Reelected Selectman says no 'smoke and mirrors' in fourth term

May 22, 2013

At Tuesday's annual town elections, Mattapoisett Selectman Jordan Collyer was elected to a fourth term in an uncontested race.

Collyer, a native of Mattapoisett, said he hadn’t planned to sign up for another three years on the board, but several citizens asked him to do one last term. And he admitted he does like the challenge.

“I don’t do it for the money. I enjoy solving problems. If it was that much of a pain, I wouldn’t do it,” said Collyer.

Among the Board of Selectmen's accomplishments during Collyer’s tenure, he said developing a balanced budget is number one.

“It’s self-sustaining and conservative,” he said. “Through the fiscal downturn the last several years, we’ve managed to…maintain a level of service without sacrificing anything to the townspeople – all while finances were in complete turmoil around the world.”

Another accomplishment of the board, said Collyer is setting aside reserve and stabilization funds for the town. From less than $500,000 to $2 million, Collyer said, “As a financial team, we’ve done a great job.”

Going forward, Collyer said his last term will be finishing up some of the things that began during his time as a Selectman. “We’re well on our way to getting a lot of stuff accomplished. It’s just a matter of tying up loose ends,” he said.

Part of those unfinished items will be working with Interim Harbormaster Horace Field on wharf improvements as well as the transition to a new harbormaster. Additionally, Collyer would like to see a few more positions added to the town, including a recreation director.

Collyer also plans to keep his policy of openness with the townspeople. “I don’t believe in smoke and mirrors,” he said. “Call it as you see it. It doesn’t matter who gets upset with what we say, if you don’t like the truth then tough. I’ve always operated on that principle.”