Thirty-year Dartmouth resident Joann Avila is challenging incumbent John Haran for the three-year, Prudential Committee seat for District No. 1, and she's certain her professional experience makes her a better fit.

The mother of two has worked as the chair for a family readiness group, supporting more than 200 soldiers' families, and working with them to plan events and care packages.

"I have a proven track record of collaboration," said Avila. "As chairperson, to keep that information that directly affects soldiers and their families... they don't give that type of information to a person they cannot trust."

Avila has a close connection to the department, as her husband Kenneth Avila has served as a volunteer firefighter for the past six years. Through her department connections and attendance to Prudential Committee meetings, Avila said the district's focus should be on building and equipment updates.

There's a crack that stretches ceiling to floor and plumbing issues that need fixing, she said. There are also safety concerns with outdated engines, she said.

"If we keep rolling out old engines, we're going to have to ask for more money from taxpayers to replace them. Instead, we should have a plan [to replace equipment]," she said.

Avila said it's also important to get district residents to prudential committee meetings, and up community engagement.

"You need the public to come. You want them to see what you do," said Avila. "[Residents] have great ideas. You need to tap into this."

While Avila aims to keep taxes low, she criticized Haran for skimping on things that matter.

"Everyone can say 'I want to keep your taxes low,' but knowing what your money is being spent on is important," she said.

Big issues in District No. 1 include the old fire station that Haran is currently working to renovate, a possible full-time department, and extended response times to residencies on the other side of the closed causeway.

Avila said that monies currently aimed at the old fire station, located across the street from the current Bridge Street station, should go toward headquarter repairs.

She said that she would have to further look into the number of calls, volunteer attendance, and Prudential Committee feedback to decide whether or not the district should prioritize updating to a full-time department.

As for the closed causeway, "There's nervousness with the bridge being out and the response time being longer, but I haven't heard of any negativity. We have an engine on that side. They do work with mutual aid," she said.

Avila added that she would abstain from voting on firefighters' pay, as it could directly influence her household.

Avila currently works as the director of recreational services for a non-profit Catholic nursing home in Brockton. On weekends, she enjoys taking her children to the Frank Knowles trail on Potomska Road.