Select Board candidate profile: John Haran

Mar 25, 2019

Select Board member John Haran hopes to help residents of Bliss Corner and be a voice for those who aren’t being heard if elected to his second term on the board.

For more than 30 years, Haran worked as a foreign car mechanic. He got his start in town government as a Town Meeting Member in 2003.

He served on the Planning Board from 2005 to 2012 and the Finance Committee from 2012 to 2016 before being election to the Select Board for his first term in 2016. He is also on the Dartmouth Fire District No. 1 Prudential Committee.

In 2010, his friends in the fishing industry approached him to become involved in the industry. He now serves as a manager for two “sectors” containing fishermen with more than 80 federal permits to operate in New England.

Through his position, he serves as a liaison between commercial fishermen, state, and federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“I’m their voice to Washington, Massachusetts, and the NOAA,” Haran said. “It’s a program the government started years ago, and fishermen have to belong to a sector. The fishermen hired me to be their sector manager.”

In his first term on the Select Board, Haran was the lone dissenting vote in several instances — and was not afraid to stick up for people he felt weren’t being heard.

“I’m glad I’ve been there to vote for and be the voice for those who seldom have a voice.” Haran said.

If elected to his second term, Haran hopes to focus on the unfolding pollution probe in Bliss Corner. In addition to homeowners, Haran said town finances could also be affected.

“I’d like to be their eyes and ears and voice going forward,” Haran said. “This will affect the whole town, and not just in that area,” Haran said.

He also hopes to look into the lifespan of the Crapo Hill Landfill, and issues at the former sand pit on Old Westport Road once considered for a residential development.

When he’s not working or at night meetings, Haran enjoys seafood at his favorite restaurant; Cape Quality Seafood.