Meet Mattapoisett Select Board candidate Judy Mooney

MATTAPOISETT — After 26 years of working in local government, Judy Mooney wants to use her municipal experience and free time in retirement to give back to the community. 

Mooney is among six candidates on the ballot for three open seats on the Select Board, one vacated by former chair Tyler Macalister as he runs for Congress and two newly added this year. 

She worked as the Mattapoisett finance director before taking on the same role in Marion, where she also served as the assistant town manager. Mooney said this experience taught her the “intricate pieces” of town government and gave her insight on creating effective budgets. 

“Having that helps me to be able to work with the different departments — I mean, I even still know some of the department heads that are here from way back 20 years ago,” she said. 

With her finance background, Mooney said she wants to help Mattapoisett stay in a strong financial position and prevent ballooning budgetary needs. 

She described town finances as a “balancing act,” and said if elected she wants to look at both income and spending. With limits to how much tax revenue can be raised each year, she said her priority would be to keep spending as low as possible. 

Mooney said her financial expertise would benefit the town beyond budget season. Every decision involves money in some way, she said, so having experience overseeing town funds alongside her familiarity with town departments would help her make informed decisions if she joins the Select Board. 

She described herself as a participational leader, encouraging people to offer their perspectives and find consensus.

“I am not a dictator, but certainly I'm a strong leader, and I try to listen, build a consensus, talk about the strategies, and then come up with a solution,” Mooney said.

She said it’s important to hear from all sides on each issue in order to learn as much as possible and make the best decisions.

That listening extends to concerned residents, too.

“I bring the experience, but I also know how to talk with people, I've been doing it all my career,” Mooney said. “It's all about listening and trying to figure out ‘What are you looking for?’”

After her home burned down in 2013, she said the community supported and rallied around her family. Now that she’s retired, she wants to dedicate her time to giving back to the town.

“It's all about serving the community,” Mooney said. “I have time, I'm retired, it's a perfect opportunity for me.”