Cadime Marks 10 Years as Town Administrator

Shawn Cadime has been serving as Seekonk Town Administrator for over 10 years. It has been a period notable for major building projects and key personnel changes.

Seekonk had a revolving door of Town Administrators from 2006 through 2013. Pam Nolan left after serving in the position for two years in 2013. Her predecessor, Michael Carroll, retired after serving three years.

Cadime was one of 48 candidates who applied for the position in 2014. Cadime had previously served as Fall River City Administrator. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for Mayor but now serves on the City Council.

In 2015, Cadime applied to become Town Administrator in Somerset. After he was offered the job, Seekonk Selectmen convinced Cadime to stay by promising a new contract with a bump in salary.

Cadime has overseen the construction of several building projects, including a new Senior Center, Animal Shelter, and playground near Town Hall. A new Department of Public Works facility is in the planning stages.

However, not all of Cadime’s initiatives were as successful.

In 2022, Cadime endorsed funding for a new Public Library, but the $24 million project was rejected by town meeting voters. The new building would have replaced the current 14,880 square foot facility at 410 Newman Avenue. “I do feel the Town needs a new library or at a minimum a renovation,” Cadime said at the time. “The building is in need of significant repair.” 

Last year, efforts at building a South End Fire Station were stymied after the Board of Selectmen decided not to put the issue before voters at town meeting. Voters at the May 2020 town meeting allocated $425,000 for the design of the facility at the former school administration building at 69 School Street. The construction cost would have been $11.2 million.

The Public Safety Departments experienced many changes in leadership in the last few years. Police Chief Craig Mace retired in 2018. In 2019, after being placed on administrative leave by Cadime, Chief Frank John retired. Dean Isabella had been serving as Chief when Cadime placed him on administrative leave in January 2023. Isabella had a year remaining on his contract. He subsequently filed a lawsuit against Cadime and the Board of Selectmen.

David Enos, who had served as Interim Chief before Isabella was hired, became Chief shortly afterward. Cadime had said he wanted a “directional shift” for the Police Department.

Michael Healy retired as Fire Chief in 2020. His successor was David Rave, a veteran of the East Providence Fire Department. In July 2021, Cadime placed Rave on administrative leave. Rave’s employment was terminated a month later. No reason was given for the decision.

Cadime declined to comment for this article.

In October 2021, Sandra Lowery made history when she was appointed as the town’s first female Fire Chief. After an extended leave of absence in the fall of 2023, Lowery retired last February. Lt. Shaun Whalen was appointed as Chief in March. Adam Dalessio was appointed Deputy Chief.

Cadime’s three year contract expires in 2025. His salary is $188,068 and will increase to $191, 830 on August 1. “Upon satisfactory completion of his Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), the Town agrees to increase the Town Administrator’s then annual base pay by $5000,” according to his employment contract.

In 2022, Cadime received a positive job evaluation from the Board of Selectmen. “I’ve been very impressed with how you’re able to keep all the alligators at bay in the swamp, for sure,” then Chairman Justin Sullivan said. “We compliment you often on your financial acumen. You’ve dealt with a lot of issues over the last several years. We’ve seen some strong growth and some good contributions for the department heads here and we’re looking forward to see how that continues to develop.”