Marlborough City Council Candidates: Ward 5

Q: What is your experience, if any, in public office?

A: I am a political newcomer with over 10 years of experience in municipal government.

Q: What qualifies you, personally or professionally, to serve on the council? 

A: Having more than 10 years experience in municipal government with a strong desire to lead. The joy of working with people to make a difference.

Q: What is the most significant issue facing the city of Marlborough? Please choose one issue, not several, and elaborate in your answer. Please also explain what you think should be done to address the issue. 

A: The city’s economic development. Make investments in the appeal and attractiveness of the city. Create a strong environment for business and industrial growth. Continue to fund road work and infrastructure projects.

Q: What do you think should be done to revitalize downtown Marlborough? 

A: Embrace what downtown has to offer with its ease of walking, biking and dining restaurants. Showcasing a rich historical downtown as the centerpiece to attracting business.

Q: How long have you lived in Marlborough? What is your occupation and age?

A: I have lived in Marlborough for more than 20 years, all of that time has been in Ward 5. Employed as an analyst for the town of Sudbury in the Assessor’s Office. I am 50 years old.

Carlos Valadares

Q: Why do you want to serve on the Marlborough City Council?

A: I have lived in the city for 15 years and feel very welcome and supported. So now I want to give back. While I will be glad to be there for everyone, I think I can be a special voice for the seniors — helping them stay in their homes — and those who may not always feel they are included, like those who live on French Hill.

Q: What is your experience, if any, in public office?

A: I don’t have any experience in public office, but I have experience as a small businessman and also as a community leader. I like doing outreach and learning about the needs of people, so that I can help them solve their problems. I learned a lot about outreach while working as Outreach Coordinator for the Boy Scouts of America, in Framingham.

Q: What qualifies you, personally or professionally, to serve on the council?

A: What qualifies me, most of all, is my passion to help others. When I created the Brazilian Children’s Foundation, I had to discover on my own how to make it go. And as I learned to fund-raise and tell the story of the children who needed support, I realized this was the way a lot of things get done: with passion and love.

Q: What is the most significant issue facing the city of Marlborough? Please choose one issue, not several, and elaborate in your answer. Please also explain what you think should be done to address the issue.

A: The most pressing issue for me is to help the people of French Hill. We all pay taxes but that seems to be an area that is not as cared for as others in town. I want to work to make Stevens Park and Ward Park areas that make us all proud. The children need good places to enjoy and those parks should look like Ghilone Park. If the city doesn’t have resources, we need to look for help from the Commonwealth as well as private donations from businesses.

Q: What do you think should be done to revitalize downtown Marlborough?

A: In my view, we need to bring more culture to downtown Marlborough, so that we can invite people of all ages and backgrounds to join in. I envision many more art exhibits and year-round opportunities for all, including classes of English as a Second Language and cultural activities for children and adolescents. Inviting the new immigrants to share their culture would be a great way to encourage new businesses in town.

Q: How long have you lived in Marlborough? What is your occupation and age?

A: I have lived in Marlborough for 15 years. My occupation is small business owner of a painting and construction company. I am 54 years old.