As the election draws closer, Wareham Fire District candidates are opening up about their run for office.

On the ballot is a single three-year term on the Prudential Committee and a single three-year term on the Board of Water Commissioners.

Prudential Committee candidates introduced themselves and spoke about their candidacy Wednesday, April 6, during the Wareham Fire District's annual Candidates Night.

Despite a modest turnout, Prudential Committee hopefuls Richard "Rick" England and Kenneth Baptiste spoke passionately about their candidacies.

Also on the ballot is an open seat on the Board of Water Commissioners. Although he did not attend candidates night, John English is running a write-in campaign for his sixth term on the board.

The Wareham Fire District will hold its election on Saturday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wareham Water Department, located at 2550 Cranberry Highway.

But before you head to the polls, here is a recap of candidates backgrounds to get you acquainted with the hopefuls.

Kenneth Baptiste

This is incumbent committee member Baptiste's third run for Prudential Committee.  He is currently serving his second consecutive term.  Baptiste said he is running to continue the work he has helped the committee initiate during the past six years.

"We have done a lot... but, we still have work to do," Baptiste said. He noted the committee is currently working on a plan to update Wareham Fire Department equipment, including purchasing a new fire engine.

Baptiste said building and equipment maintenance are the biggest areas of concern for the committee.

"I want to see [firefighters] protected," he said. "I want them to be safe by having he proper equipment."

During Baptiste's time on the committee, the group has been credited with updating equipment and establishing stronger relationships with neighboring towns. The fire department regularly assists other fire departments.

"I want to see things keep going forward," he said.

Baptiste is a life-long Wareham resident who worked as a call firefighter for the Wareham Fire Department for 34 years.

"My heart is with the Fire Department. My heart is with this town," Baptiste said.

For 21 years, Baptiste has also served as a member of the Conservation Commission.

Rick England

This is England's first time running for an elected position. The life-long Wareham resident said he wants to give back to the community.

England has more than 28 years of business experience. He is the owner of England Insurance and the co-owner Legacy Insurance in Wareham. England said his management role has taught him how to work collectively with others and make sound financial decisions.

"The Wareham Fire District is a business," he said. "I feel my 28 years of experience is something that I can bring to the table."

England said he has been attending Prudential Committee meetings to prepare for the job in the event he's elected. He also has met with Fire Chief Robert McDuffy to discuss budgetary matters and other issues the committee faces.

"I'm dedicated to putting time into learning this job," he stated.

England said the condition of Wareham Fire District facilities and vehicle repairs are the biggest issues the committee needs to address. He added fostering relationships with other boards and committees will facilitate that process.

"We need to maintain the fire and water departments without costing the taxpayers," he said. "We can accomplish that by working together."

If elected, England said he would regularly attend meetings of the Board of Water Commissioners.

John English

Incumbent John English is running for his sixth term on the Board of Water Commissioners.

The life-long Wareham resident is running a sticker campaign to fill a single vacant seat on the board in this year’s Wareham Fire District election.

He has served five non-consecutive terms, and said he is running again because he feels passionately about the commissioner’s work.

“I like the job... And, I know the system,” English said.

English has been in the water business for more than 20 years. He was the owner of a water works specialist company, John D. English Inc., before accepting the position of Pump Station Manager at the Bourne Water District in September.