Time for Ten with Candidate for Bristol County Commissioner Julie Ferreira Ruggiero

Time for Ten is a series where we ask past and current elected officials ten questions. Because it is an election year, we have also included candidates in our series.

1. We’ll get to your background in a second but Julie! I was excited to see a female on the ballot for Bristol County Commissioner. If you’re elected, you would be only the second female in over 300 years to serve in this role. What are your thoughts on this?

It is hard to believe I would be only the second woman in this position in over 300 years. It would be an honor to be the second female Bristol County Commissioner. I hope to become a role model to other women and other underrepresented populations in office and male dominated professions across the board. 

 2. Okay so let’s talk a little bit about running for office. You have never run for office before but your dad, Joseph Ferreira has….he’s a member of the Governor’s Council. What does serving as an elected official mean to you and your family?

It must be in the DNA! A core value my father always taught my sisters and me is to be involved in our local community and “do our part.” Serving as an elected official is an opportunity to be a voice for the community. It’s a chance to bring not only my own ideas to the commissioner’s office but the issues, concerns & ideas of the community and work together towards a successful and fruitful future for the county.

 3. You jumped into this race on time but a little late. What, if anything, played a part in your decision to pull papers?

I have the utmost respect for all 3 commissioners who are currently in office. When I found out one of the commissioners would not be seeking reelection, it was the perfect opportunity for myself to step up and run. I have always thought I would run for office one day and this position suits my interests and passions perfectly.  

4. Not many people seem to know what a County Commissioner does. Can you give readers an idea of what you’d be doing if elected?

The commissioner’s office oversees budgeting for: Bristol Agricultural high school (Bristol Aggie), maintenance and repairs on New Bedford, Taunton and Attleboro Superior Court as well as the 3 registry of deeds offices in our county. The commissioner’s office is also on the county advisory board and board of Trustees for Bristol Aggie. We communicate with state officials to address county issues and ensure the commissioners budget (approximately 30 million dollars annually) is spent wisely and where needed. 

 5. You seem to have a wide range of interests….you’re a nurse and a real estate agent and now an aspiring politician. Where do you find the time for everything?

I am very fortunate for the flexibility both my careers allow. We have built our real estate company into a Team of over 10 agents. My colleagues are wonderful, and it truly is a team effort. Together we are able to make sure the needs of every client in our office are met. As a community nurse I see patients from roughly 5 am-9 am. This gives me the day to tackle needs from: real estate showings, scheduling patient appointments, following up with doctors and hopefully handling the tasks within the commissioner’s office! What is the quote? “If you’re not busy you’re not productive.”  

6. You have an active campaign, and you are out meeting voters. What are you hearing from residents of Bristol County as you knock on doors? What are they looking for from elected officials this year?

As we all know this is a critical election year in many ways. Voters have given a lot of helpful feedback and seem to be excited to see me on the ballot. Voters more than anything seem to be looking for change, a new perspective and someone they can trust to have their best interests in who represents them. 

 7. This is a three-way race for two seats. What do you think sets you apart from the other candidates?

Firstly, my age and being a female are different from the other two candidates. As a young entrepreneur and someone who didn’t graduate high school too long ago, I hope to relate to the students of Bristol Aggie and their needs to be successful in today’s world. As a real estate professional and daughter of an attorney, I have spent many hours in the registry of deeds and our local court houses & would love to be involved in keeping the integrity, history and pride alive.

 8. Did I see that your husband played professional football for the Colts?!

Yes! It was such an incredible experience, and I was fortunate to be able to watch him live out a lifelong dream. After transferring schools & playing just 1 season at a division 3 school (Bridgewater State University) in 2014, he received a call, and we were on our way to Indianapolis that day! I still get chills remembering him running out of the tunnel onto the field for the first time. His work ethic, drive and dedication are unmatched. 

 9. What kind of advice has your dad given you about running for office?

The two most important pieces of advice he has given me is to work hard and stay positive. Thirdly…to have thick skin. I would not consider myself a stereotypical politician and I am focused on my campaign and what I would bring to the table. 

 10. It’s a Saturday night and you’re heading out to dinner in Bristol County. Where are you going and what are you eating??

This is tough because I am a major “foodie” and there’s so much great (especially Portuguese) cuisine in our area, you cannot beat the portions and prices at all of our local Portuguese restaurants! I also love anywhere on the New Bedford waterfront for some fresh seafood.”