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 Theresa Capobianco here…
See complete statements from other candidates…
PERSONAL BIO
Theresa Capobianco, mother of 2 ARHS students and an attorney for 23 years. I’m running with candidate Glenn Odone. We are pro-resident, pro business, and pro-Northborough. Using our bylaws as a guide, and applying principles of smart growth, fiscal responsibility, and appropriate location, I commit to review and determine each application with an open and fair mind. I will not advocate for micromanagement of other boards or committees but instead will foster proper working relationships with those boards and committees. My decisions will be guided by the tools of my profession: logic, reasoned analysis, fairness, integrity, and respect for others.
QUESTIONS
What do you see as the most important issue(s) facing Northborough today?
- Many of our seniors are struggling financially. Smart growth and intelligent planning can help to mitigate the tax burden today and going forward.
- The current Board has a perception of being adversarial and catering to singular, anti-business interests. I will not cater to any singular segment of the community; rather I will approach every application in light of the best interests of the whole Town. Every application will be heard without prejudgment or negativity.
- The Master Plan has been in place for nearly 2 years without implementation. Downtown revitalization and improved sidewalk plans are essential, as is housing. I will encourage the Implementation Committee to actively work to reach the goals of the Master Plan.
- I commit to address traffic concerns in specific corridors by working with the applicants and appropriate members of administration in a meaningful way that will best meet the needs of all the interested parties.
What will you bring to the Planning Board if elected
I am committed to bringing an unbiased and inclusive approach to all Planning Board tasks, whether application review, zoning amendments, Master Plan matters, collateral relationships, or community outreach. My legal training and experience as a Planning Board member qualifies me to serve, and I promise to be a fair and impartial Planning Board member.
My 10 years of service to the town (Planning Board and Board of Health, and other volunteer positions) allowed me to forge and strengthen relationships with the Town Planning staff, other boards’ and committees’ members, and many Northborough citizens. I have fostered these positive relationships over the past 10 years and earned the respect of those individuals. I am able to utilize those affiliations to forward the interests of the Town and improve the Planning Board’s relationships and reputation. I am committed to making Northborough the best it can be.
Is there anything else you want voters to know about you as a candidate?
Due to personal family issues in 2019, I made the difficult decision to resign from the Planning Board after 8 years of service. Simultaneously, I was working with small non-profits that needed some attention. Resigning afforded me the time to address my family concerns and provide time to the smaller non-profits. I intentionally delayed resigning until after the 2019 election. Those issues have resolved, and I am dedicated to serving this Board once again.
Glen and I are running a clean campaign that addresses our merits and confirmable deficiencies in the current Board. We have not disparaged our opposition, and our supporters will not do so. Honesty and integrity are core principles, as is respect for others and acknowledgement that differing opinions and debate makes for well-informed decisions. We will bring these essential qualities to the Board. We would be honored to have your vote on May 11!!
