Meet Kevin Melo

With over 20 years of experience in town government, lifelong resident and Select Board candidate Kevin Melo is looking to keep Dartmouth affordable for all.

“That includes first time home buyers,” Melo said. “That includes our seniors who have run this town and who have contributed to this town for generations.”

Melo said that as a realtor, mortgage loan officer and a landlord, housing is a “passion” of his and noted that it’s something needed in town.

Twelve years ago, Melo joined the Planning Board where he served two terms before becoming an alternate member.

He said he originally ran to be on the planning board to “keep Dartmouth affordable for future generations.”

Melo gave credit to the Select Board’s decision to hire an attorney to try and minimize the impact of Chapter 40B projects on the town but noted that it’s “vital that we comply with state guidelines.”

Melo said that he is a “big proponent” of landowner rights and noted that unless a town or neighbor plans to buy a piece of property themselves then the landowner has the right to use their land as they wish.

He pointed to the Amelia Apartments as an example of housing that the community needs.

“That was a wonderful development that allowed seniors in our town to sell their homes that they were having a hard time maintaining,” he said.

Melo said he could see himself one day selling his home and moving into an apartment complex like the Amelia if it’s something available to him.

“I’m a Dartmouth resident, and I want to die a Dartmouth resident in Dartmouth,” he said.

Melo’s first stint in town politics was as cemetery commissioner 20 years ago. Since then, he has served on the prudential committee for Fire District 1, was a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and is now a Town Meeting member.

Melo said being on smaller boards was “wonderful” because he learned “how to get along with others, how the town works, and to gain the background knowledge and work even more in my career.”

He said this is the perfect time for him to run for Select Board, as his current job as a real estate sales person gives him the ability to freely manage his time.

“I would be available basically 24/7 for the town,” he said.

Melo spent 27 years working at Bay Coast Bank and All Trust Credit Union and said that his professional career taught him how to balance budgets, how to work within a budget, how to prioritize and how to “remain cool under extreme conditions.”

He said that there’s recently been a lot of talk regarding a proposition 2 ½ override and said that the town should “plan for the worst and hope for the best.”

Melo said the town needs to keep its stabilization fund “going” and is concerned about the account.

He noted, “We can’t keep going to the taxpayers every couple of years asking for more.”

Melo said the Select Board currently has “great representation” and said he would bring to the board well roundedness and his ability to “see from people’s point of view.”

He said no matter the outcome of the election he’s here for the town.

“I have no personal agenda, and I honestly want what’s best,” Melo said.