Former New Bedford Council President Lopes Running for Ward 5

Former New Bedford Ward 6 City Councilor and City Council President Joe Lopes announced on WBSM's SouthCoast Tonight he is running for Ward 5 City Councilor to replace outgoing councilor Scott Lima.

Lopes was first elected to represent Ward 6 on the city council in 2009 and served until 2022 after he was defeated by Ryan Pereira in the 2021 city election.

"I was honored by the trust the residents of New Bedford placed in me for 12 years by giving me the opportunity to serve them on our city council as their advocate." Lopes told WBSM. "I worked hard to build bridges within the walls of City Hall, and in our communities so we could all work together to serve the interests of New Bedford."

During his tenure, Lopes served multiple times as city council president, including his most recent term.

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Lopes, who recently became a homeowner in Ward 5, said he is proud of what he and his fellow councilors were able to accomplish in moving New Bedford in a positive direction and he wants to continue that work on the council.

"We made tremendous progress, and our city is a better place to work, live and raise a family in," he said. "However, the work goes on, and there is more that needs to be done."

Current Ward 5 Councilor Scott Lima announced on SouthCoast Tonight last month that he would not seek another term.

Both Lima and his predecessor, former Ward 5 City Councilor Kerry Winterson, are endorsing Lopes' campaign for Ward 5.

Professionally, Lopes has experience working in finance and currently serves as the Executive Director of MassHire Greater New Bedford.

"Like you, I love our city and I intend to utilize my prior experience, knowledge and dedication to constituent services to make a difference in the lives of the residents of Ward 5 and everywhere else throughout our great city." Lopes said.

"I look forward to continuing this conversation throughout the ward, meeting my neighbors, gaining your trust and support, and earning your vote on Election Day," he said.

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