Time For Ten with Taunton School Committee Chair and Candidate for Bristol County Commissioner Gregory DeMelo

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.Okay, Greg. Help us out. What is a county commissioner and what do they do?

• Budget management
  Commissioners manage the county’s budget of approximately $30 million, which includes employee salaries and the maintenance of county properties such as the Registry of Deeds, Superior Courthouses and the Bristol County Aggie. 
• County representation
  Commissioners represent the county at events with state and federal policymakers and business groups. They also communicate concerns from the county to state legislators. The Treasure’s Office and the Register of Deeds (New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton)
• Property maintenance
  Commissioners are responsible for maintaining county properties, such as court houses and the Superior Court buildings. 
• Bristol County also has an Advisory Board that reviews and approves fiscal budgets and appropriations. The Board is made up of the Mayor and Selectmen, who are appointed annually and 3 elected county commissioners.

2.  I found it interesting to learn that you are a current school committee member in Taunton and that you can serve as a school committee member and a county commissioner if you win this race. First of all, why run for Commissioner if you are already serving an elected role?

Public Service is the most rewarding part of my career. Education is near and dear to my heart. I will use my expertise in policy management and budget oversight to the leadership and board of trustees at Bristol County Agricultural High School.

3.  Talk to me a little bit about being on the school committee in Taunton. What are some of the things that you’ve been able to accomplish since being elected there and are there any goals you’ve yet to achieve?

I’ve been fortunate to be elected by my peers to serve as Chairperson for 2 consecutive terms. Every first Sunday in June, over 500 students earn a comprehensive high school degree. As a school committee member, I know that I and my colleagues have directly affected that young adult as they pursue post-secondary education, the military, a career in the trades or just being a productive model citizen. Some achievements have included reduction in class sizes, addition and expansion of Taunton Virtual Academy, balanced budgets with NO cuts or reduction in staff and full day Pre-K expansion for our 4-year-olds.

4.  We talked a little bit about this in our first phone call but maybe you can tell readers why you chose to leave the Democratic party and become an independent candidate?

I’m a people person and as an elected school committee member, the children come to us without a political party designation. I believe it is important to represent all and leave party politics out of any decision that has a direct impact in the future of our students.

5.  Your campaign shows that you are in full campaign mode and you are attending events and meeting voters every free minute you have. What are some of the things you are hearing from voters while on the campaign trail?

The most common question I get asked is, “what does a county commissioner do?” So, I’ll start to explain a brief overview of the role of a commissioner and why they should vote for me. I also get asked if elected can I help with securing housing for veterans and the elderly.

6.  By the way, you are the king of campaign selfies, you realize that, right?

I took on this campaign knowing what it entails regarding canvassing the county. It’s not easy covering 4 cities and 16 towns in a week but I make every effort to visit each multiple times and meet citizens from each. My election did not start on September 4th (the day after the primary) but did in February when I pulled nomination papers. I enjoy supporting many community events and engaging more people to join.

7.  Your campaign page talks about your financial background and how that’s a good fit for county commissioner. Can you tell us why?

As an elected School Committee member in Taunton and as TMLP (Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant) commissioner, I am part of over $230 million dollars between both entities and am proud to state that we did not lay-off any teachers, did not cut any programs and we are at least 100% net school spending with every penny accounted for. As a TMLP commissioner, I support a talented workforce of over 100 that keep the lights on and the rates low and affordable.

8.  Your mom turned 97 years old this summer. What lessons have you learned from her through the years?

As a retired elementary teacher of over 35-years in the New Bedford Public Schools, she always put her students first. She would bring in mittens, hats and socks to the children that she noticed were cold as they waited for the school bus. She stayed after school on many occasions to assist with homework or meet with parents. She worked collaboratively with her fellow teachers and principal to make her school the best in the district. And yet, she always had the time to help me and my brothers and sister with our homework and make sure that the family had a cooked meal every night. She taught me to help others and that it wasn’t necessary to be recognized for the help. She always grounded me in my faith and taught me to be thankful for what I have and not worry about material things.

9. What sets you apart from the two other candidates running for this office?

As I briefly shared, my financial management background is critical to the success of the future of our county. I am also part of the Finance team at Bridgewater State
University (BSU) approximately $300 million budget. In my role as Director of Travel and Special Projects, I implemented a managed travel program that saves the university and Massachusetts taxpayers over $250k annually. I work closely with Gateway Cities in promoting and recruiting students to attend BSU, many are 1st in generation students. I also work with alumni and lead many initiatives that engage alumni in trips around the globe.

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

Well, I do like to eat but I’m torn between 3 of my favorite restaurants, ironically are in New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton. They each do a wonderful job with a touch of Portuguese flair, and all are top notch with vast menu offerings of steak and seafood.