The Town of Westport could soon have their own recall election spearheaded by Select Board candidate

A Westport resident running for select board is looking to recall a current select board member bringing up memories of Fall River’s own recall election which was unprecedented at the time.

According to East Bay RI, current select board member Manuel Soares Jr. has been held without bail since earlier this month on four counts of trespassing and one count each of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, in connection with a long-running land dispute in Dartmouth. 

The publication reported that town clerk Kristin Stinson stated “Soares told her verbally this month that while he will not resign his position on the select board, he does not plan to attend select board meetings. His term ends in April 2026; he was elected to a three-year term on the board in April 2023.”

 Select Board Chairwoman Shana Teas told East Bay RI that “the only theoretical way the town could get someone else in the elected seats before April 2026 town elections is through a recall petition filed by a member of the public. She noted that while that is possible, it’s a “tall order,” as it requires a substantial number of electors’ signatures to place on a special ballot.”

Keith Dias, who lost his bid to be on the Select Board in April of this year, has begun the recall process according to posts on social media.

“The time for change is now…While he was elected by the people in April 2023, we cannot continue to allow this Select Board seat to be held by Manuel Soares Jr. considering his recent arrest, charges and failure to be present.

“Removing him from his seat may be a “tall order” to fill, but it is absolutely necessary. We cannot allow this seat to remain “virtually vacant” until next election in April 2026.

“As an active & concerned Westport resident and small business owner, I am officially announcing my intentions to begin a recall petition to have Manuel Soares Jr removed & replaced without delay.

“I visited the Town Clerks office earlier today and have been provided with a checklist for the Town of Westport’s Election Recall Process.

“As lead petitioner, I need 200 voter signatures to file the initial affidavit and begin the process, and I intend to start collecting them immediately.

“With that said, I’ll be at the Westport Fair all week long. Feel free to stop by The Cat And Raven booth; I’ll have papers with me if you’d like to sign.

“This is about the future of Westport and whether we want people of character and ethics to represent us.”

What will happen next remains to be seen.