Ward 4 Candidate Dalton Wants To 'Make Marlborough Great Again'

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough's 2023 election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in years.

For the first time in a decade, there's an open race for mayor with Mayor Arthur Vigeant stepping down at the end of the year. There are also five competitive city council races for At-Large, and the Ward 2, 4, 6 and 7 seats. The Ward 6 race is wide open with incumbent Sean Navin running for an at-large seat in 2023.

To help voters decide who they'll pick ahead of the November election, Patch has asked each candidate — even those running unopposed — to answer candidate questionnaires. Here's how Ward 4 candidate Thomas Dalton answered:

Name: Thomas E Dalton

How old will you be as of Election Day? 51

Education: Curry College BA Business Administration

What is your occupation?: Community Service Advocate

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? Joseph, formerly was chief of staff for Senator Edward J Markey

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective? Student advisory council, AHS

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

To Make Marlboro Great Again

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ... and this is what I intend to do about it.

Covid, just when you think your out of the woods here comes the bear again. I plan on assisting the children, elderly and all with food insecurity & fixed incomes. Educate, plan and support through finding and providing resources. I have many resources to support the need for language barriers both written and spoken

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I know lots of people that are well to do and I wish to find a way to help them keep there prosperity. I've lived with nothing and have worked diligently to find something. I've been to the other side and the grass was not greener. I know a little bit more about what's going on with the new fire station & the female shelter than the other candidate.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Please ask me later, right now I'm only interested in helping the community.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

There are several. Stabilization of business revenue, and growth. Housing, employment, education, health, and welfare. And food insecurity as well. Perhaps I'll dabble in mental health and addiction recovery as well.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In high school they created a publicity manager position for me as I collected donations that had never been imagined or seen before by the AHS Gilbert & Sullivan Club. I'm great at time management & meeting my goals. Our goals. I'm amazing at listening and providing for others. Our Seniors have limited incomes and need provisions.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Love & be loved.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My great Grandmother Marion A Barnes Corbett was born here in 1871. Years later, Mom & Dad & my uncle & aunt & All my brothers and sisters were born in Marlboro as well. My Grandpa Bill Dalton formerly of 217 Bolton Street, sat on stage with John F Kennedy as a Marlboro politician when the president came to the city. (Lol) My positions are simple, I research before I promote. I make sure I understand before I publish.

Marlborough voters will head to the polls on Nov. 7 to elect city councilors, school committee members and a new mayor. Register to vote here.