New Bedford’s Hugh Dunn Is Dumber Than I Thought [OPINION]

New Bedford Ward 3 City Councilor Hugh Dunn wins the trophy, hands down, for the dumbest local politician ever to face a political scandal. Dunn staged his own private demolition derby in a downtown parking lot in the wee hours of May 1, 2021, and has conducted misstep after misstep ever since in controlling the self-inflicted damage.

In fact, Dunn hasn't really tried to control the damage at all. Why? Because he believes that his police pals who investigated the crash "aren't going to say (expletive)." According to a piece written by veteran reporter Will Sennott for The New Bedford Light, Dunn said as much to another man as the pair discussed the incident at The Pour Farm in downtown New Bedford on the night of August 19.

Sennott reported that he overheard the conversation, which he said lasted "well over an hour," while "standing, unintentionally, well within earshot" of the pair. Sennott said Dunn exclaimed "They have nothing on me," and that Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn is "coming after me" and "trying to prove something." A magistrate will consider whether to charge Dunn based on Quinn's allegations that Dunn was drunk at the time of the crash and that he attempted to flee the scene like the coward he is.

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I'm not sure if Dunn is aware that the three officers who investigated the crash have been disciplined to include unpaid suspensions. Is he that cocky and arrogant to believe that they will clam up or lie to defend him after he allowed them to hold the bag for him?

Dunn should have owned his actions from day one by coming clean with the police and the public about what really happened. Instead, he continues to see himself as a victim of a political "hit job." People like Dunn disgust me.

Dunn needs to grow up, own up, and get the help he needs to fix the things that appear to be wrong with him. Most importantly, he needs to resign immediately to save whatever smattering of credibility and integrity he may still have left.

Hugh Dunn, do yourself and the people of New Bedford a favor and just go away for a while.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.