Meet State Representative candidate Ed Pacheco

Democrat Ed Pacheco describes himself as a “Dartmouth Guy,” having lived in town for over 25 years. Now, he’s vying to take Rep. Chris Markey’s spot in the State House.

Pacheco said he decided to run because he knew he could do it with full availability. He said he has the spare time, as he now just has to do “‘dad duties”’ for his six daughters, such as helping with bugs, being a shoulder to cry on or car issues.

While his daughters are now between the ages of 18 and 30, Pacheco was involved in a number of activities around town when they were growing up, including  the Dartmouth Girl’s Athletic League and the cheer portion of Dartmouth Youth Football League. He also coached sports including soccer and field hockey. He volunteers at the Salvation Army and at local soup kitchens and donates blood to the Red Cross. 

“It’s my motive to literally bring a working class person’s perspective to the State House,” said Pacheco. 

Pacheco works a number of jobs; he is the director of transportation for a nonprofit that helps disabled people, and works a second job as a bartender. He says this makes him more sympathetic and aware of people’s day-to-day needs.

He describes the duties of a state representative as being “The Guy,” the one people go to to make both big and small differences. He said people are looking for direction and someone to look out for them, which he said he already does in his role as the director of transportation. 

There are a number of issues Pacheco said need to be addressed: Dartmouth’s need to buy water from New Bedford; Fire Station 9 in New Bedford being sold; and the lack of affordable housing.

“We need somebody who’s going to be ready on Beacon Hill to fight, not only for Dartmouth, but for all of the coastal communities that are facing these challenges,” he said.

He describes himself as a “true moderate” noting that he’s fiscally responsible and doesn’t believe people should throw money at a problem without reason and process. 

He said he feels strongly that the government is meant to help make life better for people, and that everyone should choose how they want to live their lives without government interference. 

Pacheco has a large list of issues he wants to focus on: out of control utility costs; educator recruitment/retention; aging wastewater and our water supply; open spaces/farmland preservation; affordable housing; healthcare; supporting individuals with disabilities; opposing data centers; 40B reforms; and ensuring that the residents surrounding the bike path in Dartmouth are heard. 

“We need people who are going to speak up for the people who are the least represented,” said Pacheco, “I have a big voice and I am not afraid to use it.”

If Pacheco wins, there are many laws he wants to back, which include sealing eligible criminal and juvenile records after a waiting period; establishing a universal early education and child care; and creating living wages. 

He also has many plans for what is prioritized with budget allocation: public safety; fixing the funding formulas, such as with Chapter 70 and Chapter 90; finding a way to ensure more tax dollars come back to the communities; and supporting the trades. 

Pacheco would make himself available by giving out his personal cell phone number. He would create a newsletter, and have monthly meetings. He said he hopes to have a bilingual staff to reach as many people as possible.  

“I don’t want to be what I call a ‘groundhog state representative,’ where you only see me once a year, maybe in a parade or on TV.” he said. “People have a right to know that they’re being represented and feel represented.”

He asks that voters torn between him and Steve Medeiros consider his platform and his professional experience. He would also be quitting his job to focus on being the State Representative full time.