Michael Ricardo knows how to run a business.

The lifelong Dartmouth resident has owned his own landscaping business, Ricardo Corporation, for the past 35 years. Now, he’s running for an open seat on the Fire District No. 3 Prudential Committee, and hopes to bring his business skills to the table.

"I see the department growing, and I think I could be helpful with my business background," Ricardo said.

While he’s an outsider with no direct connection to the department, he hopes that will set himself apart from other board members. He said in the past, board members have usually been retired firefighters, and while that might be beneficial in providing an in depth understanding of the goings-on in the department, Ricardo hopes to bring the perspective of the Dartmouth taxpayer to the committee.

He also aims to increase transparency between the department and the public. As an example, he pointed to the district’s Town Meeting article outlining its budget. It lists expenses bundled together, he explained. He would prefer to see a complete listing of expenses instead of a broad overview.

Although he has a son who serves as a call firefighter, he’s not worried about potential conflict of interest issues, as he likely won't be handling pay and compensation for call firefighters.