Politics & Government

Mayoral Candidates Give Their Priorities

The three individuals running for mayor of Marlborough sat down with the Marlborough Chamber and WMCT on Thursday evening.

Hosted by the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce president Susanne Morreale-Leeber, the WMCT forum pegged the candidates on several issues during a 40 minute conversation. The focus of the forum was primarily on what each candidate hoped to accomplish if he were elected to the office. While there was some back-and-forth between the candidates, a civil and positive tone was maintained throughout. 

Below are the administration priorities given by each candidate should they be elected: 

James Mosso:

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1. The Fire Department needs a contract. Despite whatever is going on between the mayor and the Fire Department union now, it is essential to get this problem solved. We cannot be taking equipment out of service or ever shut down stations.

2. I want to make the atmosphere at City Hall change. There is tension with the Hall and the Mayor right now and it radiates out. We need to come together and work together. We can't let this happen because residents pick up on it. Bringing City Hall together and working as team is very important. 

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3. Working on our streets and sidewalks is my other priority. There are roads in some areas in Marlborough that could take your front end off.

Arthur Vigeant:

1. The schools are my first priority. We have a new superintendent and a fantastic school committee. We are in great shape and poised to move forward. Dr. Pope is making big changes and change is never comfortable, but he's doing good job with it. We have a lot of schools in Marlborough and I want to bring the leaders of schools together and talk about educating our kids to the best of their abilities using the resources we have and then build on it. Then we can educate to the best of our ability.

2. Quality of life issues are my second priority. The beach project and moving it forward is important, as is the Ward Park project. We talked about the senior center and library, and we need to move those projects forward. To pay for all of this we have to fill our industrial park. Working with and master plan and the MEDC (Marlborough Economic Development Corporation), the City Council and the Mayor is how we have to move these things forward.

Matthew Jones:

1. Safety and security is my number one priority. Police, fire and public works are key. We recently read about the shutdown of Fire Station 3 and a fire truck has been pulled out of service. Every ounce of energy must be spent making sure these key services are in place. This has to happen so no more engines are pulled out of service.

2. The public schools are excellent with room for improvement. Bringing the 8th grade down to the middle school and 4th grade down to the primary school was a great idea. Also, class sizes need to be looked at and we need to find ways to bring the money into the classroom where students are educated. 

 

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