Letter to the Editor: Current Somerset Selectman backs former police chief for Selectman

The following is an opinion piece sent to Fall River Reporter and was not written by us as we do not endorse candidates.

“I am writing in support of retired Somerset Chief of Police Todd Costa in his bid to become our next Selectman. Todd is a lifelong resident of Somerset and proudly served the residents of Somerset for over 32 years as a police officer and the last three years as Chief of Police. In one of my first conversations with Todd, he explained from the time he was a little boy he wanted to be a Somerset Police Officer.

“Todd has always cared deeply for our Town and has been involved in the Somerset community working with our seniors at the Council on Aging or volunteering to help with community events in Town to help make Somerset a better and enjoyable place to live.

“As Chief of Police, Todd honed his experience managing multi-million dollar budgets. As a Selectman, this experience is critical especially in this juncture of our Town’s history as we battle soaring taxes, budgets stressed by inflation, a lack of growth in State aid and limited new tax revenue growth in town. As Chief of Police, Todd Costa was in a difficult position trying to appease the members of his department by spending more money or controlling spending to reduce the impact of his Police Department budget on taxation. Todd did what he has always done which was to look out for the best interests of the residents of our Town by creating budgets that limited the financial impact to residents without compromising the safety of its residents.

“As Selectman, Todd Costa will represent ALL Somerset residents and will always do what is in the best interest of the community as compared to working for the special interests of certain groups in our Town.

“Please join me in voting for Todd Costa so we can focus on the important issues facing this town and continue to move Somerset in a positive direction of new tax revenue growth and sound fiscal management.”

Allen Smith
Somerset Selectman