Meet Brian Connelly

Apr 25, 2023

MATTAPOISETT— Three candidates are running to fill one spot on the Mattapoisett Select Board in the town election on Tuesday, May 16.

Mattapoisett Fire Lieutenant Brain Connelly hopes to apply his experience serving the public as a firefighter and “general math savviness” to the Select Board role.

“What excites me about [being a firefighter] is I enjoy helping others and it'd be a great opportunity to do it for the town,” said Connelly.

If elected, Connelly aspires to apply his leadership skills to the Select Board.

“It's both understanding the task that needs to be accomplished, and the people that are going to help you to assist that task,” he said.

Connelly grew up in Queens, New York and has lived in town for around 20 years. He has worked for the Mattapoisett Fire Department since 2016.

Although he’s not a Mattapoisett native, he doesn’t “view it as a disadvantage … I have a fresh perspective on things,” he said.

According to Connelly, he has worked in financial services and trading for institutions such as Fidelity and The Bank of New York Mellon.

“There are definitely some areas where there can be cost savings [not through] cuts, but [by] cutting requests coming in” he said, referring to the town’s budget.

Connelly said that he hopes to use his financial experience to help generate revenue for the town especially when it comes to aiding young families and the aging population.

“If we can offer [residents] more purchasing and buying power for what they're already spending then I think that will help the population [avoid] some of the shortfalls and shortcomings that they're encountering,” he said.

Connelly hopes that the revitalization of Route 6 will bring opportunities to expand local business and add additional housing while still maintaining the town's “village feel.”

“It's increasingly tough for families to come in and to be able to purchase a starter home,” he said. “So maybe condos or apartments would be a good alternative.”

When asked about Mattapoisett’s strengths, although admittedly biased, Connelly pointed to the town’s public safety departments.

“We've all worked really hard to have good working relationships because at the end of the day we want what’s best for the town,” said Connelly.

Connelly is facing Catherine Heuberger and incumbent Tyler Macallister for a seat on the Mattapoisett Select Board in the town election on Tuesday, May 16.