Elect Jim
Harlfinger
Mattapoisett Select Board

Devoted to Community
Dedicated to Service
Determined to Listen

About Me

I am running for Mattapoisett Select Board because I believe it’s time for a change. For too long, certain groups have had the Select Board's ear while others have been left out of the conversation. I believe everyone in Mattapoisett deserves to be heard. When some voices are given extra weight, it can create division. I want to help bring our town together by being open, accessible, and responsive to all residents.

I am also open to new ideas and solutions that can help us creatively address the challenges our town faces.

What does “Proactive Vision for Positive Results” mean? It means I’m not seeking this role simply to do things the way they’ve always been done because it’s comfortable or familiar. It means listening to the thoughtful ideas of our residents and turning those ideas into action.

Together, we can shape Mattapoisett—not into something different—but into the very best version of Mattapoisett, while preserving the sense of home that makes our community special.

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Jim's Relevant Experience Includes:

Devoted to Community

EXPERIENCE

20+ years serving Mattapoisett as a volunteer firefighter and EMT
Former President and Vice President of the Antassawamock Club
Advocated for residents during the town sewer system installation
Met daily with project managers and contractors to address issues
Helped neighbors stay informed and speak up for their concerns

WHY IT MATTERS

Jim believes strong communities are built by neighbors helping neighbors. When the sewer system project created challenges for Antassawamock residents, he stepped forward to monitor progress, communicate with officials, and make sure residents’ concerns were addressed. His approach is simple: stay involved, work collaboratively, and always look out for the community.

Community Advocate

EXPERIENCE

Certified firefighter training officer
Trained new recruits and fellow firefighters in modern safety procedures
Helped implement the SAFE Sticker Program to assist first responders
Brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving
Believes leadership means serving others first

WHY IT MATTERS

Jim has always believed leadership is about service. From training firefighters to helping implement safety initiatives, he has focused on protecting people and strengthening the community. He brings the same mindset to public service—listen carefully, prepare thoughtfully, and work toward solutions that benefit everyone.

Determined to Listen

EXPERIENCE

Supported more than 120 local newspapers as a Help Desk and Telecommunications Manager
Worked with organizations including The Standard-Times, Taunton Gazette, Cape Cod Times, and Nantucket Independent
Managed operations and staff for a steel mill with more than 300 employees
Negotiated with the Steelworkers union and coordinated work across three shifts
Developed creative communication methods to train a teacher from Perkins School for the Blind

WHY IT MATTERS

Throughout his career, Jim’s success depended on listening first. Whether solving technical issues, managing large teams, or communicating across challenges, he learned that understanding people’s needs is the first step to solving problems. As a Select Board member, he is committed to listening to residents, respecting different perspectives, and working toward practical solutions for the town.

About Jim

Mattapoisett’s 1st Annual Award Ceremony recognizes firefighters for years of service to community

February 4, 2024 “On January 27, 2024 our department held its First Annual Award and Promotion Ceremony. Chief Andrew Murray was the speaker during the event which took place in front of a large crowd of family, friends, firefighters from local departments, and town officials. Massachusetts Firefighter Service Awards were given to members by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission in recognition of their dedicated years of service to the community. • Chief Andrew Murray – 2

2 days ago

Fire decals are improvement in locating children in home

MATTAPOISETT -- James Harlfinger has been recognized for keeping residents SAFE. The 32-year veteran firefighter and Student Awareness of Fire Education coordinator received a citation for the house decal program he created. "I was surprised and honored" he said of the citation which was presented by the state fire marshal. "I definitely was not expecting it."

2 days ago

Elect Jim
Harlfinger
Mattapoisett Select Board

Devoted to Community
Dedicated to Service
Determined to Listen

About Me

Jim's Relevant Experience Includes:

Devoted to Community

About Jim

Mattapoisett’s 1st Annual Award Ceremony recognizes firefighters for years of service to community

Fire decals are improvement in locating children in home

Sign up to volunteer.

Follow me on Social Media

Elect Jim Harlfinger Mattapoisett Select Board

Devoted to Community Dedicated to Service Determined to Listen

About Me

Jim's Relevant Experience Includes:

Devoted to Community

About Jim

Mattapoisett’s 1st Annual Award Ceremony recognizes firefighters for years of service to community

Fire decals are improvement in locating children in home

Sign up to volunteer.

Follow me on Social Media

Elect Jim
Harlfinger
Mattapoisett Select Board

Devoted to Community
Dedicated to Service
Determined to Listen