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| 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
STOCK |
ATTLEBORO
- Mayor Kevin Dumas kicked off his campaign for a third term Saturday
night, declaring that he is proud to run on his administration's record
and excited to continue moving the city forward.
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.
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