Shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 12), a Virginia State Police helicopter crashed into a wooded area near a residence on Old Farm Road. The Bell 407 helicopter was assisting public safety resources with the ongoing situation in Charlottesville.

The pilot, Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen, 48, of Midlothian, Va., and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates of Quinton, Va., died at the scene. No one on the ground was injured.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation at this time by state police, the FAA and NTSB. There is no indication of foul play being a factor in the crash.

“Our state police and law enforcement family at-large are mourning this tragic outcome to an already challenging day,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Lieutenant Cullen was a highly-respected professional aviator and Trooper-Pilot Bates was a welcome addition to the Aviation Unit, after a distinguished assignment as a special agent with our Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Their deaths are a tremendous loss to our agency and the Commonwealth.”

Lieutenant Cullen graduated from the Virginia State Police Academy in May 1994 as a member of the 90th Basic Session. He first joined the Virginia State Police Aviation Unit in 1999. Lieutenant Cullen is survived by his wife and two sons.

Trooper-Pilot Bates would have turned 41 years old Sunday, Aug. 13. He graduated from the Virginia State Police Academy in August 2004 as a member of the 107th Basic Session. He had just transferred to the Aviation Unit as a Trooper-Pilot in July. Trooper-Pilot Bates is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

Here are the Hot Jobs in the New Bedford area from the NewBedfordGuide.com jobs database, as of 13 August, 2017. Click the right arrow to brown the next job. Want your job listed here? Contact leo@newbedfordguide.com.

Meat Cutters – Trucchi’s Supermarkets (New Bedford)

Your Hometown Store since 1928… Independent, family-owned and operating six conveniently located stores across southeastern Massachusetts employing over 900 people. Our Commitment to You: QUALITY, VALUE, and SERVICE at the Lowest Possible Prices. Yeah, we’ve got heart! 2941 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford or call (508) 998-7500) Want to apply? Full details and application process: HERE.

Package Handlers (Part-Time) – UPS (Dartmouth)

UPS Part-Time Package Handlers play a crucial role in the success of UPS in a warehouse environment, whether they’re sorting packages, loading trucks or unloading trucks. No matter your role, you’ll work closely with your team to ensure all the work behind the scenes is done safely and successfully. As a result, you’re ensuring our customers receive their packages on time, directly impacting the bottom line on a global scale. As a bonus, the variety of shifts available (mostly Monday through Friday, Tuesday through Saturday or Sunday through Thursday, among others depending on location) will allow you to enjoy a healthy work-life balance and get your degree in your free time. Interested and want to know more? Full details and how to apply” HERE.

Sales – Bath & Body Works (Dartmouth Mall)

Individual contributor position responsible for supporting the business through the ability to flex into multiple roles including selling, cashiering, replenishing and/or processing. Drive store sales through personally engaging with customers, answering questions, perform demonstrations, and product recommendations. Interested and want to know more? Full details and how to apply” HERE.

Dental Receptionist – Dental Dreams (Fall River & New Bedford)

Dental Dreams is now hiring a Receptionist. Bilingual preferred. You must be available to work a variety of shifts from opening time to closing time Monday through Saturday.
Responsibilities:

The basic job duties are listed below and may change or require additional duties per management.

Receptionist Responsibilities:

• Follow all Start of Day procedures
• Maintain a high level of customer service at all times
• Work as part of a team with emphasis on communication
• Schedule patient appointments in accordance with monthly and daily patient goals
• Answer phones and confirm appointments
• Greet and check in patients
• Accurately verify dental benefits
• Maintain detailed patient records in a fast-paced environment
• Collect payments, co-payments and deductibles
• Create insurance claims and submit pre-authorizations to insurance companies on a timely basis
• Pull patient charts for future appointments when necessary
• Maintain a clean and professional office environment
• Assist with presenting and/or explaining treatment plans
• Follow all end of day procedures

Full job description here.

Laborer – Town of Dartmouth

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Maintenance Person – City of New Bedford
PAY: $13.39 – $19.12
FACILITIES AND FLEET MAINTENANCE

Performs complex maintenance of City buildings and property and provides assistance to Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, & Masons and other skilled tradespersons. Performs miscellaneous maintenance and repair tasks on municipal buildings and property requiring journeyman skills in the following areas: carpentry, painting, plastering, demolition and other trades. Performs such duties as repairing roofs, doors, windows, locks, furniture, cabinets, shelves, stairs, flooring and fencing.

Subject to call for emergency work during any given twenty-four hour (24) hour period, such as any emergency the Director feels would impair the safety of the general public, such as ice or snowstorms.

Graduation from a high school or GED equivalent. Two (2) years of paid prior experience in related building trades preferred. Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and good driving record. Operates a motor vehicle on a regular basis. Mandatory CORI (Criminal Offender Record Investigation) background check per City Council Ordinance effective May 14, 2013

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 212, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. New Bedford has a residency requirement. EEO

Shipping Clerk – Brahmin (Fairhaven)
Brahmin Leather Works is seeking a Shipping Clerk in our Warehouse. Under the direction of the Shipping Supervisor this position is responsible for picking, packing, scanning and shipping product to customers. The position requires knowledge in the operation of the postage and UPS systems. Want to apply? Full details and application process: HERE.

Assistant Rural Carrier – USPS (Fall River)
$17.40 per hour paid bi-weekly. Loads packages in delivery sequence in vehicle. Delivers packages to customers along a prescribed route. Sorts mail in delivery sequence for the assigned route. Receives and signs for accountable mail. Loads mail and packages in vehicle. Delivers mail and packages to customers along a prescribed route or as an auxiliary assistant by a vehicle; collects monies and receipts for accountable mail; picks up mail from customers’ roadside boxes. Want to apply? Full details and application process: HERE.

Parking Supervisor – City of New Bedford

PAY: $14.31-$17.88/hr

Enforces parking regulations and restrictions. Receives daily assignments, which determine assigned area of responsibilities. Obtains information from the supervisor, or designee, requiring special attention. Patrols particular assigned areas at the supervisor’s discretion. Check for any and all parking violations, including, but not limited to: expired meters, parking abusers, expired stickers/registration plates, “No Parking” areas, loading zones, time zones, fire hydrants, driveways, handicap parking and handicap ramps.

High school graduate or GED equivalent. Ability to read and write English. Ability to reference codes for specific violations. Possession of valid Massachusetts driver’s license with a good driving record. Operates a motor vehicle on a regular basis. Mandatory CORI (Criminal Offender Record Investigation) background check per City Council Ordinance effective May 14, 2013.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 212, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. New Bedford has a residency requirement. EEO

Commissioner of Public Infrastructure – City of New Bedford

PAY: $98,031 – $122,548

Oversees department operations and manages staff. Adopts rules and regulations for use of the City’s wastewater collection system, and water distribution and treatment systems.

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline. At least ten years of Civil Engineering, Water or Wastewater work experience or experience in a related field. Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 314, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. EEO New Bedford has a residency requirement.

New Bedford has a residency requirement.

General Labor – South Coast Picture Framing (New Bedford)
The person will be required to assemble picture frames, cut mats on a mat cutter, use a laser engraver. You must be able to multitask, show attention to detail, and be energetic. experience not necessary. Full-time. Salary: $30,000.00 to $35,000.00 /year. Want to apply? Full details and application process: HERE.

Receiving Teller I – Part-time (Fall River)
Responsible for receiving payments and maintaining accurate account of balances and payments at the College in the area of Fiscal Services in Students Accounts. Receives cash, checks and credit card payments for tuition and fees, application, registration, and parking fines. Issues receipts for payments. Receives and inputs payments in Banner and reconcile cashier sessions; retrieve information from files, answer questions regarding student account balances, refunds and other college information. Refers inquiries to appropriate parties for action. Want to apply? Full details and application process: HERE.

Child & Family Services – Emergency Services Clinical Therapist

Full-time, Part-time
We are looking for Masters level full-time, part-time or per diem employees for our Emergency Service Program . Emergency Services is an exciting and challenging program. These are great positions for recent Masters level graduates looking to hone their skills or the seasoned veteran looking for a challenge.

Available shifts: 1st, 2nd Shift and 3rd shifts; Per diem shifts (weekends preferred)

Qualifications
* Masters degree in social work, psychology or related field
* Must be licensed or license eligible
* Experience with computers, specifically electronic health records systems
* Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends

Full description and how to apply here.

City of New Bedford is hiring for a Watchperson

LIBRARY WATCHPERSON
PAY: $13.44-$16.61

Provides security services on library premises in collaboration with library staff and the New Bedford Police Department. Patrols the interior and exterior public areas of the library to maintain orderly atmosphere conducive to a pleasant library experience. Responds to staff calls for assistance and initiates calls for assistance to the New Bedford Police and Fire Departments as needed. Understands and enforces library policies and procedures fairly, consistently and appropriately.

Treats all library customers with courtesy and respect and shows sensitivity to customers with special needs or problems. Documents incidents and submits reports as needed. Assists in emergency situations. Surveys facility for problems of security and hazardous conditions and reports them to the Library Director. Monitors and reviews video surveillance system as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED equivalent required. Undergraduate coursework in criminal justice strongly preferred. Minimum of two years experience in security, public safety or law enforcement with significant public contact strongly preferred. Must have a positive customer service attitude, professional demeanor and the ability to be friendly, courteous and tactful with a diverse population. Must have a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, mandatory by MGL Chapter 6 Sec. 172C.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 212, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. New Bedford has a residency requirement. EEO

Special Motor Equipment Operator – City of New Bedford

1A – GR 9
PAY: $14.77 – $21.80

Maintains equipment being used to keep equipment operating properly such as checking and changing all fluids when necessary, checking batteries and tires, changing filters, and performing all other related maintenance. Keeps equipment clean at all times. May perform the duties of a Motor Equipment Operator. These duties and responsibilities are required on a daily basis.

Conducts preventive maintenance on vehicles operated. Maintains appearance of vehicles to include, but not limited to, washing and waxing of vehicles as often as necessary. Greases equipment, checks tires and tire pressure daily. Performs minor repairs on vehicles such as changing lights and wipers; performs circle check of vehicle equipment daily. Occasionally performs duties below job classification.

Must have a telephone. Subject to call for emergency work during any given twenty-four (24) hour work period, for any emergency the Commissioner feels would impair the safety of the general public, such as ice, snowstorms, rainstorms, hurricanes, etc. Required to notify Storm Control Superintendent when snow begins and immediately when black ice complaints come in.

Possession of a valid Massachusetts Class A CDL and Class 2A hoisting license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety for all equipment or vehicles in the department. Good driving record. Careful judgment in the mechanical operation of any assigned equipment and at least two years’ experience in the operation and maintenance of specified heavy equipment.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 212, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. EEO

New Bedford has a residency requirement.

Animal Control Officer – City of New Bedford

PAY: $16.89hr – $25.86hr
POLICE DEPARTMENT

Investigate reported animal bites. Respond to calls concerning unleashed/unlicensed animals, dead animals, nuisance complaints, violations of City and State laws, and the penalties applicable as specified under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 140.

Assess injured animals. Provide emergency care and transportation for injured wildlife and injured stray pets if no owner is present, and obtain medical treatment as required.

Compile and keep accurate records of all animal bites, stray dogs, nuisance reports and telephone calls pertaining to animal problems, including report writing and filing.

The availability of the Animal Control Officer is 24 hours a day to include emergencies, nights, weekends and holidays. Must possess a telephone.

High school graduate or GED equivalent; five years’ paid experience working with animals or related field preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working knowledge of animal handling procedures/practices, and applicable Massachusetts laws/bylaws governing the control and regulation of animals. Portuguese/Spanish speaking preferred.

Possession of valid Massachusetts driver’s license and good driving record.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 212, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. EEO

New Bedford has a residency requirement.

Police Cadet – City of New Bedford

PAY: $11.00hr-$13.09hr

Assists Police Officers with administrative duties.

Maintains and files records, operates office machines, answers telephones, receives complaints, enters and indexes official documents, prepares routine reports, prepares and tabulates facts and figures for statistical purposes, and performs similar duties of an administrative rather than an enforcement types.

Shall not carry arms, nor shall he/she have any power of arrest other than that of an ordinary citizen.

Must be a New Bedford resident for the duration of employment. Cadet must be (eighteen) 18 years old. Employment is terminated on the Cadet’s 25th birthday.

High school graduate or GED equivalent. Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and good driving record.

Must be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 314, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. EEO

New Bedford has a residency requirement.

Enos Home Oxygen Therapy hiring for customer service representative

Enos Home Oxygen Therapy is currently seeking a full-time Customer Service Representative .
After a 90 day, probationary period we offer the following benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401K Plan
• Paid Time Off

Responsibilities and Duties:

o Answers incoming phone calls (within a minimum of 3 rings) in a pleasant and professional manner- takes customer orders.
o Maintains open communication with patients/clients and referral sources.
o Responds to patient/client questions and problems.
o Services walk-in customers.
o Assists in preparing driver routes, logs route changes, and driver communication on route sheets as they occur.
o Sets up new patient/client files.
o Verifies private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid coverage.
o Keys direct sales invoices into the computer
o Pulls and keys orders into the computer.
o Prepares invoices for the following day’s route deliveries.
o Maintains rental files by verifying customer is still using equipment verifying Medicaid coverage each month and following up on Medicaid Pending patients
o Types follow-up referral letters.
o Complete incoming fax and mail orders in a timely manner
o Performs other duties as requested.

Qualifications:

Education:
o Graduate of an accredited high school.

Experience/Knowledge:
o Previous data entry experience.
o Typing and 10-key skills.
o Excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal and written).
o Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
o Ability to work well under pressure
o Ability to maintain confidentiality and resolve conflict effectively and professionally.
o Ability to multi-task, pay attention to detail, and excellent time management skills

Contact: Joanne in Human Resources for more information 508-742-0732 or send your resume to employment@enoshomemedical.com.

Enos Home Oxygen & Medical Supply, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law.

Lead Elementary Teacher – Alma del Mar (New Bedford)
Lead teachers are the core of Alma’s crew. Our lead teachers work in teams to make sure that every scholar in their grade level achieves at high levels and develops the habits they will need to succeed. Lead teachers are auteurs, creative leaders who stop at nothing to ensure that their scholars’ learning experience is truly powerful…Want to apply? Full details and application process: HERE.

Fleet Maintenance Supervisor (Dartmouth, MA)

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Driver/Delivery Technician – Enos Home Oxygen & Medical Supply, Inc. (New Bedford)
Delivery, set-up, and pick up of DME equipment. Supplemental oxygen products and supplies to home care patients within a prescribed and assigned geographical area. Loads the equipment, oxygen systems, and related supplies on to a delivery vehicle…Want to apply? Full details and application process: HERE.

Physical Therapist – Community Nurse Home Care (New Bedford)
Supports the philosophy of the organization. Adheres to personnel policies. Performs a comprehensive physical therapy assessment including evaluation of patient’s level of function. Develops a treatment plan including goals & actions appropriate to physical therapy deficits. Provides services in accordance with the plan of treatment. Refers patients to physical therapy assistant as appropriated and supervises physical therapy assistant according to agency policy and APTA guidelines…Want to apply? Full details and application process: HERE.

Arborist – City of New Bedford (New Bedford)
Serves as Arborist for the Greening the Gateway Cities (GGC) Program, which is a State-funded grant that lasts through June 30, 2019; assesses, plans, manages and implements tree care for public and private trees in accordance with the grant; plants, trims and removes trees along public spaces; conducts other large-scale vegetation management projects; responds to tree emergencies including downed trees and limbs…Want to apply? Full details and application process: HERE.

Project Coordinator (Engineering Division) – City of New Bedford (New Bedford)
Prepares technical specifications for highway constructions, service maintenance work, water and wastewater treatment facilities, buildings and recreational facilities. Examines and/or reviews plans, designs and costs of proposed projects and requirements of environmental impact regulations. Inspects construction and/or maintenance work completed or in progress. Supervises work of contractors. Coordinates and assists in Chapter 90 State Aid Construction Projects, Federal Disaster Grants, Recycling… Want to apply? Full details and application process: HERE.

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Have a job to add to the Hot Jobs List? Contact leo@newbedfordguide.com.

The New Bedford Police Department is looking for a missing elderly person.

Ms. Rosa Fernandes, an 87 year old Cape Verdean female that is 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 140 pounds with brown eyes, with short white hair.

If you have seen this missing person, please call New Bedford Police at 508-991-6350 or 508-991-6340. Thank you.

52-year old Mark Salazar was arrested again for at least the 87th time at the notorious drug den known as 358 North Front St. Apt. 1N. This time he was arrested on July 25th, 2017, along with nine other people for trafficking in cocaine and, of course, he had an outstanding warrant. Last night, police raided 358 North Front St. Apt. 1N for the third time in six weeks and arrested another five people on cocaine trafficking charges. The landlord in Duxbury, MA should be proud.

I say “at least the 87th time Salazar has been arrested and arraigned,” because it’s hard to keep track of him. In March of this year, he was arraigned for his 86th time for unlawfully carrying a gun with bullets and selling cocaine. Oh, and he was on bail at the time for heroin possession. Of course, some judge thought, “hey, this time he’ll change” and we are back to his 87th arrest for cocaine charges. Who knows, he may have had arrests in between March and July and released back into the public by a judge that I didn’t hear about, but I digress.

Salazar is not an uncommon case, you’ll find dozens, if not hundreds of people just in the South Coast area with high arrest and conviction records. And you’ll likely find them breaking the law while on bail for some related charges. This is a spit in the face to the police that put their lives on the line arresting these criminals and a danger to our residents. How many people has Mark Salazar gotten addicted to drugs?

Our judges, legislators and to some extent district attorneys, own Mark Salazar’s arrest and conviction record (and all those like him) and should bear the responsibility for his future crimes. One would think it’s impossible to be convicted 53 times and only be 52-years old, but Salazar is proof of that. The judges that continue to release him back on the street to sell drugs to our residents should be ashamed and removed from the bench. Any district attorneys that continue to plea bargain should be immediately fired. Our legislators that allow people like Mark Salazar to walk the streets should be voted out of office. Enough is enough.

On Friday members of the New Bedford Police Narcotics and Gang Units arrested a total of 19 individuals throughout the afternoon and evening hours. In a continued effort to enhance the quality of life in all neighborhoods, Detectives conducted a sweep targeting narcotics and other illegal activity.

Arrested and charged were:

– Amber Opzda, 27, of New Bedford for possession of class B (oxycodone)
– Matthew Rich, 37, of Easton Ma. for 2 warrants
– Omar Saez, 41, of New Bedford for operating motor vehicle on a suspended license and failure to have vehicle inspected
– Ryan Dubois, 32, of New Bedford for warrant
– Kevin Boyer, 55, of New Bedford for consuming/carrying alcohol beverage in public way
– Aarin Mason, 29, of New Bedford for operating motor vehicle on a suspended license
– Lillian Merrick, 48, of New Bedford for two warrants
– Chritopher Hartwell, 41, of New Bedford for warrant
– Robert Mello, 48, of New Bedford for possession of open container of alcohol on public way
– Sean Alicea, 29, of New Bedford for warrant
– Luis River-Rodriguez 26 of New Bedford for warrant
– Brian Amaral, 37, of New Bedford for possession of class B cocaine and warrant
– Randy Perez-Rodriguez, 33, of New Bedford for operating motor vehicle on suspended license, unregistered motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle and illegally attaching plates.

In addition to the street arrests, members of the narcotics unit, gang unit and port security team executed 2 search warrants at 358 North Front Street. Apartment 1 north and apartment 1 south were raided. This is the third time in a month and a half that apartment 1 north has been raided. As result of the raid in apartment 1 north, detectives seized a little over 28 grams of cocaine, small amount of cash, packaging materials and scales. The listed 5 individuals that were in the apartment were arrested and charged with Trafficking Cocaine and conspiracy to violate controlled substance laws.

– Margo Barbosa 51 of New Bedford
– Jose Barroso 44 of New Bedford
– Anthony Felix 19 of New Bedford
– Jose Lopes 45 of of New Bedford
– Kevin Rivera Morales 36 of New Bedford

As result of the raid in apartment 1 south, detectives seized a small amount of oxycodone and $2,584.00 in cash. Arrested and charged was:

– Tanairy Ruiz. 30 of 358 No. Front St for possession with intent to distribute class B (oxycodone).

All 19 individuals are scheduled for arraignment at 3rd District Court on Monday.

The mayor, or chief executive of the City, wields a lot of power. He or she appoints the chief of police, has major influence on the discretionary part of the $300 million city budget and has full veto power of the city council. The mayor also appoints most of the city leadership and is the head of the school committee.

While a few people have pulled nomination papers with the intent to run for mayor, only Charlie Perry and Kerry Winterson seem to be serious about a run. At the time of this writing, I’d say Kerry Winterson is not likely to run for office. Candidates have until August 15, 2017 to run in the October and November elections this year.

Here are 10 people that I feel should run for mayor of New Bedford this year …

Current Mayor Jon Mitchell– Mayor Mitchell definitely deserves a shot at re-election. New Bedford has low unemployment, statistically crime is down and public schools have turned around and continue to move in the right direction. Downtown New Bedford is booming with new businesses and we have a new business park replacing half of the Whaling City Golf Course. The Airport and waterfront are expanding commercially. The south end now has two amazing walking paths along the hurricane barrier (Harborwalk and Covewalk) that will eventually connect to a Riverwalk to form The Blue Lane to provide locals with 11 miles of fantastic walking, running and biking.

The current mayor has a strong record, but that doesn’t mean he deserves to run unopposed like he did in 2013. Here are 9 other people that should run against him.

Linda Morad – Linda is a top-notch leader trapped in a City Council. There are few people in the area that I would recommend for Mayor, State Senate/Representative or even congress. She received the most votes in 2013 and the second most votes in 2015 in the at-Large City Council elections.

While being Republican in New Bedford can immediately hurt your chances of winning any election, it would actually help her. As mentioned, she finishes first or second in total votes for the at-Large races with most people knowing her political party.

Governor Baker is the most popular governor in the United States and has shown that he is willing to endorse candidates in local elections. He endorsed Jill Marie Ussach in the special Ward 3 election just a few months ago. Additionally, Keiko Orrall is now the Republican National Committee Woman. She is just down the road in Lakeville with strong ties to New Bedford and could be a strong advocate. Money is what would be needed to defeat Jon Mitchell and having a party behind you would help with that.

Additionally, I’m certain she’s learned a lot from her failed run for mayor in 2011 and could use the experience to perform better in 2017.

Linda has pulled nomination papers with the intent to run for re-election for at-Large City Council, but that doesn’t mean she can’t change her mind.

Kerry Winterson – During a City Council session this summer, Kerry announced that he would run for mayor. Kerry has already announced that he will not seek re-election for his Ward 5 City Council seat due to personal reasons, but seemed to be re-energized recently to run against mayor Mitchell. His platform announcement was crime and focusing on the north and south end of New Bedford.

Kerry is a blue-collar man that New Bedford residents would respond to very well. It would make for a great mayor’s race as he disagrees with Mayor Mitchell on the core issue of crime, the mayor says crime is down and Kerry feels it isn’t. Kerry would also do well with the crowd of people that feel the mayor spends too much of his focus on downtown New Bedford.

Brian Gomes – Brian Gomes once ran for mayor, but then 9/11 happened. There are few people with as much passion as Brian in the City Council and you will find him in the community at all the important events – even the ones with no media coverage.

Brian offers legislation that is not always popular – but no question out-of-the-box thinking. For example, check out his record and you’ll see he’s pushed for curfews, more cameras and drone use in high crime areas. You’ll also see him working minor motions like traffic issues and community events. Brian is consistent, passionate and bleeds New Bedford. It would be great seeing him in debates and in an executive position in the city.

Brian has pulled nomination papers with the intent to run for re-election for at-Large City Council, but that doesn’t mean he can’t change his mind.

Henry Bousquet – You have to respect a man that does good things for the City without getting a paycheck. Due to a bogus state law, Henry was not allowed to collect a check while teaching at GNB Voc-Tech as a culinary instructor and working as a City Council member. That’s roughly $18,000 a year he gave up for nearly three years (33 months to be exact).

He gave up his ward City Council seat earlier this year and hasn’t pulled nomination papers, but he’s someone that should run this year or in 2019. He was always a moderate, calm voice in the city council.

Ian Abreu – Ian is the Manager of Workforce and Business Development at the South Coast Chamber of Commerce and a freshman at-Large City Councilor. Love his ideas or not, he has put up motions with teeth in his first years in office. He’s pushed for medical marijuana and a ban on synthetic marijuana in his first year – real impact proposals. There is no questioning his passion or love for New Bedford and if you follow him on Facebook you know he dedicates a lot of time to constituent services.

Ian has pulled nomination papers with the intent to run for re-election for at-Large City Council, but that doesn’t mean he can’t change his mind.

Former New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang – The biggest story each New Bedford election cycle revolves around is whether or not Scott Lang is going to run again. Most people in the political know will tell you Scott Lang is really the only person that could unseat current Mayor Mitchell, even though I’m not so sure about that. Would he be a strong candidate? Sure, but he did leave City Hall with the public schools having major issues, with the high school having a graduation rate approaching 60% and an employment rate much higher than it is today – 16% in 2010 compared to 6% today.

Having said all that, Scott Lang is still a very popular figure in New Bedford politics and would make the mayor’s race a real battle that we haven’t seen since 2011 when Jon Mitchell defeated State Representative Antonio Cabral by 837 votes (9,876 to 9,039). Lang has the name recognition that is worth more than a huge war chest of cash.

Reverend David Lima – Rev. Lima is the Executive Minister of the Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford and in the leader of the Greater New Bedford Suicide Prevention Coalition. He’s a man of the people and dedicates his time to the most disadvantaged of the community.

Rev. Lima was also one of the few voices in opposition to the casino coming to New Bedford. While he wasn’t the lone voice at the open community discussions, he was the most consistent and passionate. It was an unpopular stance and one reason I consider him a strong candidate for mayor – when in leadership you have to make the best choice, not the most popular one.

Erik Andrade – If there is one man that would shake things up in a debate, it’s Erik. I first saw Erik speak in front of a packed City Council on YouTube and thought his passion is something needed in New Bedford politics. Here’s the video:

Erik has spent much of his career working with the youth of New Bedford and he is someone that they will listen to should he take an official leadership role in New Bedford. He ran for school committee in 2011 and received over 5,000 votes, something difficult to do for a newcomer to New Bedford politics. While someone who travels a lot for political movements, he’s someone who should deeply root himself in New Bedford and throw his hat back in to New Bedford politics.

Charlie Perry – New Bedford Police Officer Charlie Perry has already made it known that he is running for mayor of New Bedford. A Veteran on the police force, Charlie is a very likable person that would immediately connect with people. Crime will also be a top issue in New Bedford and serving decades on the police force is a strong resume.

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Who would you like to see run for office in New Bedford? Post a comment!

From the Rochester, MA Police Department:

When she left the house Tuesday evening to get an ice cream at the Robins Nest, Kalcey Cecca never expected that she would be hit by a passing motorist and end up being flown by helicopter to a Boston hospital for treatment.

We are happy to report that she is home and recovering.

Following several Facebook post about the accident, Rochester Police learned she was on her way for an ice cream that she never got.

So today at noon Rochester Police Sergeant Robert Small, Officer Sean Crook and Chief Paul Magee delivered 3 gallons of her favorite flavor as a surprise. Needless to say, she was thrilled.

Enjoy the ice cream Kalcey, we wish you a speedy read recovery!

On 8/8/17 at approximately 5:06pm Rochester Police responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian in the 400 block of High Street. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, 20-year-old Kalcey Cecca of Wareham lying in the roadway with a number of injuries.

Investigation and witness statements indicate the 75-year-old Setsuko Mendes of High Street in Rochester was operating a Chevy Malibu eastbound on High Street at or just below the posted speed limit. Setsuko came upon two pedestrians and a dog walking along the side of the roadway and when she passed by them she struck the victim with her vehicle. The second pedestrian and the dog were not injured.

Setsuko stopped after hearing a thud against her car as she passed the pedestrians which she told officers she saw prior to the crash. Both pedestrians were wearing light colored clothes and could be seen from 50 yards away according to a witness following Setsuko.

The victim was transported to Tobey Hospital and later taken by Medflight to a Boston hospital. No further information is available on her condition. Setsuko has been issued a citation for negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failure to yield to a pedestrian. The crash remains under investigation by Sgt Kevin Flynn and Officer Jason Denham.

Live with Sheriff Thomas Hodgson to discuss the viral photo taken at the 103rd Feast of the Blessed Sacrament.

New Bedford Police are investigating a late night crash involving a stolen motor vehicle from the town of Fairhaven. On Thursday evening at approximately 10:30PM, Detectives spotted a Honda Civic operating the wrong way on Acushnet Avenue near Beetle Street. As detectives attempted to pull over the vehicle it sped off and eventually got onto Rte 18 south bound. As Detectives got onto Rte 18 they later discovered the vehicle had crashed at the Purchase Street exit.

The vehicle rolled over upon impact of the guard rail and the single male operator was partially ejected from the vehicle. The male operator sustained serious injuries including his left arm being severed at the elbow and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he is listed in serious condition.

The vehicle he was operating was stolen near Paul’s Sports Corner in Fairhaven shortly before being spotted by Detectives. The male operator had no identification on him and his identity was unknown until this morning when New Bedford Police Detectives were able to fingerprint him and submit the prints to the Mass State Police in Lakeville where his prints were put through the AFIS system and identified. He has been identified as a 56 year old male from Dorchester. His identity is being held pending notification to next of kin.

This male has an extensive record in Massachusetts, New York, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. It has been learned that there is a full extradition warrant from Atlanta Georgia for parole violations and also an outstanding warrant from Brookline Mass district court for him. The New Bedford Police Department’s accident reconstruction team is also assisting in the investigation. He will be facing several charges.