Might her “Silver City Inaugural Ball” be a fundraiser for an even higher office?
Taunton’s “People Ahead of Politics” Mayor, Shaunna O’Connell, was re-elected on November 8th, 2023. To celebrate this great achievement, a ball will be held in her honor at Gillette Stadium’s newest event space, the G-P Atrium, on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, from 6-11 p.m. For some who followed her campaign, this may be a bit of a head-scratcher as voters often heard O’Connell discuss her strong support for Taunton’s small businesses. Many might wonder why she isn’t supporting one of them but instead, a location in Foxborough that is approximately twenty minutes away.1
O’Connell campaigned on her leadership attributes, and according to an excerpt from her inaugural statement from her website:
“For Taunton to be a leading city in Commonwealth, we must work together on a strategic plan that unites us as one and ensures City Hall is a consumer-friendly resource that will allow the revitalization of our neighborhoods and make downtown a destination. We will be a partner and not a barrier.
I’m committed to growing, while preserving the character and traditions we all love and hold dear.
One vital component for building a beacon city is public safety. It is not only our basic job, but most important one. Reinvigorating our neighborhoods cannot happen if our streets are not safe. I will faithfully support our police and first responders who care deeply about our community and put their lives on the line to serve and protect us.
This will not be an easy journey, but it is one we must take together.
The voters have clearly spoken that they want a new, positive vision and they want our elected officials to put people ahead of politics, working in cooperation for the greater good and best interest of our city.”2
Mayor O’Connell is a woman who seemingly appears ready to devote all her time to Taunton and holds extraordinary power over its people. With such a dominant position, why, just days after winning the election for city mayor, did O’Connell file to run for Republican State Committee? How would a mayor so focused on making Taunton a great city find the time to dedicate to another demanding position? The Taunton citizens must realize that she would have to invest her energy and time not just in Taunton but in Berkley, Dighton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Carver, Marion, Middleborough, and Wareham. O’Connell isn’t entering the race for the money since a state committeewoman is an elected position that isn’t paid. However, a mayor’s job is well compensated. Public record shows that the mayor’s salary for 2022 was $125,500.3 Why would a mayor with a comfortable income want to run for a non-paid position when her primary duty is to serve the people of Taunton? Does Mayor O’Connell want more control and power over local politics? Why isn’t Shauna’s run for state committee on her website or Facebook page? The name Shaunna O’Connell is clearly on the ballot.
These are questions that the people must ask of Shaunna O’Connell.
The city of Taunton is just one of the locations in the state facing a migrant crisis that comes with its own sets of challenges. O’Connell herself stated in her inaugural statement:
“We know that our city is facing many longstanding challenges. Dealing with pressing issues, such as waste disposal and water, will require a thoughtful and decisive approach that serves the people in the best manner possible.”
Yet, the mayor has the time to hold an inaugural ball and run for another political position while tending to her official duties.
Tickets to the ball start at $65 per person, and attendees are invited to celebrate at the Main Reception. The option to purchase a seat at the private event remains at an undisclosed price. It has also been reported to the Office of Campaign of Political Finance (OCPF) that O’Connell’s inaugural ball hauled in a whopping $22,500 in January from four donors.
While the mayor of Taunton has the time to celebrate herself, remember this when it comes time to vote on March 5th. Is this the woman you want in charge of Taunton and as a serving member of the Republican State Committee? When is it enough for one person to have too much power? We will find out on March 5th.
Citizens for Truth Contributor
Sources
[1] https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silver-city-2024-inaugural-ball-for-mayor-oconnell-tickets-799111864097
[2] https://www.shaunnaoconnell.com/innaguralmessage
[3] https://www.tauntongazette.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tauntongazette.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F2023%2F07%2F11%2Ftaunton-ma-salaries-2022-cops-fire-details-overtime-highest-paid%2F70387126007%2F
[4] https://www.taunton-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3508/Sample-Republican-Ballots-3524
Massachusetts First 
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