Spillane on New Bedford's Election, Sea Lab and More

Jack Spillane, a columnist for the online newspaper New Bedford Light, joined Townsquare Sunday again this week to review some recent news stories and offer thoughts on the upcoming primary election.

Both Spillane and I believe Tuesday's state primary election is an important one, with contested races for state and county offices up for grabs.

One of the most compelling races is the contest for the Democratic nomination for Bristol County Sheriff. Three candidates – Fall River attorney Nick Bernier, Attleboro Mayor Paul Heroux and retired Somerset Police Chief George McNeil – are vying for the opportunity to challenge longtime Republican incumbent Sheriff Thomas Hodgson in November.

Jack Spillane recently hosted an online chat with the Democratic candidates, and came away impressed with all three.

"I found them all engaging, I found them all to the left of incumbent sheriff Tom Hodgson, they were all articulate," he said. "I really think any one of the three could probably do the job."

The race for Bristol County District Attorney will be decided on Tuesday. Two Democrats, incumbent DA Thomas Quinn and challenger Shannon McMahon, are vying for the post. Tuesday's winner will be the next District Attorney in Bristol County because there is no Republican challenger in November.

Also, state representatives in the 9th and 10th Bristol Districts face contested races on Tuesday. All in all, it is an interesting primary election.

Also on Townsquare Sunday, Spillane was critical of three city councilors who refused to support funding for a new Department of Public Infrastructure maintenance garage, and he offered some thoughts on the dedication of the Sea Lab building in the South End in memory of former Mayor Frederick Kalisz, who died last year from COVID-19.

The complete interview with Spillane can be heard here:

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program, heard every Sunday at 6 a.m. on 1420 AM and 99.5 FM.

The program highlights individuals and organizations seeking to make the SouthCoast a better place to live and work.

if you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.