Two Dartmouth residents announce candidacy for State Representative

So far two Dartmouth residents have announced they will be running for the role of state representative for the 9th Bristol District. 

After state Rep. Chris Markey (D-Mass.) announced he wouldn’t seek reelection to run for Bristol County District Attorney, Chester Tam and Steve Medeiros announced their candidacies. 

Both Medeiros and Tam grew up in the South Coast area, and eventually, moving to Dartmouth to raise their families.

“I would love to represent the people here,” said Tam, who is running as a conservative. 

Medeiros, who is running as a centrist democrat, said he wants to “make sure I represent everyone in this town.” 

Medeiros stated he has worked as an advocate for multiple realty projects within legislature, such as working against a bill for short-term rental tax, but his efforts did not prevent the bill. He also has advocated for a first time homeowners tax credit and savings account. 

Tam said he decided to run because he has concerns with the state’s cost of living, as his son may not be able to stay in Massachusetts. Medeiros decided to run  because members of the community encouraged him to, and he wants to help the state. 

They also both have a history in Dartmouth politics, having both previously ran for a seat on the Board of Health. Medeiros also  served as a Town Meeting Member and on the Alternative Energy Committee. 

Chapter 40B developments are a concern for Tam and Medeiros, who share similar ideas. Both said they are worried and want to negate any negative impacts of the developments and share a concern about how unaffordable Dartmouth can be. 

Medeiros stated many areas do not have the space like Dartmouth does to build affordable housing  projects and so the town will continue to be a focus for housing. He said he wants to find a “smart way” to create a balance between 40B developments and a way to implement them so the residents and town are not negatively impacted. 

Tam said he doesn’t think anything can be done to stop the projects, but wants to ensure Dartmouth has the infrastructure to accommodate the population growth. He said he also had concerns about water consumption and how the developments could affect school enrollment.

When considering the predecessor, they said they both have respect for Rep. Markey but would approach the job a little differently. 

Tam said he wants to be more visible in the community and be a conservative voice in the office. 

Medeiros wants to bring a different perspective, bringing his background in realty and his  focus on homeownership to the position.