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ISSUES

A Voice and a Listening Ear for All of Taunton 

I’m running to be a voice for every neighborhood, every family, and every resident of Taunton and just as importantly, a listening ear. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the city, your voice matters. I believe that local government should reflect the people it serves. That means showing up, hearing concerns, and taking action not just during election season, but every day. My door will always be open, and I will always be here to listen, learn, and lead with you.

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Councilor Phillip Duarte, candidate for City Council Evan Francis, and State Rep. Lisa Field

Working Together

Taunton deserves leaders who listen, act, and deliver. The best way to do that is by working together. Real change happens when we bring everyone to the table residents, businesses, nonprofits, and city departments. I’m committed to bridging divides and making space for all voices, regardless of political beliefs. A good idea is a good idea, whether it comes from the left, right, or anywhere in between.

Fiscal Responsibility

Keeping a healthy, functioning city starts with fiscal responsibility. My top priority is ensuring your hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely, efficiently, and with long-term stability in mind. Running a city isn’t cheap, but with a smart and proactive approach, we can maintain strong city services without overburdening taxpayers.

Taunton City Hall Building
Serendipity Book Store grand opening

Economic & Business Revitalization

Taunton's industrial and commercial centers are essential to our economic future. We must be a business-friendly city that welcomes innovation, supports small businesses, and provides the tools entrepreneurs need to succeed. Economic growth should benefit the entire community, from the downtown core to the outskirts.

Improving Downtown, Whittenton &
the Weir Village

Our downtown and village centers have made great strides, but we can do more. I’ll support efforts to attract new businesses, invest in public spaces, and create more housing options that bring vibrancy to these historic neighborhoods. A thriving city starts with strong, safe, walkable, and welcoming districts.

water fountain with lights at dusk
Evan Francis standing beside yellow trash bags along the side of the road

Keeping Taunton Clean 

Taunton, like many cities, has its fair share of littered sidewalks and culverts. Especially on our high traveled streets. Creating a welcoming city by keeping our streets clean is one of my top priorities. I am committed to supporting programs and initiatives to keep our city streets, parks and open spaces clean for all to enjoy. I’ll champion programs that address litter, illegal dumping, and blight, and I’ll work to improve trash and recycling services so every neighborhood feels cared for.

Transparency

Today more than ever, residents deserve transparency in government. I believe in open communication, accessible information, and clear accountability. Whether it’s the city budget, infrastructure projects, or public hearings, I’ll work to make local government more open and easier to understand.

Old Colony and American Flag
Taunton Fire Station

Public Safety

Our police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel put themselves on the line every day to keep us safe. I’m proud to support them 100%. That means making sure they have the resources, staffing, and training they need—while also building strong relationships between public safety departments and the communities they serve.

Education

Strong public schools are the backbone of any successful city. I’ll be an advocate for students, teachers, and families; working to ensure our schools have the funding, facilities, and support they need to thrive. Education is an investment in the next generation of Tauntonians and our future. I will make an effort to work side by side with the Taunton School Committee to curate a strong partnership in making our schools better.

Evan Francis speaking to a school administrator at Taunton Public Schools
Group photo of Evan Francis with members of the Taunton City Council

Housing

Every resident deserves access to safe, affordable housing. We must work to expand housing options across the city while protecting the character of our neighborhoods. That includes supporting responsible development, streamlining permitting, and finding solutions to prevent displacement.

Improving Public Services

Taunton has some of the best city services in the state, but there is always room for improvement. From trash pickup to road repair, residents deserve reliable public services. I’ll fight for more efficient operations, faster response times, and better customer service across all departments. 

Evan Francis standing next to a "Vote Here" sign
Taunton River

Sustainability

A healthier future for Taunton starts with protecting our environment. I support sustainable building practices, clean energy initiatives, and investments that prepare our city for climate resilience. Smart sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for our economy and quality of life.

Supporting our Veterans

Taunton is a proud home to many veterans who have served our country with honor. We owe them more than just thanks, we owe them action. I’ll work to ensure veterans in our city have access to housing, job opportunities, health services, and the respect they’ve earned. Our veterans deserve all we can give them because they sacrificed so much for our freedom. 

Orange tulips in spring with the Taunton City Hall in the background
Evan Francis standing next to a brightly colored painted window of balloons

Supporting the Next Generation of Tauntonians

Taunton’s students and young people are our future and our greatest asset. I want every young person growing up here to see a future for themselves right here in Taunton. That starts with giving them a strong foundation, great schools, access to good jobs, affordable housing, and opportunities to get involved in their community. I’m committed to making Taunton a city where young people can not only grow up but also choose to stay, build their lives, and lead the way forward.

Opioid Epidemic and Homelessness

I am incredibly supportive of expanding local recovery programs, mental health services, and shelter resources to tackle the opioid crisis and homelessness head-on. I believe in working with nonprofits, first responders, and healthcare providers to ensure that help is available when and where it’s needed most.

Taunton Superior Court House
State Rep Carol Doherty and Evan Francis

Supporting our Seniors

Our seniors are the foundation of our community. They built our great city and continue to be a huge contributor to our success. I’m committed to expanding access to senior services, improving transportation options, and ensuring that older residents can live safely, comfortably, and independently in Taunton.

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