On April 7, Blackstone voters will head to the polls to elect two members to the town’s Board of Selectmen. Four candidates—Sheri Jean Boisseau, Edward W. Castonguay, Gino Daryl Olaes, and Michael Anthony Catalano—are in the running. Each brings a unique background and vision for the town’s future. Here’s a breakdown of their priorities and what’s at stake in this election.

---

Meet the Candidates:

Sheri Boisseau

A lifelong Blackstone resident, Boisseau is a registered nurse, professor, and program coordinator with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. She emphasizes data-driven decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. Boisseau has advocated for stricter adherence to town bylaws and responsible town planning. She believes in sustainable growth, securing grants to reduce the tax burden, and ensuring accountability in town governance.

Key Issues:

• Fiscal responsibility and careful spending on large projects.
• Advocating for adherence to town bylaws and subdivision regulations.
• Supporting environmentally responsible development.
• Encouraging strategic, sustainable growth while maintaining Blackstone’s small-town charm.

Key Campaign Focus:
Boisseau’s campaign centers on accountability, transparency, and responsible decision-making. She believes that the town’s growth must be balanced with fiscal responsibility, especially when making major decisions like school renovations or relocating the senior center. She is committed to listening to residents and prioritizing their concerns.

Key Takeaway:
Boisseau advocates for data-driven, transparent decision-making, with a focus on ensuring that Blackstone’s growth is managed carefully and responsibly.

Edward Castonguay

A longtime member of a family with deep roots in Blackstone, Castonguay has decades-long military background. He currently works as a systems analyst and emphasizes leadership, problem-solving, and community engagement. Castonguay is focused on economic development, efficient resource management, and tax reduction strategies.

Key Issues:

• Lowering taxes through economic growth and government efficiency.
• Encouraging economic development to generate revenue.
• Ensuring municipal resources are managed effectively.
• Supporting programs like senior/veteran tax relief.

Key Campaign Focus:
Castonguay is focused on economic development and tax reduction. He’s committed to making municipal management more efficient and ensuring that Blackstone residents, particularly seniors and veterans, are aware of tax reduction programs such as the Senior/Veteran work-off program. Additionally, he aims to address unfair property assessments and ensure that Blackstone is an economically sustainable community.

Key Takeaway:
Castonguay emphasizes fiscal responsibility and a strong, efficient local government with a focus on reducing taxes and promoting economic growth.

Gino Olaes

A Blackstone resident for 12 years, Olaes works as Director of Public Safety & Emergency Management at Landmark Medical Center. He has extensive experience in public service, including youth sports leadership and emergency management. Olaes is running on a platform of unity, common-sense decision-making, and community collaboration.

Key Issues:

• Bridging gaps in local government and promoting unity.
• Addressing community concerns by engaging directly with residents.
• Supporting seniors, veterans, and youth programs.
• Ensuring accountability and transparency in local government.

Key Campaign Focus:
Olaes believes in fostering collaboration and unity on the Board of Selectmen. His campaign is centered on promoting the well-being of the entire community, with a particular focus on supporting seniors and veterans. He’s committed to addressing community concerns through compromise and finding common ground on key issues.

Key Takeaway:
Olaes is focused on building a unified Board of Selectmen that works for the betterment of all Blackstone residents, with a special emphasis on supporting the town’s seniors and veterans.

Michael Catalano

Limited public information is available online regarding Mike Catalano’s current platform, but he brings over 30 years of residency and extensive municipal experience to the table. Catalano is a two-term Selectman, three-term member of the Board of Health, and has previously served on the Finance Committee as well as the Water & Sewer Commission. His long-standing involvement in town governance, both in elected and appointed roles, reflects a deep understanding of local government operations and a strong background in voter-related matters.

As the town election approaches, residents had the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates for Selectman during a Candidates Forum held on March 24 at Town Hall.

The event provided a platform for each candidate to share their perspectives, priorities, and plans for Blackstone’s future. One key question was asked:

What is your vision for our town in the next three years?

Below is a summary of their responses.

Michael Catalano emphasized fiscal responsibility and maintaining the town’s strong financial standing with its credit rating. He wants to keep taxes reasonable while ensuring the school system remains strong and the town continues moving forward in a productive, positive direction.

Sheri Boisseau prioritized public safety and education, supporting the feasibility study for the school project while keeping costs manageable. She also advocated for better communication between boards and with the public, improving access to information, and seeking alternative funding sources (like grants) to reduce tax burdens. She suggested innovative solutions for a senior center, such as repurposing underutilized buildings.

Edward Castonguay focused on making the town more efficient and streamlined by eliminating waste and finding creative revenue opportunities to reduce tax burdens. He stressed the need for grant writing expertise and emphasized that his vision is a shared vision of the community, advocating for a collective approach to decision-making.

Gino Olaes highlighted the need for a culture of collaboration and compromise in town governance. He suggested reviewing town bylaws to ensure they aren’t hindering growth and attracting new businesses and revenue streams. He also supported grant opportunities for small businesses and emphasized the importance of bringing the right people together for constructive discussions on the town’s future.

---

What’s at Stake? The Board of Selectmen plays a critical role in Blackstone’s governance, overseeing financial planning, town infrastructure, and community development. With issues such as tax rates, economic growth, and environmental policies on the table, voters have a significant choice to make about the town’s future direction.

This election presents an opportunity for residents to shape how Blackstone balances growth, fiscal responsibility, and community values. Be sure to research each candidate and cast your vote on April 7.

Election Day: April 7, 2025

Stay informed, stay engaged, and make your voice heard!