Plymouth County Commissioner Forum Highlights Importance of Plymouth County Government

Candidates make the case for continued relevance, cite local responsiveness and regionalized services

MARSHFIELD, MA - August 27 - Three Democratic candidates vying to be Plymouth County Commissioner made their case for the continued importance of county government during a political forum hosted by WATD radio Tuesday evening.

Scott Vecchi and Rhonda Nyman participated in the forum, answering questions about the role and relevance of county government. Incumbent Greg Hanley provided recorded opening and closing statements.

The candidates emphasized the need for local responsiveness and the ability to provide regionalized services as key reasons to maintain county government.

"If you take the 27 communities and just lump them into that big pool with all the other towns, they're not going to get the responsiveness and they're not going to get the services," Vecchi said.

Nyman agreed, stating, "I think if the state were to take over county government, I don't think you would get that kind of attention."

Both candidates cited the county's handling of ARPA fund distribution as an example of its effectiveness compared to state-level administration.

"I think the county commissioners were able to get the money quicker and faster out to the municipalities," Nyman said.

The forum discussed that Plymouth County operates on an annual budget of around $11 million. When asked about the commissioner position itself, candidates identified that the current salary is approximately $32,000.

Both Vecchi and Nyman stated they would be willing to do the job for free if necessary.

"I don't run for public office to receive pay or any type of monetary or health insurance or retirement benefits," Nyman said.

Vecchi echoed this sentiment, saying, "I don't do any of this for compensation. I do it because I have a very altruistic streak and I'm trying to make the world a better place."

Candidates also discussed ways to increase the relevance and visibility of county government. Vecchi proposed ideas such as a feasibility study for a county agricultural school and animal rescue program.

"If we had a building and it said Plymouth County Agricultural School, would you know what the county does? You would, because it says Plymouth County on the side of it," Vecchi explained.

Nyman emphasized her experience at state, local, and county levels as an asset in moving the county forward.

"I bring a unique perspective to this position both as a former small business CFO and local elected official and understand the true pressure points for our communities," she said.

Both candidates agreed on the need for more transparency in county operations, including livestreaming meetings and making them more accessible to the public.

"I think they expect you to be more transparent," Nyman said of public expectations for county commissioners.

The primary election for Plymouth County Commissioner will be held Sept. 3. Two of the three Democratic candidates will advance to face Republican challengers in the general election. Incumbent Commissioner Jared Valanzola and Tony O’Brien will be the Republican candidates.