34 South Main St., Attleboro, MA - (508) 222-7000
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Dumas launches re-election
 Attleboro Mayor Kevin Dumas kicked off his re-election campaign with an informal event, complete with raffles to aid his fundraising efforts, at the Attleboro Elks Saturday night.
Dumas welcomes everyone to his kickoff party and also announces the launching of his new website, www.dumasformayor.com. (Staff photo by MARK STOCKWELL)
Top Headlines Calling his tenure in the mayoralty "an incredible journey," Dumas thanked friends, family, and fellow city officials for their support. Dumas, who became the youngest mayor in the city's history when he was elected in 2003, joked, "I'm four years older, and I feel it everyday." The mayor did not make a major policy address, but instead delivered brief, unscripted remarks, and asked voters to visit his campaign's new Web site, www.dumasformayor.com, which was launched on Friday. Under the heading "Accomplishments," the site features a lengthy and diverse list that includes the recent approval of the downtown urban renewal plan, an enormous increase in the city's stabilization account, and $1 million in road repavings. Dumas writes that in a third term he wants "to reinforce Attleboro's renewed 'fiscal stability' through conservative budgeting and minimized ratepayer burden, while creating the safest city with the best schools our city can afford." A key priority is the "comprehensive renovation" of Attleboro High School. The mood at Saturday night's event was buoyant and celebratory, with more than 125 people gathered at the Elks hall to eat, drink and dance. Campaign officials said $6,630 had been raised for the mayor's re-election bid in the first 90 minutes of the event, which was Dumas' first fundraiser of the election season. Although Dumas is being challenged by Ward 5 City Councilor John Davis, all but three councilors attended the event, along with a bevy of other city officials and employees. Among them was retiring City Council President Barry LaCasse, who first met Dumas in 2003 and has supported him since. LaCasse praised the mayor, saying he had brought energy and sound fiscal policies to the corner office. "He's a man who knows how to get the city moving forward," LaCasse declared. He said he believed the mayor's record in office should convince voters to grant Dumas a third term. Also on hand was Madeleine McNielly, the director of the city's senior center. She called the mayor "an excellent listener, very attentive," and said he is a strong advocate for the 7,000 seniors served by the center. The list of mayoral candidates remains in flux as the July 31 deadline to register approaches. Davis announced last winter that he will challenge the incumbent. Two lesser-known challengers, Daryl Hanlin and Thomas DeVisscher, are also circulating nomination papers. If more than two candidates run for mayor, or any other city office, a preliminary election will be held September 18. The city election is set for Nov. 6. TED NESI can be reached at 508-236-0434 or at tnesi@thesunchronicle.com.
Post Your Comments Jessie wrote on Jul 1, 2007 7:33 PM: " To all Of you; But don't you think we have enough in the pot as of now? What happens if Kevin doesn't get re-elected. The next guy is going to have a full pot to deal with, and it ain't going to be a picnic. We could see recipe for disater. Don't you think it's time to do a little catching up. There's alot of major project's out there that haven't started or finished. I did this, I did that, I started this and that. How much have you actually SEEN. I think it's good, but a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush. " Thankful wrote on Jul 1, 2007 11:44 AM: " To Kevin DR and alan t, you guys are joking, right? This Mayor is the best thing this city has seen in decades. Do you realize how close we were to receivership when Dumas took over the city 4 years back? That is when the state takes you over because the local government cannot balance the budget anymore. Do you guys even remember (I know 4 years is a long time) how much the city budget was hemorrhaging? You guys go to sleep every night knowing that when you wake up, your city is still in tact. Don't take that for granted. Dumas is the reason for this luxury. If he did not take this city over, we may not have that luxury any longer! " FACTS wrote on Jul 1, 2007 11:28 AM: " This message is for "KEVIN DR".
Let me see if I understand your points. When Kevin Dumas first took office, Judy Robbins had left him with a $1.1m deficit at city hall, less than $150k in the emergency fund, deficits in both water and wastewater departments, a residential tax rate of nearly $13.00 per $1000, a stagnated Industrial Business Park and absolutely no plans for revitalizing the downtown.
Fast forward to today. The residential tax rate has been reduced to $9.67, the city has over $1m in its emergency fund, the water and wastewater departments are finally being run like a business, the IBP has begun, a comprehensive plan to revitalize the downtown has been approved, and the city is contributing $400k above the state's minimum education requirements.
Yea, "KEVIN DR", good points. " Shane Milbor wrote on Jul 1, 2007 11:25 AM: " Mayor, ignor these bitter, bottom feeders - they are the exact people Davis attracts - congrats on your re-election bid! " alan t wrote on Jul 1, 2007 9:56 AM: " it's time to get the mayor and his pals on the council out!!!let's make a clean sweep, we can't be any worse off. " Jake wrote on Jul 1, 2007 9:27 AM: " Keep up the GREAT work Mayor! " KEVIN DR wrote on Jul 1, 2007 9:08 AM: " IS THE MAYOR KIDDING??? EASE THE BURDEN ON TAXPAYERS(HA HA), ALL THIS GUY DOES IS RAISE EVERYTHING HE CAN WITHOUT OUR APPROVAL. IF IT WASN'T FOR PROP. 2-1/2 WE WOULD SEE NOTHING BUT INCREASES IN THE TAX RATE. OF COURSE WITH A CITY COUNCIL THAT TELLS HIM WHAT DO AND SUPPORTS HIM AT ELECTION TIME,AND IN RETURN HE SNEAKS THRU A RAISE FOR THEM.
WHAT CAN WE DO??? VOTE HIM OUT OF OFFICE WHILE WE CAN STILL DECIDE OUR FATE. " or
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