Tell us about yourself
I am a lifelong resident of Marlborough and graduated from Marlborough High School in 1996. I earned a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Framingham State College and have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2007. I took a brief break from teaching in 2021, to focus on my previous campaign. I became a licensed insurance adjuster, but ultimately returned to Early Ed, because teaching is my passion.
I live on Millham Street with my husband, Chris, and our 10-year-old son, Tanner. Tanner attends Richer School, which is where Chris went to elementary school, and this has been a great connection for both of them. We keep busy with Tanner’s involvement in Marlborough Youth Baseball, Marlborough Youth Track and his music practice/gigs with his band, Full Metal Jac!
When I’m not being “mom” or “teacher”, I am an assistant coach with Marlborough Youth Track and I spend most of my free time in my garden. I am always looking to swap perennials or seeds, so if anyone else shares this hobby, please reach out!
What are the biggest issues facing the city?
In Ward 4, one of our biggest issues is safety. With continued development across the city, including in and around Ward 4, the need to act on building a West Side Fire Station should be a priority for the next administration, and I am eager to work with the new administration to achieve this goal.
When speaking with constituents, road conditions continue to be a frequent area of concern. While the “See-Click-Fix” app has been a wonderful resource for residents to send an array of inquiries and requests to city departments, there is still a need for streets to be repaved, both on main roads and within our neighborhoods.
As a city councilor, how would you approach issues regarding traffic, public safety and speeding?
As a city councilor, if I receive a concern or complaint from a resident regarding traffic, public safety and speeding, I reach out to Police Chief Giorgi and it is determined whether the issue should be followed-up by an office providing additional enforcement, or a larger issue which should be heard by the Traffic Commission.
Do you think the city is on the right track in relation to residential and commercial development?
This is a complex question, because as a new councilor, I admittedly did not fully understand the distinction between what may be built by right versus what requires a special permit. The projects approved, since I have been on the council, have not been taken lightly. While our property values in Marlborough have increased drastically, we have maintained a low tax rate, which is achieved, in large part, by growth and development.
A series of zoning changes were vetoed by Mayor Arthur Vigeant earlier this year. Now, there are proposed changes in the Village District’s zoning. How would these changes improve the district?
The proposed changes would improve the Downtown Village District by including verbiage to guide new developments in areas such as building height and required parking.
Currently, there are several vacancies on Main Street, in addition to the vacant lot next to Welly’s. As a councilor, how would you support downtown revitalization?
A vibrant downtown has been a goal for many, for a number of years. When I was growing up on Newton Street, I could walk to Butka Star on Granger Boulevard, or continue on to Main Street to City Hall Music. I also remember sidewalk sales and the donut shop, where Dominos is currently located. MEDC has been working with the landlords of the buildings downtown, to attract a variety of businesses to the Main Street area. I believe with the addition of the Alta apartments on Lincoln/Mechanic and the new library, we will start to see more resident foot traffic on Main Street, which will hopefully attract more small businesses to our downtown.
What skills and experience do you have to prepare you to be a member of the city council?
All of the positions I have held in my working life have had an element of customer service. When I am contacted by a resident, I view them as my “customer” and hope this has been their experience when speaking with me. I like to hear people’s ideas and concerns, and enjoy connecting them to possible solutions.
