County Commissioner Candidates Clash on Transparency and Woodlot Development

Hanley and Valanzola seek re-election against challengers Nyman and O'Brien

PLYMOUTH, MA - October 24 - Four candidates vying for two seats on the Plymouth County Commission squared off in a forum hosted by the Plymouth Area League of Women Voters on Thursday evening. Incumbents Greg Hanley(D) and Jared Valanzola(R) faced challenges from Rhonda Nyman(D) and Anthony O'Brien(R), with transparency and the controversial woodlot development emerging as key points of contention.

The role of county commissioners, often misunderstood by voters, was a central topic. Valanzola emphasized the commission's recent accomplishments, stating, "We've worked together to execute and deliver nearly $200 million in COVID relief funds. We've done that without fanfare, but we've done that through hard work and dedication."

Hanley echoed this sentiment, highlighting the commission's handling of federal funds. "We were the only county to do it. And if you look at how much opposition we had from the governor's office on that decision, you'll see the difference of who we are now and who we were then," he said.

However, O'Brien, a former Commissioner from 2009-2013, painted a different picture. "A re-election campaign, the primary issue is the incumbent's accountability and the person that holds them accountable is the challenger," he said. O'Brien criticized the increase in Commissioners' salaries from $7,500 to $33,000, calling it "outrageous" for what he described as a part-time position.

The controversial woodlot development in Plymouth sparked heated discussion. Hanley explained the current situation: "Boston South Properties is the person that is doing their due diligence. They're paying us $150,000. At the end of the contract that we have with them, they're going to have to make a decision, and no decision will be made in a vacuum."

Valanzola sought to clarify misconceptions, stating emphatically, "There will be no horse track, no casino or gambling at the woodlot. That was taken off the table over a year and a half ago."

O'Brien, however, criticized the Commissioners' handling of public input on the issue. "The commissioners signed a lease, and the county's getting revenue for it, and as far as we know nothing's going on," he said. "I have called for rescinding the lease, start over. Get a committee that includes the folks, and keep the best interest of the citizens of Plymouth and what they want as a top priority."

Nyman, a former State Representative and current Select Board member in Hanover, emphasized the need for local input: "I think that first and foremost you would have to have the town of Plymouth at the table before we start making any decisions about what we should do with the woodlot."

Transparency in commission meetings emerged as another point of contention. O'Brien criticized the lack of public access to meetings, stating, "It's 2024. It almost seems like it's another kind of secret thing. We don't want folks knowing what's going on."

Valanzola defended the commission's efforts toward transparency, saying, "We have been recording our meetings for the last several months, and those meetings have been recorded and those meetings will be uploaded to YouTube."

Nyman claimed credit for pushing the issue: "As a candidate for county commissioner, I'm already making a difference because this is one of my campaign promises that I have been working on since February."

Hanley acknowledged the recent changes, stating, "Tonight was the first meeting when it actually happened where it was live. We have recorded the meetings since, waiting for them to be uploaded."

As the forum concluded, candidates made their final pitches to voters. Valanzola touted the commission's record of efficient fund management and new initiatives. O'Brien called for change, urging voters not to "rehire poor performance." Nyman emphasized her experience in various levels of government, while Hanley highlighted the commission's financial turnaround during his tenure.

The election for Plymouth County Commissioner will be held on Nov. 5, with voters selecting two candidates to serve on the three-person board.