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Photo of Joseph E. Demers

Woburn Member

Joseph E. Demers

Ward 4 · 4 terms in this record

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Council terms

2026–2027 Council2024–2025 Council2022–2023 Council2020–2021 Council
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

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Record at a glance · 2024–2025 Council

42 of 43meetings attended (98%) · whole council 96%
425votes cast by name (yes, no or abstain)
1no votes (<1% of votes cast) · whole council <1%
0 of 13split votes where Demers was in the minority (0%) · whole council 22%
0abstained
4terms in this record

On split votes, Demers voted the same way as…

How these numbers work
  • Counted from the official minutes, for 2024–2025 Council only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
  • Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Demers 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 council” 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 E. Demers in the headline or opening.

Stories that name Joseph E. Demers 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 42 of 43 City Council meetings in 2024–2025 Council.

Missed

Every meeting (43)

Votes where councilors disagreed · 2024–2025 Council

Dec 2A residential factor of 0.74724004 (which will be rounded…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that a RESIDENTIAL FACTOR OF 0.74724004 (which…Passed 1–0 · Demers: Not recorded

December 2, 2025: A residential factor of 0.74724004 (which will be rounded to 0.747241) for the fiscal year 2026 be adopted

ApprovePassed · 1–0

Motion made and 2nd that a RESIDENTIAL FACTOR OF 0.74724004 (which will be rounded to 0.747241) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BE ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Demers - Yes; DiMambro - Yes; Ferullo - Absent; Mercer-Bruen - Against; Pappalardo - Yes; Toro - Yes; Viola - Yes; Dillon - Yes. Motion Passes.

Yes: Mercer-BruenEach member who voted named the same choice (Against).

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that a RESIDENTIAL FACTOR OF 0.74724004 (which will be rounded to 0.747241) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BE ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Demers - Yes; DiMambro - Yes; Ferullo - Absent; Mercer-Bruen - Against; Pappalardo - Yes; Toro - Yes; Viola - Yes; Dillon - Yes. Motion Passes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Dec 2A residential factor of 0.74724004 (which will be rounded…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that a RESIDENTIAL FACTOR OF 0.74724004 (which…Passed 1–0 · Demers: Not recorded

December 2, 2025: A residential factor of 0.74724004 (which will be rounded to 0.747241) for the fiscal year 2026 be adopted

ApprovePassed · 1–0

Motion made and 2nd that a RESIDENTIAL FACTOR OF 0.74724004 (which will be rounded to 0.747241) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BE ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Demers - Yes; DiMambro - Yes; Ferullo - Absent; Mercer-Bruen - Against; Pappalardo - Yes; Toro - Yes; Viola - Yes; Dillon - Yes. Motion Passes.

Yes: Mercer-BruenEach member who voted named the same choice (Against).

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that a RESIDENTIAL FACTOR OF 0.74724004 (which will be rounded to 0.747241) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BE ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Demers - Yes; DiMambro - Yes; Ferullo - Absent; Mercer-Bruen - Against; Pappalardo - Yes; Toro - Yes; Viola - Yes; Dillon - Yes. Motion Passes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Sep 16The special permit be granted, subject to the conditions,…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT BE GRANTED, subject…Passed 8–0 · Demers: Yes

September 16, 2025: The special permit be granted, subject to the conditions, as amended, as follows: 1, The plans of record shall be the plans submitted July 24, 2025 prepared by Bohler Engineering…

Adopt orderPassed · 8–0

Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT BE GRANTED, subject to the conditions, as amended, as follows: 1, The plans of record shall be the plans submitted July 24, 2025 prepared by Bohler Engineering dated October 11, 2018 being Sheet C-4 (Site Plan) and C-11 (Lighting Plan); 2. All conditions of the prior special permits shall remain in full force and effect; 3. The Applicant shall install a bicycle rack near the restaurant entrance in a location that is reasonable, accessible to patrons, and does not interfere with building egress; 4. The Applicant shall revise and implement its pest management plan to require that all exterior rodent control stations located on the property utilize Terad³ rodenticide. The Applicant shall provide written confirmation from its licensed pest control contractor to the Building Department and Board of Health, verifying that the exterior stations have been updated accordingly. Ongoing compliance with this requirement shall be a continuing condition of this Special Permit; 5. The Applicant shall provide additional exterior trash receptacles on the property, in locations reasonably accessible to patrons and staff, in order to reduce litter and promote proper waste disposal. The number, size, and placement of receptacles shall be subject to the ongoing review and approval of the Building Commissioner (or other enforcing authority); 6. The Applicant shall monitor and empty exterior trash receptacles on a regular and intermittent basis throughout

Voted: Yes

Yes: Campbell, Demers, DiMambro, Dillon, Ferullo, Pappalardo, Toro, ViolaAbstained: Mercer-Bruen

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT BE GRANTED, subject to the conditions, as amended, as follows: 1, The plans of record shall be the plans submitted July 24, 2025 prepared by Bohler Engineering dated October 11, 2018 being Sheet C-4 (Site Plan) and C-11 (Lighting Plan); 2. All conditions of the prior special permits shall remain in full force and effect; 3. The Applicant shall install a bicycle rack near the restaurant entrance in a location that is reasonable, accessible to patrons, and does not interfere with building egress; 4. The Applicant shall revise and implement its pest management plan to require that all exterior rodent control stations located on the property utilize Terad³ rodenticide. The Applicant shall provide written confirmation from its licensed pest control contractor to the Building Department and Board of Health, verifying that the exterior stations have been updated accordingly. Ongoing compliance with this requirement shall be a continuing condition of this Special Permit; 5. The Applicant shall provide additional exterior trash receptacles on the property, in locations reasonably accessible to patrons and staff, in order to reduce litter and promote proper waste disposal. The number, size, and placement of receptacles shall be subject to the ongoing review and approval of the Building Commissioner (or other enforcing authority); 6. The Applicant shall monitor and empty exterior trash receptacles on a regular and intermittent basis throughout operating hours to prevent overflow. The Applicant shall also ensure that the property grounds remain free of litter and debris and are maintained in a clean and orderly condition at all times; and 7. Hours of operation for the interior of the restaurant shall be from 5am - 11pm all seven days a week. Hours of operation for the drive thru of the restaurant shall be from 5am - 2am all seven days a week, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Abstained)..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Jun 9Page 8 Law Department be approvedMotion: Motion made and 2nd that Page 8 Law Department be approved,…Passed 8–0 · Demers: Yes

June 9, 2025 (Special meeting): Page 8 Law Department be approved

ApprovePassed · 8–0

Motion made and 2nd that Page 8 Law Department be approved, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstained (Ferullo Abstained).

Voted: Yes

Yes: Campbell, Demers, DiMambro, Dillon, Mercer-Bruen, Pappalardo, Toro, ViolaAbstained: Ferullo

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that Page 8 Law Department be approved, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstained (Ferullo Abstained)..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jun 9Page 11 Human Resources Department be approvedMotion: Motion made and 2nd that Page 11 Human Resources Department be…Passed 8–0 · Demers: Yes

June 9, 2025 (Special meeting): Page 11 Human Resources Department be approved

ApprovePassed · 8–0

Motion made and 2nd that Page 11 Human Resources Department be approved, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstained (Ferullo Abstained).

Voted: Yes

Yes: Campbell, Demers, DiMambro, Dillon, Mercer-Bruen, Pappalardo, Toro, ViolaAbstained: Ferullo

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that Page 11 Human Resources Department be approved, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstained (Ferullo Abstained)..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jun 9Page 15 Planning Board/Community Development Department be approvedMotion: Motion made and 2nd that Page 15 Planning Board/Community Development Department…Passed 8–0 · Demers: Yes

June 9, 2025 (Special meeting): Page 15 Planning Board/Community Development Department be approved

ApprovePassed · 8–0

Motion made and 2nd that Page 15 Planning Board/Community Development Department be approved, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstained (Ferullo Abstained).

Voted: Yes

Yes: Campbell, Demers, DiMambro, Dillon, Mercer-Bruen, Pappalardo, Toro, ViolaAbstained: Ferullo

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that Page 15 Planning Board/Community Development Department be approved, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstained (Ferullo Abstained)..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jun 9Pages 18-23 Woburn Police Department be approvedMotion: Motion made and 2nd that Pages 18-23 Woburn Police Department be…Passed 8–0 · Demers: Yes

June 9, 2025 (Special meeting): Pages 18-23 Woburn Police Department be approved

ApprovePassed · 8–0

Motion made and 2nd that Pages 18-23 Woburn Police Department be approved, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstained (Dillon Abstained).

Voted: Yes

Yes: Campbell, Demers, DiMambro, Ferullo, Mercer-Bruen, Pappalardo, Toro, ViolaAbstained: Dillon

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that Pages 18-23 Woburn Police Department be approved, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstained (Dillon Abstained)..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jun 9Page 49 Board of Health - Rubbish Removal be…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that Page 49 Board of Health -…Passed 8–1 · Demers: Yes

June 9, 2025 (Special meeting): Page 49 Board of Health - Rubbish Removal be approved

ApprovePassed · 8–1

Motion made and 2nd that Page 49 Board of Health - Rubbish Removal be approved, 8 in favor, 1 opposed (Viola Opposed).

Voted: Yes

Yes: Campbell, Demers, DiMambro, Dillon, Ferullo, Mercer-Bruen, Pappalardo, ToroNo: Viola

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that Page 49 Board of Health - Rubbish Removal be approved, 8 in favor, 1 opposed (Viola Opposed)..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

May 20The order be adopted, as amended — On the…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER BE ADOPTED, AS AMENDED,…Passed 5–2 · Demers: Yes

May 20, 2025: The order be adopted, as amended — On the petition by President Dillon, per request of the Mayor, to amend the 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, by 1. adopting…

Adopt orderPassed · 5–2

Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER BE ADOPTED, AS AMENDED, ROLL CALL: Campbell - No; Demers - Yes; DiMambro - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Absent; Pappalardo - No; Toro - Absent; Viola - Yes; Dillon - Yes. Motion Passes.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Demers, DiMambro, Dillon, Ferullo, ViolaNo: Campbell, Pappalardo

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER BE ADOPTED, AS AMENDED, ROLL CALL: Campbell - No; Demers - Yes; DiMambro - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Absent; Pappalardo - No; Toro - Absent; Viola - Yes; Dillon - Yes. Motion Passes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 19 (PDF)

May 6The leave to withdraw without prejduce be grantedMotion: Motion made and 2nd that the LEAVE TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT PREJDUCE…Passed 5–4 · Demers: Yes

May 6, 2025: The leave to withdraw without prejduce be granted

ApprovePassed · 5–4

Motion made and 2nd that the LEAVE TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT PREJDUCE BE GRANTED, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Demers - Yes; DiMambro - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - No; Pappalardo - Yes; Toro - No; Viola - No; Dillon - No. Motion Passes.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Campbell, Demers, DiMambro, Ferullo, PappalardoNo: Dillon, Mercer-Bruen, Toro, Viola

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the LEAVE TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT PREJDUCE BE GRANTED, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Demers - Yes; DiMambro - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - No; Pappalardo - Yes; Toro - No; Viola - No; Dillon - No. Motion Passes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

Votes with no disagreement (401)

    From the Woburn City Council’s official journals (its minutes), posted on the city’s Minutes & Agendas page (City Council). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the city’s website has no councilor photos): Robert Toro, Joseph Demers (courtesy of each), Jeffrey Dillon, Lou DiMambro and Charles Viola from Woburn Patch (2019–2023); Yano Amara (December 31, 2025) and Darlene Mercer-Bruen (July 23, 2021, captioned group photo, cropped) from the Daily Times Chronicle; William Pappalardo and Robert Ferullo cropped from the Daily Times Chronicle’s captioned 2026 City Council photo (January 7, 2026). Former councilors show initials.

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