Two candidates square off in Ward 7 race
By Doug Grindle Community Reporter

Marlborough - At least two candidates will be out campaigning this summer for City Council Ward 7, as incumbent councilor Richard Towle retires after the end of his current term.

One candidate already is. Ralph Belmore said he goes out every day after work to get the message out.

"I've been doing it every night of the week - that's the name of the game. That's knocking on doors and meeting people," Belmore said.

He has already collected 150 signatures to get on the ballot, he said, and 50 names are needed.

Don Landers is also running for Ward 7 councilor. Getting out and talking to voters will be a major part of his campaign, he said.

"I will go door to door," Landers said.

He expects to get well above the 50 required signatures, he said.

"I have about half of them right now," he added.

Landers said he will focus on the major issues at play in Marlborough in his campaign. That means supporting the wastewater treatment plant upgrades. He points to his background as assistant superintendent of schools for knowing how to assess and supervise large projects.

"I know what it's like to run a big business," Landers said.

For a number of years he was responsible for drawing up the budget for the school district.

Belmore said the city needs to look for additional grant money for the wastewater treatment plants. He said he wants to see the city improve the infrastructure in the city. Roads, bridges and buildings need to be improved to help the city grow.

"Let's put some improvements in certain areas," he said.

The city also needs to do more to collect delinquent taxes, Belmore said.

"This delinquency only adds to the burden, [and] good citizens end up paying more than their fair share," he said.

Illegal immigration is "a major concern to this community," Belmore said. "Legal is fine when you come in the right way. Illegal is what the word means: illegal, period."

In campaign documents, Belmore suggested taking a hard line with illegal immigrants.

"If you think we are progressing, allowing illegals to take up residence, then you better get yourself an eye exam. Look around, sir, and see the devastation taking place in many neighborhoods," Belmore wrote in an opinion piece, distributed as part of the campaign, that takes issue with a softer line.

Landers said illegal immigration is a concern.

"Whenever someone's doing something illegal, I can't turn my head on it," Landers said.

He added he does not want the city to be uninviting for legal immigrants.

"That's what I'm concerned about, is that unfriendly environment. We're all human," Landers said. "But it's when they violate the laws that you have to do something about it."

The primary failure is at the state and federal level, Landers said.

Both candidates said it is important to support businesses in the city to help increase the number of jobs. Landers points to his background as the past chair of the Chamber of Commerce. He also worked closely with businesses as part of his duties with the school district.

Belmore said he supports businesses in the recent push to change the way signs are regulated in the city. Belmore said businesses need adequate signs to flourish.

The candidates have until Friday Aug. 24 to submit their signatures. If a third candidate jumps into the race, there would be a primary in September.

Both candidates said they plan to be on the streets and at community events all summer.