Mattapoisett Planning Board candidate Paul Osenkowski admits to being an outspoken guy.

“One thing I want to have on my epitaph is: You always knew where you stood with me,” said Osenkowski.

Osenkowski and his wife Susan, formerly summer residents, moved to Mattapoisett five years ago.

Although he has never held a government position, the retired dentist said he has been active in the Mattapoisett Land Trust and has been vocal at town meetings.

“I go to express my opinion, which usually isn’t accepted very well. I just want to let them know how I feel,” said Osenkowski.

Running for Planning Board, he said, is a way to help protect the saltwater, the harbor, and “the right for the people who live here to pursue their happiness.”

Osenkowski said, “People have a right to do with their land what they want, but I have a real problem when they do it at the exclusion of everyone else.”

He described the Planning Board’s role as that of keeping individuals in check within the parameters that already exists.

“I don’t want to see those twisted,” he said. “I also want to express my concern for maintaining the quality of life in Mattapoisett, yet allow the town to grow.”

Osenkowski has one opponent, Mary Crain, who was appointed to finish out Bob McNemara’s term last June. If she wins the race, he said, life goes on.

“If I win this fine, if I don’t it’s another step.”