MassVoter.com← Kingston Board of Selectmen
Kingston Member
Joseph Cunningham Jr.
Elected townwide · 1 term in this record
Joe Cunningham; Joseph Paul Cunningham Jr.
A monthly email on how they voted, starting in November.
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Start my ballot →Record at a glance · 2026–2027 Board
On split votes, Cunningham voted the same way as…
- Melissa Bateman100% (5 of 5)
- Sheila Vaughn100% (6 of 6)
- Carl L. Pike50% (3 of 6)
- Kimberley A. Emberg17% (1 of 6)
How these numbers work
- Counted from the official minutes, for 2026–2027 Board only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
- Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Cunningham as present or absent at the start.
- Only votes the minutes record member by member are counted. Voice votes and votes given only as a count (for example 6-3 with no names) are not.
- Percentages are shown only when there are at least 10 meetings or votes to count.
- A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no. “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes; ties are not counted.
- “Whole board” combines every member’s record for the same term.
These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote, an abstention or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates officials.
In the news
No recent stories found that name Joseph Cunningham Jr. in the headline or opening.
Stories that name Joseph Cunningham Jr. in the headline or opening, newest first, from 25 free news outlets (see the list). Headlines appear as each outlet published them; MassVoter does not write, choose or rate them. Only stories that are free to read are listed.
Disclosure: MassVoter’s founder, Michael Silvia, is the publisher of Fall River Reporter and New Bedford Guide.
Attendance
At the start of 6 of 6 Board of Selectmen meetings in 2026–2027 Board.
Missed none.
Every meeting (6)
- Aug 12, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jul 14, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jun 23, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jun 2, 2026 · Regular: Present
- May 28, 2026 · Regular: Present
- May 19, 2026 · Regular: Present
Votes where members disagreed · 2026–2027 Board
Aug 12Authorize the Town Clerk to post the September 1,…Motion: I move the Board of Selectmen authorize the Town Clerk to…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · Cunningham: Yes
August 12, 2026: Authorize the Town Clerk to post the September 1, 2026, State Primary Election Warrant.
I move the Board of Selectmen authorize the Town Clerk to post the September 1, 2026, State Primary Election Warrant.
Voted: Yes
No seconder recorded. The minutes give the count 5-0-0; it equals the members voting, so each is shown Y.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Pike, seconded by Mr. Cummingham and a 5-0-0 vote, by roll call VOTE: I move the Board of Selectmen authorize the Town Clerk to post the Septem.” (Motion: Pike) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Aug 12Approve the request to close West Avenue during the…Motion: I move the Board of Selectmen approve the request to close…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · Cunningham: Yes
August 12, 2026: Approve the request to close West Avenue during the hours of 3pm-11pm with the following condit...
I move the Board of Selectmen approve the request to close West Avenue during the hours of 3pm-11pm with the following conditions: • Contact the Police Department for a Police Detail • Pick up the barricades from the Highway Department on Friday the 18th • Ensure that emergency vehicles must have access at all times • Notify all abutting neighbors of the road closure
Voted: Yes
The minutes give the count 5-0-0; it equals the members voting, so each is shown Y.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Pike, seconded by Ms. Bateman and a 5-0-0 vote, by roll call VOTE: I move the Board of Selectmen approve the request to close West Avenue during the hours of 3pm-11pm with the following conditions: • Contact the Police Department for a Police Detail • Pick up the barricades from the Highway Department on Friday the 18th • Ensure that emergency vehicles must have access at all times • Notify a.” (Motion: Pike, second: Bateman) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Aug 12Authorize Police Chief Holmes to advertise and appoint a…Motion: I move the Board of Selectmen authorize Police Chief Holmes to…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · Cunningham: Yes
August 12, 2026: Authorize Police Chief Holmes to advertise and appoint a full-time clinician on behalf of the b...
I move the Board of Selectmen authorize Police Chief Holmes to advertise and appoint a full-time clinician on behalf of the board.
Voted: Yes
The minutes give the count 5-0-0; it equals the members voting, so each is shown Y.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Pike, seconded by Mr. Cunningham and a 5-0-0 vote, by roll call VOTE: I move the Board of Selectmen authorize Police Chief Holmes to advertise and appoint a.” (Motion: Pike, second: Cunningham) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Aug 12Authorize Police Chief Holmes to appoint per diem clinicians…Motion: I move the Board of Selectmen authorize Police Chief Holmes to…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · Cunningham: Yes
August 12, 2026: Authorize Police Chief Holmes to appoint per diem clinicians whenever there are less than 2 ful...
I move the Board of Selectmen authorize Police Chief Holmes to appoint per diem clinicians whenever there are less than 2 full-time clinicians in the office on a temporary basis.
Voted: Yes
The minutes give the count 5-0-0; it equals the members voting, so each is shown Y.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Pike, seconded by Mr. Cunningham and a 5-0-0 vote, by roll call VOTE: I move the Board of Selectmen authorize Police Chief Holmes to appoint per diem clinicians whenever there are less than 2 full-time cl.” (Motion: Pike, second: Cunningham) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Aug 12Approve the request for a one-day liquor licenses for…Motion: I move the Board of Selectmen approve the request for a…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · Cunningham: Yes
August 12, 2026: Approve the request for a one-day liquor licenses for Gears and Beers event for Forty Second Br...
I move the Board of Selectmen approve the request for a one-day liquor licenses for Gears and Beers event for Forty Second Brew Co for Friday, August 28th from 5-8pm and Saturday September 26th from 11-2pm at Jones River Storage, 26 Wapping Road contingent on receipt of liquor liability certificate.
Voted: Yes
The minutes give the count 5-0-0; it equals the members voting, so each is shown Y.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Pike, seconded by Mr. Cunningham and a 5-0-0 vote, by roll call VOTE: I move the Board of Selectmen approve the request for a one-day liquor licenses for Gears and Beers event for Forty Second Brew Co for Friday, August 28th from 5-8pm and Saturday September 26th from 11-2pm at Jones River Storage, 26 Wapping Road contingent.” (Motion: Pike, second: Cunningham) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Aug 12Approve the request for a one-day liquor license for…Motion: I move the Board of Selectmen approve the request for a…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · Cunningham: Yes
August 12, 2026: Approve the request for a one-day liquor license for the Kingston 300th Old Home Day for Forty ...
I move the Board of Selectmen approve the request for a one-day liquor license for the Kingston 300th Old Home Day for Forty Second Brew Co for Saturday, 19, 2026 with a rain date of September 26th from 4-8pm contingent on receipt of liquor liability certificate.
Voted: Yes
The minutes give the count 5-0-0; it equals the members voting, so each is shown Y.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Pike, seconded by Ms. Bateman and a 5-0-0 vote, by roll call VOTE: I move the Board of Selectmen approve the request for a one-day liquor license for the Kingston 300th Old Home Day for Forty Second Brew Co for Saturday, 19, 2026 with a rain date of September 26th from 4-8pm contingent on.” (Motion: Pike, second: Bateman) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Jul 14Approve the request from Mamma Carmela’s Inc to include…Motion: I move the Board of Selectmen to approve the request from…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · Cunningham: Yes
July 14, 2026: Approve the request from Mamma Carmela’s Inc to include the proposed outdoor dining area.
I move the Board of Selectmen to approve the request from Mamma Carmela’s Inc to include the proposed outdoor dining area.
Voted: Yes
The minutes give the count 4-0-0; it equals the members voting, so each is shown Y.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Pike, seconded by Mr. Cunningham and a 4-0-0 vote, VOTE: I move the Board of Selectmen to approve the request from Mamma Carmela’s Inc.” (Motion: Pike, second: Cunningham) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Jul 14Appoint Melissa McCleary to the position of Head of…Motion: I move the Board of Selectmen appoint Melissa McCleary to the…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · Cunningham: Yes
July 14, 2026: Appoint Melissa McCleary to the position of Head of Youth Services, a full time exempt, schedul...
I move the Board of Selectmen appoint Melissa McCleary to the position of Head of Youth Services, a full time exempt, schedule D-7, step 3 position with Wage and Personnel, with a start date of July 20, 2026, contingent with the terms in the offer letter.
Voted: Yes
The minutes give the count 4-0-0; it equals the members voting, so each is shown Y.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Pike, seconded by Ms. Vaughn and a 4-0-0 vote, VOTE: I move the Board of Selectmen appoint Melissa McCleary to the position of Head of Youth Services, a full time exempt, schedule D-7, step 3 position with Wage and Personnel, with a start date of July 20, 2026, contin.” (Motion: Pike, second: Vaughn) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Jul 14Appoint A. Rachel Raasch to the position of Assistant…Motion: I move the Board of Selectmen appoint A. Rachel Raasch to…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · Cunningham: Yes
July 14, 2026: Appoint A. Rachel Raasch to the position of Assistant Tax Collector, a full time nonexempt, gra...
I move the Board of Selectmen appoint A. Rachel Raasch to the position of Assistant Tax Collector, a full time nonexempt, grade 5, step 7 position within KTEU, with a start date of July 27, 2026, contingent with the terms in the offer letter.
Voted: Yes
The minutes give the count 4-0-0; it equals the members voting, so each is shown Y.
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Vaughn, seconded by Mr. Pike and a 4-0-0 vote, VOTE: I move the Board of Selectmen appoint A. Rachel Raasch to the position of Assistant Tax Collector, a full time nonexempt, grade 5, step 7 position within KTEU, with a start date of July 27, 2026, contin.” (Motion: Vaughn, second: Pike) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Jul 14Appoint Tracey Hewins to the position of Administrative Assistant…Motion: I move the Board of Selectmen appoint Tracey Hewins to the…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · Cunningham: Yes
July 14, 2026: Appoint Tracey Hewins to the position of Administrative Assistant with the Veterans Services Di...
I move the Board of Selectmen appoint Tracey Hewins to the position of Administrative Assistant with the Veterans Services District a grade 2, step 8 nonexempt position within KTEU, with a start date of July 20, 2026 contingent with the terms in the offer letter.
Voted: Yes
The minutes give the count 4-0-0; it equals the members voting, so each is shown Y.
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Vaughn, seconded by Mr. Pike and a 4-0-0 vote, VOTE: I move the Board of Selectmen appoint Tracey Hewins to the position of Administrative Assistant with the Veterans Services District a grade 2, step 8 nonexempt position within KTEU, with a start date of July 20, 2026 contin.” (Motion: Vaughn, second: Pike) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
From the Kingston Board of Selectmen’s official minutes, posted in the town’s meeting portal and older Agenda Center. We check every count against the members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Kimberley Emberg from the Town of Kingston 2023 Annual Town Report (captioned group photo); Sheila Vaughn and Joseph Cunningham Jr. from The Local Seen candidate videos (2026). Melissa Bateman from The Local Seen video of the June 2, 2026 Board of Selectmen meeting (identified by the nameplate in front of each member). Carl Pike shows initials for now. Former members show initials.
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