Meet the Candidates

Join us on August 25th, just prior to the September 3rd Primaries

After a short summer break we’re back at it with more Sundays @the Barn. On August 25th we will hear from three candidates vying for State Representative and one for State Senate.1 Let’s plan to start gathering around 3:30 – 3:45 so you can speak with them one-on-one and then we’ll start the discussion around 4:00. Format will be similar to the what we did with Frank Mand and Tim Bennett – short intro and then open it up for Q&A.

Michelle Badger (Running for Representative)

Michelle, a proud Plymouth South High School and Sweet Briar College alumna, holds dual master’s degrees in public administration and political science from Suffolk University. With over 18 years of expertise in fundraising and alumni relations, she currently serves as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Massasoit Community College.

Returning to Plymouth in 2008, Michelle quickly immersed herself in her community. Elected to the School Committee in 2011, she is currently in her fifth term andis currently the chair of the committee for the second year. Michelle has participated in construction of two state of the art high schools, pioneering district-wide solar initiatives, and championing initiatives such as full-day kindergarten, revamping the Elementary Health Curriculum, and a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the system.

Known for her collaborative approach, Michelle values community engagement, actively seeking input to improve educational outcomes and address broader community issues. Her priorities will encompass advocating for housing affordability through legislative efforts that benefit lifelong residents and newcomers alike. She is committed to securing resources across key sectors like education, senior care, public safety, environmental sustainability, transportation, mental health, and other community needs.

Michelle’s campaign embodies her commitment to Plymouth’s future, driven by her belief that collective prosperity is achieved through empowering others. She pledges to foster sustainable economic growth by partnering with local leaders and supporting initiatives that strengthen Plymouth’s community fabric. Her vision centers on listening to residents, understanding their concerns, and collaboratively shaping a resilient and inclusive Plymouth for all.

Art Desloges (Running for Representative)

Art is an active member on many civic committees and legislative advocacy groups dedicated to developing public policy that improves the lives of everyday people.

Art served in the Peace Corps as a high school teacher in Ghana, West Africa. After receiving an MBA, he became a senior executive at Citibank. Art is credited with changing many industry standards that benefited millions of consumers. 

He and his wife moved to Plymouth in 2011. Following the tragic loss of his family, Art dedicated himself to public service and spent two years interning in the Statehouse.  He is an elected member of the MA Sierra Club Executive Committee, member of the Town Master Plan Committee, a Town Meeting Member, Board Member of Child & Family Services, and board member on many other civic groups. 

Art earned an MBA at Boston College, a Masters in Law and International Diplomacy from the Fletcher School, and is a candidate for a Masters degree in Public Policy at Tufts University.

Representative Dylan Fernandes (Running for Senate)

Dylan has served in the legislature since 2017 where he has focused on combating climate change, advancing housing that people can afford, and addressing the opioid epidemic and mental health. He serves as the Vice Chair of the Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources, and has seats on the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy, and the Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change.

31 of his bills have been signed into law, he has passed dozens more amendments, and has secured tens of millions of dollars in funding for the district. First elected at 26, Fernandes was the second-youngest legislator serving in the Massachusetts House in his inaugural session. In his 7 years as State Representative, he has been a champion for working people, the environment, and making Massachusetts a more affordable place to live for middle and low income people. An unwavering advocate for clean air and water, Fernandes believes strongly in holding Holtec responsible for environmental and public health negligence.

Dylan served as Maura Healey’s political director on her campaign for Attorney General and worked in the Attorney General’s Office fighting discrimination in the Civil Rights Division and later serving as digital director for the office. A fourth generation Cape & Islands resident and the son of two small business owners, his great grandparents immigrated to the United States from the Azores before settling in Falmouth to work as strawberry farmers. Dylan earned his bachelor’s degree with a double major in Economics and Political Science from the College of Charleston and a Master’s in Public Administration at Harvard where he was a Rappaport Scholar. Dylan will also be holding an event on Wednesday, August 14th 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM at the Plymouth Yacht Club with Governor Maura Healey & Hon. Terry Murray & Senator Su Moran.

Scott Hokanson (Running for Representative)

Before my company employed over 25 employees here in Plymouth, I was unemployed and paid for my medical bills with MassHealth. My kids came home on Fridays with a backpack of food, and we paid for our groceries with food assistance. I am running for State Representative for the same reason I have volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club, Pilgrim Hall Museum, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and the Coalition for the Homeless for over 25 years, to give back to Plymouth and help our neighbors.

With your support I will bring people together, listen to everyone and achieve real results as your State Representative.

My key focuses are Supporting Students finding multiple paths for success, Protecting our Environment and Helping our Seniors with a focus on affordable housing and health insurance expenses.


  1. The information provided by chiltonville.org is intended to be “a source of information to help keep the community apprised of issues and developments that could impact Chiltonville (and Plymouth)”. In that spirit, this website neither endorses nor rejects any of the candidates running for office who will be speaking at this event. The goal is to present unbiased information so you can make informed decisions. The selection of candidates presenting is based purely on their [earlier expressed] desire to present to the group. ↩︎

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