Joseph Ashley said he represents the future of Wareham. The nineteen-year-old college student said he is running for the position of Deputy Moderator because he loves the Town of Wareham and hopes his candidacy will encourage more young people to take part in local government.

“I believe my youthfulness is an asset to this position,” he told attendees of the Onset Protective League's Candidates Night on March 24. “I may be young, but young people in history have done amazing things."

This is Ashley's first run for political office, but he is no stranger to town government. He has attended Town Meeting for the past five years, he said. Ashley considers himself a student of the forum.

“The Town Meeting process provides a unique experience,” he explained. “It allows voters to play an active role in government ... Town Meeting allows for the development of ideas ... it’s the the purest form of democracy.”

Ashley has lived in East Wareham since the age of two with his mother Donna, father Anthony, and the family's three dogs. He is a graduate of Wareham High School and is currently a full-time student at Massasoit Community College, where he is majoring in criminal justice. For the past three years, Ashley has worked busing tables at Red Robin in Wareham Crossing.

While in high school, Ashley was named Color Guard Commander. In that role he was responsible for supervising drills, leading the team in competition, and was entrusted with formulating a guide that outlined procedures for each practice. Ashley said he was able to develop the guide by evaluating the input he received from his teammates.

Ashley said he gained experience in presenting to an audience while in high school. He acted as the school’s weatherman during its morning news program. He also sang solos in church and school. These activities, he said, have given him the confidence to speak in public and moderate a meeting.

"I believe the best leader is often times the best listener. ... I am the person that listens," Ashley said. "That is why I am the right person to be Deputy Moderator of Wareham."