NORTHBOROUGH – Northborough is gearing up for its 2021 municipal elections on May 11. As voters get set to head to the polls, the Community Advocate has zeroed in on contested races for prominent bodies like Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, and School Committee.
The Community Advocate reached out to candidates who filed paperwork to appear on their town’s ballot and asked them to submit a personal statement as well as answers to three specific questions.
See those biographies and read extended questions and answers from Northborough Planning Board Candidate Anthony Ziton here…
See complete statements from other candidates…
PERSONAL BIO
I have been a Northborough resident for over 2 decades residing with my wife and two school-aged children. I have served on various Northborough boards since 2009. The reason I decided to run for Planning Board 3 years ago was due to the fact Northborough’s developable land was continually decreasing and I had a growing concern for how new and future development would impact Northborough and its resources. I believe in responsible development that is balanced with an eye on neighborhoods, safety, traffic impact, and the dangers of overburdening limited resources. You can find out more about me at https://reelectmartinekziton.wordpress.com/
QUESTIONS
What do you see as the most important issue(s) facing Northborough today?
Two hot topics are downtown revitalization and more recently, traffic issues, primarily on Bartlett, but also impacting other parts of town. Clinton, Marlborough, and Hudson have made great strides in improving their downtown districts and there is no reason why Northborough can’t find solutions to address traffic and improve our downtown. The current Planning Board has already engaged with Central Mass Regional Planning Commission (CRMPC) to help analyze traffic issues and obtain grants to fund studies that can be used as a springboard to future solutions. We have also advocated for an Economic Development Committee and recommended grants to fund downtown revitalization strategies as part of the Master Plan. Economic development is a crucial element that must be established to ensure future success in Northborough. The towns I mentioned above all have Economic Development Committees who actively work to attract desirable businesses to their towns and downtowns, and it’s working.
What will you bring to the Planning Board if elected
I have served on Northborough boards consistently since 2009. I started with the Earthworks Boards, and for the past 3 years, I have served the Planning Board, Community Preservation Committee, and most recently Open Space. I have a true passion for Northborough, the preservation of neighborhoods, and fostering new businesses that are harmonious with our community’s vision. If re-elected, I also want to have a particular focus on working more closely with the seniors in Northborough to better understand their specific concerns and needs while continuing to advocate for seniors as the Master Plan Implementation Committee takes shape. In summary, I’m approachable, accessible, and I want to be considered a voice to all residents. I commit to upholding the bylaws and representing residents and businesses alike in working toward the betterment of Northborough.
Is there anything else you want voters to know about you as a candidate?
As I have said many times during my tenure on the Planning Board, I believe the heart of Northborough is its great many neighborhoods. Some of the older neighborhoods are the closest thing we have left to affordable housing. For many, it’s a great place for new families starting out as well as those with fixed incomes. It is my goal to protect these neighborhoods and to ensure their character and charm are preserved today and in the future.
Lastly, I derive no income from any Northborough entity or activity so my actions will always be focused on what’s best for Northborough. There is a lot at stake with this election and so please get out on May 11th and vote! Visit the Committee to Re-Elect Martinek and Ziton Facebook page or website to learn about my platform and priorities, track record, and more.
