Marlborough Councilor David Doucette Returns For 5th Term In 2023

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 2 City Councilor David Doucette answered:

Name: David (Dave) P. Doucette

How old will you be as of Election Day? 63

Please give us your party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering with Honors, Northeastern University, Masters in Business Administration with High Honors, Clark University

What is your occupation? Flooring Specialist at Home Depot in Marlborough 4 years, assorted roles part-time 4 years prior. Earlier in my career I spent 30 years in high Tech, including 10 years at Digital Equipment Corporation that included about 6 years working at 200 Forest St.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them: Debbie: wife of 31 years, one step daughter, one daughter. Two Grandchildren (one in Ward 2, one in CT) and one more on the way!

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My wife is Secretary of the Marlborough Democratic City Committee

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective? I have been re-elected as City Councilor for 4 terms, and I am grateful and honored to represent my Ward for that time. This is my 5th term!

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?

I have always believed that my 30 years of experience in high tech and business would provide a unique perspective for the council, which I demonstrate in my 4 terms. The best compliment I've heard from someone in Ward 2 is "I like the way you think."

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

I don't think it's a single issue - I don't like being boxed in like that, but the recent and continuous flooding in Ward 2, specifically on Farm Rd and Phelps St shows that Climate Change is impacting our city. 100 year floods shouldn't happen every few years. Seeing people's basements flooded from overflow when the skies are blue is not normal.
Having said that, I'm planning to submit an order to go to the Climate Resiliency Committee to identify the key locations throughout the city that are chronically impacted by flooding. From there, set up a mitigation plan to address these issues to reduce the impact.

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

He doesn't have the council, technology, or business experience I have. I met him a few years ago, seems like a nice guy, I know he was a selectman for a small town before moving to Marlborough.

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

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

I continue to go out to canvas Ward 2 on my eBike to discuss what issues voters feel need to be addressed.

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

I think that voting on council items where the vote is close, or you're in the minority shows more where you stand. I supported senior housing were the airport was located (lost that one) and was against WooHoo downtown and the initial development for McGee Horse Farm.

I did a lot of work negotiating with the Mayor and Department heads on getting Electric Vehicles and solar panels on school roofs. We got 4 of the first 1000 Ford Hybrid interceptors in the initial year of production. I talked to the Mayor about making sure the gas lines are tested for gas leaks BEFORE road construction was started so that the the Utility didn't need to dig through fresh pavement to repair their pipes.

The one thing I am most proud of involves attending an Elected Official Convention after I was elected. I reached out to a state department of environment to explain how Home Depot would throw away all the plants, bushes and trees at the end of the season (around now). Everyone thought it was a waste since it was going to the compactor and not composted. I explained the situation to someone in the state and I could see a lightbulb go off over his head: He got it. It's not just stores like mine, but all stores that sell garden plants and supplies throughout the state.
About 4 years later, I noticed a bin behind the store for Compostable goods. I had a monthly training class that explained what should and shouldn't go into that bin. Experiencing that education and understanding I was part of that process was amazing!

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk. Also Democracy isn't a spectator sport. Make sure to Vote!

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

My Grandson is attending Kane School, the same school my daughter attended.
Back in 2013, I was on the board of my church when the administrator decided to retire in the spring with 2 weeks notice, with many issues involving the annual meeting and warrants only in the planning stage. The chair of the board was almost panicking. I was looking for work at the time so said "I can do this" and stepped in to be the church administrator for six months. The chair said that the Church operations didn't miss a beat. While this was nothing to do with high tech, it demonstrated my flexibility and adaptability that I bring to the council.

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.