(Episode Description is AI generated and may be errors in accuracy)
The future of Raynham hangs in the balance as two passionate candidates face off in the town's first contested Planning Board election in thirteen years. In this revealing candidates' forum, incumbent Matt Andrade and challenger Pam Menconi share their distinct visions for managing the town's growth and development.
Matt Andrade, a lifelong resident with five years on the board, positions himself as the voice of Raynham's younger families. With experience in real estate and a deep commitment to community service, he emphasizes making the town "better than I received it" while focusing on commercial development over housing. His institutional knowledge and participation on multiple planning committees demonstrate his immersion in the town's growth challenges.
Challenger Pam Menconi brings thirty years of Raynham residency coupled with professional experience in both legal and municipal settings. As a former real estate paralegal and current Town Clerk for Middleborough, she offers a fresh perspective informed by procedural expertise and resident advocacy. Her personal experience challenging a controversial development decision that was ultimately validated by land court shapes her approach to planning decisions.
Both candidates tackle pressing issues including state-mandated housing requirements, excessive development pressures, and dwindling community involvement. They discuss creative approaches to managing growth—from reviewing bylaws to potentially capping building permits—while acknowledging the constraints imposed by state mandates like the MBTA Communities Act.
As Raynham faces crucial decisions about its future character and sustainability, this election offers voters a meaningful choice between qualified candidates with different perspectives, experiences, and approaches to consensus-building.
Cast your ballot on Saturday, April 26th at Raynham Middle School, with polls open from 10am to 8pm. Your vote will help determine who shapes Raynham's development landscape for the next five years.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2395663/episodes/17023669
