The Herald News values reader opinions and encourages submissions in a variety of formats. One of them – Community Voices – capitalizes upon our local legion of experts in diverse arenas. Publishing on Saturdays, our impressive corps of writers take turns weighing in on topical subjects. 

If you’d like to join our essayists and become a regular contributor to our Opinion pages, or you know someone who would, please contact Editorial Page Editor Patrick Luce at 508-676-2538 to discuss your area of expertise. Meanwhile, meet our Community Voices:

Michael F. Arruda is a fire inspector for the city of Fall River. 

Nicholas M. Christ is the president and CEO of Citizens-Union Savings Bank in Fall River.

Jenny DiBlasi is executive director of United Neighbors of Fall River, a non-profit organization dedicated to building safe, healthy communities.

Roland Hebert is transportation manager for the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District.

Edward M. Lambert Jr. is the director of the Urban Initiative at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and former mayor of the city of Fall River.

Joe Marshall is a certified financial consultant and owner of J. Marshall Associates in Fall River.

Charlie Moran is chairman of the Tiverton, R.I. Democratic Town Committee.

Juli Parker is the director of the Women's Resource Center at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a professor of women's studies.

Roland Proulx is a retired officer from the Fall River Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Unit and an accident reconstructionist.

Linda Rapoza is a Republican State Committee member and chairwoman of the Fall River Republican City Committee.

The New Herald News