidate Von Marie Moniz highlights that she “would be the only active parent on the School Committee, and the second Latina woman” ever to serve in this role. Her platform, Moniz says, is based on transparency for parents, especially students with special education needs. She says all New Bedford teachers should receive better resources, and that school safety is a top priority.

On the School Department’s budget, Moniz says that she “wants to listen,” learning about the ongoing priorities and struggles. She says that she’ll be “educating myself with what’s going on with the budget.” Moniz also says that she “won’t be able to solve everything,” but that she will always “fight for as much as I can.”

In overseeing the superintendent’s office, Moniz says that she’ll focus on communication. Based on School Committee meetings she’s already attended, Moniz says that Superintendent Andrew O’Leary has “done really well with communicating what’s happening.” Moniz says she sees her role as representing the “voice of parents in New Bedford,” and she’ll ask questions to keep parents informed.

Her educational goals for New Bedford include transparency for parents of students with special education, Moniz says. Both of her children are receiving special education services in New Bedford, which Moniz says has been a positive experience. But she says that she’s “heard from many other parents that had a really hard time getting an IEP going.” Moniz says she will help these parents.

Moniz will be on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose three School Committee members, all 11 city councilors, and a city assessor.

Richard “Rick” Porter

NAME: Richard “Rick” Porter
OCCUPATION: Retired school principal
AGE: 57
OFFICE SEEKING: School Committee
INCUMBENT: No
EDUCATION: Master’s degree in educational leadership, Fitchburg State University; Bachelor’s degree, UMass Amherst

Rick Porter, a former teacher, union president, and school principal, says that he will bring “an educator’s voice” to the School Committee, as well as that of “someone who understands the daily realities of classrooms.” Porter points to his experience “tackl[ing] the issues that matter most: supporting bilingual students, addressing student mental health, strengthening family engagement, improving school safety, negotiating fair staff contracts, and rethinking standardized testing.”

On the School Department’s budget, Porter says his role is to “make sure the community’s voice is heard.” Once the budget is presented to the committee, Porter says, “My role is more of an advocate.” To that end, he says he’ll go to the community, the schools, and their principals to listen to their needs. “I’m not a day-to-day manager,” Porter says, but someone “advocating for their needs.”

On Superintendent Andrew O’Leary, Porter says, “This superintendent has done a good job.” He points to improving attendance rates, the recently opened central kitchen, and plans to build new schools throughout the city. But Porter asks, “What are the things we can do to do better?” He says he’ll work collaboratively on “how to make our superintendent even more successful.”

On his educational goals, Porter says he’ll work to reflect the goals of the community. He sees his role as going to families to make sure their individual student’s needs are met. For students and staff, Porter says he’ll prioritize the physical and emotional safety of everyone in the building. And for the teachers, Porter says he’ll find out what their needs are. “Once I know those needs, those are the things I’ll advocate for,” he says.

Porter will be on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose three School Committee members, all 11 city councilors, and a city assessor.

Ward councilor

Ward 1

Leo Choquette

NAME: Leo Choquette
OCCUPATION: Investment manager, Park Avenue Securities
AGE: 50
OFFICE SEEKING: Ward 1 City Councilor
INCUMBENT: Yes
EDUCATION: J.D., UMass Law; M.S. Microbiology, University of Montana; B.S Biological sciences, University of Vermont.

The first-term Ward 1 Councilor, Leo Choquette, says, “My platform is essentially keeping Ward 1 No. 1.” He says that Ward 1 is where many New Bedford residents buy their “forever home,” and he wants to help those constituents, including by lowering their taxes.

On the budget, Choquette says, “There is no way the budget should be going up as much as it has.” He points to his suggestion of an across-the-board $27 million cut — which Choquette acknowledges the mayor called “not serious government” and which never made it onto the agenda — as evidence of his commitment to lowering taxes. Choquette says that the city budget has outpaced inflation, and, “We need to bring in more money for the city.”

Choquette says he gets along with Mayor Jon Mitchell better than anyone on the council, and points out that they’re both conservative Democrats — and that Mitchell’s mom was his SAT tutor. But Choquette says, “There’s a powerplay going on between the mayor and the City Council.” He says Mitchell’s “got no problem with me,” but with the long-term incumbents on the council.

Choquette summarizes his goals for Ward 1 as follows. First, “no constituent left behind.” Choquette says he’ll continue holding weekly and monthly office hours and meetings in his ward to ensure strong constituent services. Second, “minimizing taxes.” Choquette says he would be in favor of freezing the budget from the prior year — not seeing one additional dollar spent on municipal services. Third, “protecting the neighborhoods.” Choquette points to his record fighting Parallel Products, the unpopular waste transfer facility that was proposed in his ward. And he adds that he’ll fight the development of any multifamily housing units that could “change the character” of the neighborhood.

Choquette will be on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose all 11 city councilors, three School Committee members, and a city assessor.

Matthew Marko

NAME: Matthew Marko
OCCUPATION: Small business owner, Tranquil Tides
OFFICE SEEKING: Ward 1 City Councilor
INCUMBENT: Criminal Justice Studies, University of Maine

Matthew Marko, the Ward 1 challenger, says he’s running for office because he wants New Bedford to be a better place for his young family to grow up. Marko says he’ll prioritize creating safer streets and stronger neighborhoods, while protecting investments to libraries, schools, and parks. Lastly, Marko says that he wants to help build a path to home ownership for current New Bedford residents: “Teachers, police officers, and nurses should be able to afford homes in the city,” he says.

On the budget, Marko says that cuts to the schools — which he points out was the largest single cut from City Council this past year — would not be his priority. Marko says he would maintain investment in fire and emergency services, but that any cuts to schools would be his last priority.

On the effectiveness of city government, Marko says, “I’m not a politician, and I’m not looking to be a career-long politician.” He says that he’s a resident who has seen infighting among the mayor and councilors. “We all want what’s best for New Bedford,” Marko says. And he hopes he could help to “hold the mayor’s office accountable, [and] work together.”

Marko says he has three goals for Ward 1. First would be investment in the King’s Highway area and the neighborhoods around the Church Street train station. Marko says he wants to be “doubling down on efforts to attract businesses” to this part of the ward. Second, he says he wants safe streets that lead to stronger neighborhoods. Marko says that he wants “neighbors to know each other,” and that it will lead to “better outcomes.” Third, Marko says he will invest in public spaces, like schools, libraries, and parks.
We haven’t wanted to fund our libraries,” he says.

Marko will be on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose all 11 city councilors, three School Committee members, and a city assessor.

Ward 2

Maria Giesta

NAME: Maria Giesta
OCCUPATION: Retired, Ward 2 City Councilor
AGE: 63
OFFICE SEEKING: Ward 2 City Councilor
INCUMBENT: Yes
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Fine Arts, UMass Dartmouth

Maria Giesta, the incumbent Ward 2 city councilor since 2017, says her platform has always been about serving constituents. “My main job is to take care of my constituents in that ward. And I believe I’ve done a very good job,” Giesta says. Though “nothing’s perfect,” she says, Giesta is “very proud of my record and proud of the people I represent.”

On the budget, Giesta says, “My priorities have always been to be fair to the taxpayers of the city.” Finding cuts can be difficult, she says, but it’s a part of the job. Giesta says she believes that “I’ve always been very fair in my cuts.”

On the effectiveness of city government, Giesta says she maintains a good relationship with all the department heads and city staffers. Even with the mayor, she says, there’s a good relationship. “You’re not going to agree on everything — and you shouldn’t,” Giesta says.

Asked about her goals for Ward 2, Giesta says that there are lots of businesses, parks, and thriving neighborhoods. It’s a “dynamic part” of the city, Giesta says, that also “lacks respect sometimes.” She says that small businesses along Acushnet Avenue, Nash Road, and Ashley Boulevard, as well as the two main parks — Riverside and Brooklawn — are all important parts of the ward.

Giesta will be on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose all 11 city councilors, three School Committee members, and a city assessor.

Scott Pemberton

NAME: Scott Pemberton
OCCUPATION: Security
AGE: 57
OFFICE SEEKING: Ward 2 City Councilor
INCUMBENT: No
EDUCATION: New Bedford High School graduate, 1986

The Ward 2 challenger, Scott Pemberton, says he will be there “for the people.” Pemberton says he currently serves as the president of the North End Neighborhood Association and is involved with the 1950s night in New Bedford, among other involvements. Running for city councilor, he says, is “Another step up, so I can do more in the city.”

On cutting the budget, Pemberton says, “No department is off limits.” He says he would have to learn more about the budget before proposing specific cuts, but he says that every department is “fair game.” Pemberton says he will “see where we can make the best cuts, [and] where it makes the best sense for the people.”

Pemberton says he already has a strong relationship with the mayor and many councilors from his community involvement. He says he would work against favoritism, and in the best interests of his constituents and city residents. As a councilor, Pemberton says, his priorities would be: “Family, Ward 2, and the City of New Bedford.”

Pemberton says he would propose a parking ordinance “on day one.” He did not clarify what the ordinance would accomplish, but says he would “see what’s feasible” by working with the council’s attorney. In addition to parking, Pemberton’s other top priorities are housing and constituent services.

Pemberton will be on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose all 11 city councilors, three School Committee members, and a city assessor.

Ward 3

Shawn Oliver

NAME: Shawn Oliver
OCCUPATION: Corrections officer, Mass. Dept. of Corrections
AGE: 41
OFFICE SEEKING: Ward 3 City Councilor
INCUMBENT: Yes
EDUCATION: New Bedford High School graduate

Shawn Oliver, the incumbent Ward 3 councilor, says that his first term on City Council has been committed to public safety and “rein[ing] in spending with the out-of-control budget.” Oliver promises that his next term would “continue that service” for constituents.

When it comes to the budget, Oliver says that, “People still want their basic services — their trees trimmed, potholes filled, their police officers in cars, and their fire stations fully operational.” But he added, “I don’t have the mindset that anything is really off limits … When you’re trying to rein in spending, you can’t box yourself in.”

The relationship with the administration, Oliver says, draws attention from people who “criticize if we’re getting along with the administration, and they’ll criticize when we’re not getting along.” Oliver says his philosophy is to focus on his role. “Our position on the City Council is to be that check and balance with the administration. There are going to be things we don’t agree on … The biggest thing is keeping that line of communication open.”

For his constituents, Oliver says he’d like to “give an essential rebirth to the ward.” He points to the Dias field renovation, of which he was an advocate, and says Ward 3 was the only ward without a park. Oliver says he would like to get a playground installed in that area, too.

Furthermore, Oliver says he supports the advanced manufacturing campus proposal that would develop part of the current Whaling City Golf Course into an industrial development and business park. “I look to continue to advocate [for] that, whether through zoning or economic development.” Oliver also says he would support development in the Hicks-Logan area of Ward 3.

Oliver will be unopposed on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose all 11 city councilors, three School Committee members, and a city assessor.

Ward 5

R. Reneè Fernandes

NAME: R. Reneè Fernandes
OCCUPATION: Treasurer-collector, Town of Middleborough
AGE: 65
OFFICE SEEKING: Ward 5 City Councilor
INCUMBENT: No
EDUCATION: Bachelor of science, Accounting, UMass Dartmouth. Various professional certifications (CGFM, CMMT, CMMC).

New Bedford’s former treasurer-collector, R. Reneè Fernandes, is a challenger for the City Council’s Ward 5 seat. Fernandes says she’ll prioritize communication and constituent services. And she says her professional background will allow her to successfully navigate the city’s budget challenges.

On the budget, Fernandes says, “There are a lot of places where we need to look closer at what we’re spending. A half a billion dollar budget for the City of New Bedford is not acceptable. Double-digit increases in health insurance [spending] is not acceptable.” Fernandes says that she’ll zero in on the city’s employees and look to make reductions: “We need to start looking at, ‘Are you necessary? Justify your existence.’”

On improving government efficiency, Fernandes says the council needs better communication and to better listen to residents. “There needs to be more dialogue regarding what the vision for the city is,” Fernandes says. She describes leaving her post in the city after becoming disillusioned with the city’s direction, and says she’ll bring constituent voices back into city politics.

On Ward 5, Fernandes says it’s the best neighborhood in New Bedford. She says the city needs to be continuously kept clean, and public services ought to be done in a timely manner. “I’m the one that you call when you need to get things done … And I’m there to help you get through the red tape.”

Fernandes will be on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose all 11 city councilors, three School Committee members, and a city assessor.

Joseph P. Lopes

NAME: Joseph P. Lopes
OCCUPATION: President and CEO of ABC Rhode Island
AGE: 47
OFFICE SEEKING: Councilor at-large
INCUMBENT: No
EDUCATION: Master’s in Business Administration, Johnson & Wales University

The incumbent Ward 5 councilor, Joseph Lopes, says he has worked for residents and advocated for the lowest possible tax bill during his time on City Council. Lopes says his platform is based on three pillars: “Taxes, public safety, and education — and I base my campaign on understanding each one of those,” he said.

When it comes to the budget, Lopes says that he has never supported cuts to public safety or education. He calls New Bedford’s police, fire, and emergency medical services, “the greatest insurance policy we can give” to residents. “Those are the lifeblood of people being safe,” Lopes says. On education, Lopes says that the state-mandated minimum spending isn’t enough — and that he supports more for New Bedford’s schools.

Lopes says that making cuts to other departments is a “difficult part of the job,” and that his priorities depend on the year-to-year fluctuations of city spending.

On the council’s relationship with the administration, Lopes points to his track record serving four times as City Council president. He says he maintained a good working relationship with administration, and that he “never believed” in the so-called “strong mayor, weak City Council” description of New Bedford government.

Lopes says he views the council as a co-equal branch of government, charged with the fiduciary responsibility of the city. “The administration can’t cut or raise a dime without the City Council being in favor of it,” he says.

Relating to his ward, Lopes says that he wants people to be able to walk safely to and from Buttonwood Park. He says that he’ll work to install more flashing crosswalk signs, speed tables, and red-light cameras.

Lopes will be on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose all 11 city councilors, three School Committee members, and a city assessor.

Ward 6

Ryan Pereira

NAME: Ryan Pereira
OCCUPATION: Sales and project manager, Precision Window and Kitchen
AGE: 28
OFFICE SEEKING: Ward 6 City Councilor
INCUMBENT: Yes
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, UMass Dartmouth

The incumbent Ward 6 councilor, Ryan Pereira, says, “I’ve been consistent across my past four years of service to the residents of Ward 6.” Pereira says that there have been difficult choices he’s made, including sometimes doing what he sees as best for the ward against popular consensus. “Even when I have to make difficult choices,” Pereira says, “I’ve always maintained being honest with” constituents.

On the budget, Pereira says that “Nothing’s off limits — we have to look at every department equally.” Pereira says that his job is to “make sure [the city] can handle what we’re taking on,” and that spending doesn’t outpace capability. Pereira says he would rather “gradually grow the budget, rather than [have] sharp increases.”

On government effectiveness, Pereira says that “communication and transparency” are of paramount importance. He says that he has always been willing to work with the mayor’s office and city staff. But Pereira also says that the councilors must “make sure we uphold our end of the deal.” He says that when the mayor does agree to compromise, councilors can’t “move the goal line.” Pereira says he has been willing to make compromises.

Pereira says his goals for Ward 6 include public safety and quality of life issues. Among these, Pereira wants to work with the new police chief to ensure that beach users in the summertime aren’t creating too much noise for Ward 6 residents. On the road work happening on County Street, which Pereira calls “a vital corridor for the city,” he wants to ensure that businesses and residents still are able to continue their lives. And Pereira says he wants to “do a better job of taking care of” his ward’s public parks, including by “fully funding the park staff.”

Pereira will be unopposed on the ballot on Nov. 4, when voters will choose all 11 city councilors, three School Committee members, and a city assessor.

At-large councilor

Ian Abreu

NAME: Ian Abreu
OCCUPATION: Owner/operator Silmo Packaging Co., Inc.
AGE: 40
OFFICE SEEKING: Councilor at-large
INCUMBENT: Yes
EDUCATION: B.A. Communications Studies, Bridgewater State University

Veteran City Councilor Ian Abreu told The Light in his interview, “I’m running for reelection because I believe in New Bedford. I believe in what it is. I believe in where it’s going.”

Abreu said that when it comes to budgetary concerns, “there are many.” However, he said that police, fire, emergency services, and the School Department are off limits for cuts. He added that he’d like to see the school budget exceed the minimum amount determined by the state.

Outside of those areas, Abreu is looking to trim the fat, he said. “I’m always trying to be one of the voices saying, ‘Can we scale this back?’ Because I’m a taxpayer too, I don’t want to pay a higher property tax bill.”

On his relationship with the mayor, Abreu said that he wants to “keep dialogue going even when we don’t agree … The residents of New Bedford deserve ongoing dialogue. They don’t deserve stalemating.”

Abreu said his three goals for New Bedford are safer communities, slashing bureaucracy, and improving infrastructure. That means investing in the Police Department, streamlining the permitting process for new developers, and improving local bridges and sidewalks.

Abreu will be on the preliminary ballot on Oct. 7, when voters will choose which at-large councilors will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.

Jennifer Arruda

NAME: Jennifer “Jenny” Arruda
OCCUPATION: Shop owner – TL6 The Gallery
AGE: 47
OFFICE SEEKING: Councilor at-large
INCUMBENT: No
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Fine Arts, UMass Dartmouth

Newcomer candidate Jennifer Arruda says her campaign is about “taking care of all of New Bedford residents, not just the landowners or the outside investors.” She said she would be a councilor who would provide a voice for immigrants and the unhoused, and who would prioritize environmental justice.

On the budget, Arruda said she’d like to be elected to better review the budget. But she said that cuts to schools are off limits, and that she hopes more funds can support the unhoused population.

In trying to make New Bedford’s government more effective, Arruda said she would try to be more transparent with the public. When working with other officials, she said she is hardworking and tenacious and would “try to get along to do the better good.”

Arruda’s priority for New Bedford is to implement evidence-based housing solutions to fight homelessness: “Finding everyone a safe place to live until they can receive help,” she said.

Arruda will be on the preliminary ballot on Oct. 7, when voters will choose which at-large councilors will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.

Shane Burgo

NAME: Shane Burgo
OCCUPATION: Program coordinator, Department of Transitional Assistance
AGE: 32
OFFICE SEEKING: Councilor at-large
INCUMBENT: Yes
EDUCATION: Some college, Bristol Community College

Shane Burgo, the incumbent at-large councilor and current council president, says his platform is simple: “Serving the people and building the future.” Burgo says he hopes to build a better New Bedford guided by his principles and those of the people who elected him.

On the budget, Burgo says he wants to prioritize efficient spending. For example, he says the Police Department needs to hire more officers, but in recent years the department hasn’t been able to hire for all vacancies. Burgo says his cuts are targeted to not put millions into departments where it won’t be spent.

Discourse and disagreement make for stronger government, Burgo says, but you need “people who are willing to meet at the table and willing to compromise.” Burgo says the current City Council has a broad range of voices but still is able to find compromise. With the mayor, Burgo says it’s an ongoing struggle to find compromise.

Discussing his goals, Burgo says housing is a top priority. He says he wants to keep pushing the mayor’s administration on the Building New Bedford plan, including allowing for accessory dwelling units, updating zoning, and looking at parking requirements. He says that government transparency and accountability needs continual improvement. And he says he will continue looking for budget trims that don’t affect critical service and needs.

Burgo will be on the preliminary ballot on Oct. 7, when voters will choose which at-large councilors will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.

Devin Byrnes

NAME: Devin B. Byrnes
OCCUPATION: Chef and owner, Destination Soups
AGE: 51
OFFICE SEEKING: Councilor at-large
INCUMBENT: No
EDUCATION: Some college, UMass Dartmouth

At-large candidate Devin Byrnes says that he’ll be an advocate for small businesses on the City Council. He shared a platform that he hopes will make New Bedford a better place to raise a family and to enjoy amenities like beaches, libraries, and parks.

On the budget, Byrnes says that things are tight. Obligations for education, insurance, and pensions contribute to this, but Byrnes says that education and libraries should be off limits for cuts. Instead, he’d look to reduce spending on city personnel.

Byrnes says that New Bedford politics features a “tribalism,” but that he “wants to work with everybody.” One suggestion Byrnes has for a more efficient government is reimagining the budget “cut night” process as two separate sessions — “so that you’re not making decisions at one in the morning.”

Byrnes’ goals on the City Council include small business advocacy, or being the “eyes and ears” for the business community. He says he wants to improve housing by allowing building on new lots. He says he’ll advocate for working families, including promoting public safety.

Byrnes will be on the preliminary ballot on Oct. 7, when voters will choose which at-large councilors will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.

Naomi Carney

NAME: Naomi R.A. Carney
OCCUPATION: Criminal justice paraprofessional at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School
AGE: 68
OFFICE SEEKING: Councilor at-large
INCUMBENT: Yes
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, Southeastern Massachusetts University (UMass Dartmouth)

A long-serving at-large city councilor, Naomi Carney says in her interview with The Light that she believes in “politics that uplift all of us.” The platform she describes deals mostly with quality of life issues.

“Safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, reliable transportation, or green space where families can gather … these are not luxuries, these are essentials,” Carney says. She says she’ll continue working to provide New Bedford residents with repaired roads and efficient emergency services.

On the city’s budget, Carney says things are pretty tight. “We’re doing the best we can to trim down the budget so we don’t affect the taxpayers’ pocket.”

On working with the mayor, Carney says she has “no issues with the mayor,” adding, “When we don’t agree on something, I vote against it.”

Her biggest goal for the city is increasing the number of tax-contributing properties, especially by selling city-owned buildings and land to investors and developers.

Carney will be on the preliminary ballot on Oct. 7, when voters will choose which at-large councilors will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.

Christopher Cotter

NAME: Christopher A. Cotter
OCCUPATION: Police officer
AGE: 58
OFFICE SEEKING: Councilor at-large
INCUMBENT: No
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, Southeastern Massachusetts University (UMass Dartmouth)

Current School Committee member Christopher Cotter says he is running for a seat on the City Council to make a difference on the local tax rate.

Cotter says leaner is better. “I see every department as equal in being looked at” for cuts, he said.

On working with the mayor, Cotter offered, “It’s important that the City Council does work closely with the mayor.” He added, “We need to find that common ground.”

Cotter reiterated that reducing the budget is his main goal, but also said, “I’m not saying there’s a lot of wasteful spending.”

Cotter will be on the preliminary ballot on Oct. 7, when voters will choose which at-large councilors will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.

Shaun Mulvey

NAME: Shaun Mulvey
OCCUPATION: Electrical designer (retired)
AGE: 65
OFFICE SEEKING: Councilor at-large
INCUMBENT: No
EDUCATION: Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School

Newcomer candidate Shaun Mulvey wants a greater return on investment from his yearly tax bill. Mulvey said he “wants a seat at the table” to decide matters related to New Bedford’s budget.

When it comes to specific budget priorities, Mulvey said he needed to listen and learn about where the money is currently being spent. “I have to learn what is going on, look at the numbers.”

On making New Bedford’s government more effective, Mulvey said he hopes to rid the city of spending that reflects anyone’s political “agenda” — hoping instead to prioritize spending on roads and police.

Mulvey’s biggest goals for New Bedford are to “update the sewage treatment plant” in the city’s South End. He said he also wants to prevent businesses that would “harm residents” from coming into the city, like the “Parallel Products” waste transfer facility. Besides that, Mulvey said he wants to listen to the concerns of his constituents.

Shaun Mulvey will be on the preliminary ballot on Oct. 7, when voters will choose which at-large councilors will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.