The Town Collector and Treasurer position in Halifax is currently vacant. A special election will be held on Saturday, July 30 at the Halifax Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to fill the position.
One of the candidates for the open seat is the current Assistant Collector Linda McCarthy. McCarthy describes herself as a lifelong resident of Halifax where she was raised by her parents alongside her four siblings. She attended Silver Lake Regional High School and is now married with two children. McCarthy said that she stayed home with her children while they were young. “When it came time for my youngest to start school, it was the first year that kindergarten was a full day. Part-time paraprofessionals were needed, and I thought what a better time to reenter the workforce. That paraprofessional job started my journey working for the town,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy earned an Associates Degree in Science with Certification of Completion specializing in Clerical Skills from Massasoit Community College. “I worked for many years for two different real estate attorneys specializing in foreclosures and real estate closings,” McCarthy explained. She continued, “I have knowledge of many aspects of the foreclosure process such as the preparation and recording of pertinent documentation in a timely manner. I have prepared documents for closings whether it be for a sale, a purchase, or a refinance of a home or property. Most importantly, the disclosure statement which consists of all the figures involved in the individual closing. I also have experience in reading title examinations.”
McCarthy said that following her seven years of experience as a paraprofessional in the school, she took on the role of administrative assistant at the Collector’s Office in Town Hall. “When I was offered the position, it was an easy transition. I worked my way up to Assistant Collector and have held that position for nine years,” she said. McCarthy said that her myriad of responsibilities include printing and mailing out all bills and taking in and processing the bills, abatements, and refunds as needed. “I work closely with many different departments, the Assessors, the Accountants, Water and Fire Department, Building Department… as well as the Deputy Collector,” McCarthy explained. Since holding the position, she attended necessary classes to become a certified collector.
“I also have knowledge in many aspects of the Treasurer’s Department including departmental turnovers, payroll, entering new employees; with the vast amount of experience and knowledge I’ve acquired being the assistant tax collector, I feel I am the most qualified candidate for this position, and I am ready to assume any and all new responsibilities,” McCarthy said.
The other candidate for the seat is Karen Fava. Fava has been a resident of Halifax for the last 28 years where she raised her two daughters with her husband Joseph. Fava now has five grandchildren, two of whom attend Halifax Elementary School and are active in town sports. “My 40 years’ experience includes working in the real estate, finance, and mortgage lending industry,” she explained. Fava continued, “While working in the private sector I held various positions that allowed me to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to advance as a successful leader; positions that I’ve held include real estate broker, senior mortgage processor, mortgage underwriter, loan originator, real estate escrow analyst, mortgage servicing specialist, national training manager, and national processing manager.”
Fava spent several years as a member of the Halifax Finance Committee. “I had the pleasure to work closely with all departments, department heads, and was the liaison to the Board of Selectmen, Police, Fire, Capital Planning, and Wage and Personnel,” she explained. Fava continued, “As a member of the Finance Committee, I had the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge of the complexities in preparing a balanced budget for Town Meeting. I’m creative, focused, driven, detail oriented, organized, have great time management skills, and understand the importance of meeting deadlines and can successfully manage a team.” Fava said that her experience includes understanding of the foreclosure process, tax liens, accounts payable and receivable, finance, audit, and research. “I’ve been instrumental in bringing new ideas to improve current processes for companies and excel at problem solving,” Fava said.
Fava, who said her passion is to help people and stay active in the community, has completed several management training courses, and is certified as a life coach. Additionally, she has passed the nationwide multi-state licensing exam for loan originators. Fava also volunteered for the H.U.G.S. Organization out of East Bridgewater which assists victims of domestic violence.
Asked why she is running, Fava said, “The experience I’ve gained over the years has prepared me with the knowledge and judgment necessary to successfully handle the complex financial responsibilities as Treasurer/Collector.” Fava said, “During this campaign, I did a little research and I discovered as of June 22, 2022, there were 71 Halifax properties in tax title totaling $635,868; another $153,169 that were delinquent for 2021 taxes. We need a solution for this issue because the non-delinquent taxpayers, pay more to offset delinquency not being paid by others.” Fava said that she will “always put the taxpayers of Halifax first.” She also asked that residents “vote for change you can count on.”