District No. 1 Chair John Haran is running for another three-year term on the Prudential Committee after serving two consecutive terms. He's no stranger to town politics; Haran currently sits on the Select Board, and boasts prior experience on the Planning Board and Finance Committee, and as a Town Meeting member.

"I just want to be part of the solution," he said. "I have to watch over your taxes."

Haran is known for his fiscally conservative views, and has the track record to back it. While he recently supported a new engine purchase, he voted against a pay raise for Prudential Committee members and other district personnel, and abstained from voting on Chief Brad Ellis' salary.

"We bought a truck without asking for any money. No other district does that," Haran said, explaining that proper saving and appropriation made that possible, while other departments take out loans.

"In the past five years, the other two districts have doubled their budget. We've only gone up pennies," he said. Haran said that District No. 1 residents pay 32 cents in taxes for every $1,000. District No. 2 pays $1.19 for every $1,000; District No. 3 pays 94 cents for every $1,000.

On Haran's radar is managing the district's equipment and prepping for the future. He's initiated research to revamp the old fire station, across from the current Bridge Street headquarters, for future use.

"The fire department has future needs that can be filled with the renovation of that building," he said, listing office space and storage as possibilities. During Prudential Committee meetings, he revealed collaboration with the University of Rhode Island to inspect the building.

Haran accused his opponent, newcomer Joann Avila, of wanting to move away from a volunteer department and toward full-time coverage. He said that the current structure works, and changing it would be costly.

"The only difference between us is taxes, and she doesn't have gray hair," said the 66-year-old Rockland Street resident. District No. 3 has been moving away from a volunteer department, and recently hired four full-time firefighters. District No. 2 has two full-time firefighters, including its chief; District No. 1's only full-time employee is Ellis.

Haran is also known for challenging current structures and demanding transparency. He said Avila would have a conflict of interest, as her husband serves as a volunteer firefighter. Similarly, Prudential Committee members in other districts have familial or personal ties to the departments they serve.

"There's no one saying 'no' in the other two districts. I'm saying 'no,'" he said.

Currently, Haran manages a fishing boat sector that stretches from the south coast of Massachusetts to South Carolina. In his off time, he volunteers at a New Bedford soup kitchen.

"They love me. I'm one of the best dishwashers they've found," he said. He also spends time with his wife, Janine Simmons.