REHOBOTH

The contest for a three-year seat on the board of selectmen for the Monday, April 7 town election will pit finance committee member Gerald Schwall against Ken Foley, the owner of Francis Farms.

Selectman Steve Martin is stepping down from the board after serving a three-year term, and the fight between the two men promises to be contentious.

Schwall accuses Foley of being too closely aligned with Selectman Christopher Morra, whom Schwall tried to unseat in the Jan. 7 recall election. Foley denies Schwall's allegation, but offered a few of his own, claiming Schwall and his surrogates engaged in verbal attacks and spread accusations about Foley on the Internet.

Foley in turn doesn't mince words, calling Schwall's supporters "thugs", adding that Schwall's campaign "is about bullying and lies and intimidation."

Profiles of the two candidates, in alphabetical order, follow: Foley, 61, is best known to town residents as the owner and operator of Francis Farms, renowned for its famous clambakes and special events. He has been a town resident for 36 years, and is a political newcomer, except for some stints on the town's gravel committee and conservation commission.

Foley believes his years of experience running a successful business can be a valuable asset to the board of selectmen. "I have a lot to offer," said Foley. "I can make positive changes."

Foley wants to control town spending, keep taxes low, and preserve the town's rural character. Although the town hall is old, Foley believes there isn't the funding to build a new one.

Foley does feel that the police station does need to be remodeled and expanded.

Foley says residents know him from Francis Farms, which he has offered to the community. "It is part of Rehoboth," Foley says of the 120-year-old business.

Foley vows to be an independent voice on the board of selectmen, if elected. "I'm not afraid to stand up for what I believe in," he added.

Schwall, 50, has been a resident for 10 years. Rehoboth is "a great place to raise a family," Schwall said. "The schools are outstanding."

Schwall is the regional director of Midas International. Schwall believes his 30 years of professional management and financial experience could be a benefit to the town.

The main criticism Schwall has with the way town government has been run is what he calls a reactive approach to solving problems. "There's no vision. What I do is plan for the future," Schwall said, noting the town needs to discover alternative sources of revenue in order to provide services to residents.

"It's incredibly important that we have three independent-minded selectmen," Schwall said, saying that "the town has gotten worse in the last two years, not better."

Schwall had accused Morra of abusing his power by trying to "stack" boards and commissions, and trying to get rid of the police and fire chiefs.

Despite his defeat in that recall election, "the issues remain," Schwall said.

"I will take (Morra) to task," said Schwall, adding that Morra "has good ideas, but doesn't act on them."

But, Schwall says his opponent is Ken Foley, not Christopher Morra.

"My eye is on what's best for the town," Schwall added.

JOSEPH S. SIEGEL can be reached at joesiegel@cox.net.