Seekonk Selectman Race: Petronio and Andrade Face Two Challengers

Incumbent Seekonk selectmen David Andrade and Adam Petronio are facing challengers Michelle Hines and Pamela Pozzi in the race for two open seats in the April 3 election.
Profiles are below.

David Andrade
Andrade, 42, vows to maintain “fiscally conservative budgeting” if he is re-elected to the Board of Selectmen. Andrade has served for three terms on the board and vows to provide oversight on new projects to keep the costs reasonable for the taxpayers. He has special knowledge about construction from his time as an architect.
“There are a lot of projects aimed at developments in town that I don’t fit with what Seekonk is and what Seekonk wants to be,” Andrade explained.
Andrade said he has no regrets about any of the decisions he has made as a board member. “I approach every vote, every discussion with the utmost attention that I can,” Andrade noted. “I give it the care that every (issue) deserves and I go to bed at night without any regrets. I’ve been a consistent voice of reason making decisions in the best interest of the town.”

Michelle Hines
Hines served one term on the Board of Selectmen and has been involved with the Seekonk Senior Center Phase Two Building Committee. She has also served as Town Moderator. “I feel strongly that residents need to have someone in this office that they will know is considering the whole town and doing what is best for all,” Hines said. “When reading social media you don’t feel that way and you should. I will be that person. I want all residents to feel free to stand up at a meeting and ask a question and know they will be heard and their issues will be listened to and considered. You shouldn’t feel like what your say doesn’t matter because it does. This town is yours as well as mine and I know not everyone can be on committees, I can and would be honored to represent our town as a member of the Board of Selectmen.”

Adam Petronio
Petronio, 53, previously served on the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Open Space Committee. Petronio grew up in Providence and moved to Seekonk 13 years ago. He is an Army veteran and works for the Rhode Island National Guard. “It’s been great,” Petronio told the Reporter of his military experience. “One of the best decisions I made in my life.”
“As Selectman, my first priority is to continue to remain a servant-leader and represent the best interests of all Seekonk residents,” Petronio said. “I understand the responsibility that is entrusted in serving as a member of this board. I pledge to continue the use of skills and experience developed from over 30 years of federal, state, and local service.”
“Over the past few years Seekonk government continues to evolve to meet the unique challenges of the current era and experiencing growth in the residential and commercial sectors,” Petronio explained. “Prioritized management and leadership are needed to oversee the spending of our hard-earned tax dollars. I continue to believe that is possible through good stewardship and timely decision-making. We all deserve clear, simple, and honest communication efforts so informed voting choices can be made.”

Pamela Pozzi
Pozzi is deeply concerned about the future of Seekonk and hopes to make a difference if she is elected to the board. One issue of importance for Pozzi is finances. Taxes have increased for residents in the last few years. “I’m not overly convinced the money is being appropriately spent,” Pozzi said.
Another concern is the departure of several town employees, including Jennifer Miller, who had served as Conservation Agent for many years. “I think (Miller) did a wonderful job,” Pozzi said. “I think she was a huge loss to this community. Is there an issue with the hiring process? Do we have an issue with the work environment or people doing jobs maybe they shouldn’t be doing? I hate seeing people leave, especially people doing great (work).”
Pozzi, who is employed as a software engineer, said she brings a “positive outlook” to the board.
Pozzi has not served on town boards or committees in the past, which she believes is a benefit, not a hindrance to her serving on the Board of Selectmen. “Sometimes you need something new,” Pozzi added.