Somerset Scorecard: Weekly Update on all things Somerset

This is a weekly update on all things Somerset, shared each Wednesday. If you have news that is related to Somerset, inbox us at info@fallriverreporter.com. Photo credit: Justin Tunney

Good Morning Somerset.

Your official 2024 Vote by Mail Applications have been sent out so keep an eye out for those in the coming days. There are just 40 days until the Presidential Election.

Planned if you do, Planned if you don’t

After eliminating the Town Planner position from the town budget in 2021, the position is making a comeback tonight at the scheduled Board of Selectman meeting where board members will discuss and act on the appointment of Amy Messier to the position. Messier, of Somerset, served as the Assistant Town Planner in neighboring Westport. Tonight’s meeting will take place at the town library at 6 PM.

Catch him outside, how bout dat?

Longtime Zoning Board of Appeals member James Pimental has resigned from the board after serving for more than 15 years. In his letter to Town Administrator Mark Ullicci, Pimental thanks previous board members he had served with but gave no reason for his departure. Last fall, Pimental got into a shouting match with residents during a heated meeting where Pimental yelled at a resident and challenged him to “step outside.”

Rep Race is Locked and Loaded

The race for State Representative of the 5th Bristol District is well underway and both candidates, incumbent Democrat Patricia Haddad and challenger Republican Justin Thurber have both held campaign events since the September primary. Haddad held a visibility event last week with many supporters coming out to hold signs of support. Thurber held a campaign fundraising event in Somerset last week with dozens of supporters in attendance. The Office for Campaign and Political Finance shows that Haddad currently has $76,607 cash on hand to Thurber’s $5,107. Thurber has challenged Haddad to a debate but claims Haddad has not responded.

One and Done?

Sources say that current Somerset Board of Selectman Jacob Vaught will not be running for a second term next April. The Navy Veteran showed up to the political scene back in 2022 and secured a seat on the three member board over incumbent Kathy Souza.

Return of the Pack

It’s open recruitment time for Scouts of America in Somerset. To join Troop 21 or Pack 7, click the link below and sign your child up today. Thanks, Connie!

https://www.narragansettbsa.org/join-today/75964

Can’t Stop the Party

And after failing to gain town and public support, event organizer David Berube cancelled the Spirit of Somerset event that was scheduled for this month but don’t worry. The town of Somerset has stepped in and organized it’s own event: S.A.F.E Day: Somerset’s Annual Fall Extravaganza. Taking place at Somerset Berkley Regional High School on Saturday, October 12th from 3 – 8 PM, the event will have hayrides, live music and food vendors. There’s even a costume competition at 6 PM. Who’s dressing up as a clown?

That’s all for now, townies. See you next week.