Westborough municipal candidates field questions in forum

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Westborough municipal candidates field questions in forum
A sign stands in the rotary advertising the March 8 election. (Photo/Laura Hayes)

WESTBOROUGH – From Mass General Brigham’s (MGB) proposed expansion to efforts to build trust among community members, candidates for elected municipal offices in Westborough fielded questions on a number of topics in a virtual candidates forum on Sunday.

The forum was hosted by the Westborough Democratic Town Committee and moderated by Chair Kate Donaghue.

This year’s town election is set for March 8, though there are no contested races. Polls will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Select Board incumbents answer questions

Westborough municipal candidates field questions in forum
Select Board Member Patrick Welch speaks during Westborough’s budget summit earlier this year. (Photo/Laura Hayes)

Allen Edinberg and Patrick Welch are both running for re-election to the Select Board this year.

Welch, who was elected to a one-year term last year after former Selectman Leigh Emery stepped down, reflected on his time on the board to date.

“The team seems to be working very well, providing the executive oversight needed to work through issues and support the needs of our community,” he said.

While there have been challenges, Welch said that none of them were unexpected or without merit.

“I see these challenges more as opportunities to improve our community,” he said.

Edinberg, who was unable to attend the forum live due to work, submitted a recorded statement.

He noted various accomplishments, including his work on affordable housing and with the town’s Capital Planning Expenditure and Economic Development Committees.

“I enjoy the work,” Edinberg said. “I hope you agree with me that I’m making a positive difference and moving things in a positive way for the Town of Westborough and that you’ll continue to support me, the Select Board and those efforts.”

Westborough municipal candidates field questions in forum
Select Board member Allen Edinberg speaks during Westborough’s budget summit. (Photo/Laura Hayes)

Welch was asked about the prospect of requiring masks for the March Town Meeting, a proposed digital billboard bylaw, the MGB project and how to make the town more friendly to small businesses.

When asked to identify the biggest challenge facing the town, Welch named the “significant financial stresses” of maintaining and potentially expanding the level of municipal services.

He said that will be a “tough conversation that the whole community should join in on.”

Welch specifically noted that the average Westborough single family tax bill is projected to increase by $1,087 for the 2023 fiscal year.

“Simply said, a dollar is not the same to all in town, and we need to make sure that we consider our senior community and those with financial hardship as we spend,” he said.

School Committee 

Incumbent Stephen Doret said one of the reasons he would like to continue on the School Committee is to provide stability on the committee with the anticipation that fellow candidate Steven Bachelor wins the seat currently held by Sara Dullea, who is not running for reelection.

Bachelor, who is an educator and chair of the Westborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council, is running for the School Committee this year.

Speaking on Sunday, Bachelor said he and his wife moved to Westborough because of its reputation for excellent schools and their “demonstrated commitment” to students with more complex learning needs.

“As a lifelong teacher and learner, I think I’ll bring to the committee empathy and strong listening and communication skills,” he said.

Doret and Bachelor faced questions about early childhood education and recent water damage issues at Fales Elementary School, which required repairs after storm runoff leaked under the brand new school’s gym floor.

The candidates were asked about their role in building trust among everyone who works to educate students.

Doret said district leaders and staff members have worked collaboratively throughout COVID-19.

“For sure, there are people on both sides of the question of wearing masks and not wearing masks, but the administration and the School Committee has been out front in terms of the process and understanding of the stresses that are on both the teachers and students and their parents as we move through this problem time where we believe we’re almost through it,” Doret said.

All Westborough schools have since moved to flexible masking as COVID-19 case rates fall.

Bachelor said these are “contentious” and “stressful times” that have polarized people. He said there has been a “breakdown in trust” during the pandemic and a need to rebuild it.

The best way to do it is by practicing transparency, Bachelor continued.

“It’s by being transparent about what your values are, being explicit in expressing those values and considering multiple perspectives and moving forward in a transparent sort of way so that there aren’t decisions that are being made in back rooms and so that everyone is coming to the table, knowing where they stand on issues in a healthy, constructive, collaborative way,” Bachelor said.

The full forum is available online.

It also featured Westborough Public Library Board of Trustees incumbents Kathleen Daly and Edward Baldwin and Julia O’Neil-Welch, who is running for Housing Authority.

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