After moving to Dartmouth 35 years ago, Stanley Mickelson quickly integrated into the community, despite his New Bedford roots. Mickelson graduated from New Bedford High School and attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Both of his children went through the New Bedford school system as well.

“I was born and brought up in New Bedford, but I had a business here, so I thought [moving] would be a good idea,” he said.

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Mickelson currently chairs the Select Board, and will be on the ballot for re-election next week. He hosts “Our Town” on Dartmouth Community Television, and serves as a member of the Dartmouth Heritage Preservation Trust, Dartmouth Historical & Arts Society, and Friends of Dartmouth Elderly. But for his experience with town government, Mickelson’s biggest bragging right is being involved.

“My proudest accomplishment is having the opportunity to represent myself and work within the town to do the best that I can for the Town of Dartmouth,” he said.

Mickelson’s first introduction to town politics was through his friend, neighbor, and former Select Board member, Roger Tougas. The two would regularly gather for beer and chat, and Tougas would insist that Mickelson get involved, the incumbent recalled. So, he did.

“The first thing I did was become a Town Meeting member. That was the start of it,” Mickelson said. From there, he joined the Zoning Board of Appeals, and later the Planning Board. “I guess I drank the Koolaid,” he laughed.

If re-elected, Mickelson plans to attract more businesses to town.

“I’d confront the business owners and landowners, and make them understand that we want to work with them,” he said. “I truly, truly want to take advantage of the Route 6, Faunce Corner Road ‘L,’ and take the opportunity to increase business.”

Through his first three-year stint as Select Board member, Mickelson pushed for winter construction on the Padanaram Causeway, and approved a tax break for Dartmouth-based company AHEAD while it expands its manufacturing plant and job opportunities.

Mickelson said his edge over opponent Lorri-Ann Miller is that he’s been a businessman for most of his life. He’s worked as the corporate showroom manager of Robinson Supply Co. for the past 31 years.

“I run the retail division of our company. It takes an awful lot of concentration and good management skills,” said Mickelson.

When Mickelson isn’t sitting through three-hour Select Board meetings or working, he can be found golfing.

“I love Round Hill, but my favorite place in town is the New Bedford Country Club. I love playing golf.”