Meet Mayor Shaunna O'Connell
Shaunna is a Taunton native proudly raising her family in her hometown. She has been married to her husband, Ted, for 18 years, and their greatest joy is raising their two children, Ashton and Riley.
Nothing has ever been handed to Shaunna. Her parents divorced at an early age. Her family ended up on housing assistance to make ends meet. Shaunna left high school and eventually ended up working two jobs to earn enough money to put herself through college. She spent many years working in the Food Service Department at Morton Hospital, where she was quickly promoted to department supervisor. Upon graduation from college, O’Connell immediately became self-employed as a professional freelance court reporter and has worked in many different areas of the legal system for the past 15 years.
In 2010 Shaunna ran for the Massachusetts House of Representatives and successfully defeated an 18 year incumbent. Since being elected State Representative, she has distinguished herself as a hardworking and determined leader and fiscal watchdog for the people she represents.
Shaunna has been the leader in fighting for welfare reforms. Due to her persistence, the Commonwealth has saved millions of dollars in stopping fraud. She has also been leading the fight for transparency within the MBTA pension fund and stopping illegal immigrants from getting state housing assistance.
Shaunna is a strong advocate for the veterans and has passed legislation helping to honor their memory.
Wanting to put people back to work, Shaunna established the Small Business Caucus and drafted the Small Business Bill of Rights.
As a lifelong resident of Taunton, Shaunna has put in the long hours to help the district. She has successfully advocated to keep Taunton State Hospital open and for more local aid. Going beyond the call of duty, Shaunna established the S.A.F.E. Kids Fun Day program to teach parents and children about public safety. Shaunna also mentors at-risk high school girls.
Her community service includes being a Board Member of the Taunton YMCA and the Grand Old Party Woman's Advisory Board; a volunteer for Taunton Emergency Management Agency; a Sunday School teacher and Missions Committee member at West Congregational. Shaunna also wrote the Safe Church Policy for her church and started the West Church Community Outreach Program. In 2006 she was recognized as Woman of the Year for the church.
Taunton Is The Home Of Opportunities
Whether you know Taunton as the "Silver City" or "Christmas City" you already know that it is the home to families, it is the home of PRIDE, it is the home of the working class and it is the home of one of the oldest small towns in America. More important, Taunton is the home of OPPORTUNITY!
Mayor Shaunna O'Connell
Inaugural Address
"I am deeply honored to take the oath to faithfully serve as your Mayor..."
Our Best Years To Come
Taunton Home Town Pride
"I want to create a roadmap for the future success of Taunton..."
