Marlborough Councilor Kathleen Robey Returns For 7th 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 At-Large City Councilor Kathleen Robey answered:

Name: Kathleen D. Robey

How old will you be as of Election Day? 70

What office are you seeking? Councilor at-Large

Education: I am a graduate of St. Charles High School, St. Charles, MO

What is your occupation? Various jobs including dental assistant (4 years), seamstress (5 years), cashier (4 years, and deli staff @ Kennedy's Market (10 years); retired from paid work w/ volunteer and city council keeping me busy

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them: I have been married to my husband (Eric Baur) for 41 years; we have 2 children-Jason and Becca, both graduates of MPS and higher ed

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Member Marlborough School Committee for 16 years; member Marlborough City Council, 12 years

Why are you seeking this office?

To be an active participant in the change that will be happening in our city with new mayor and new council members while preserving the things that make Marlborough one of the best places to live. I want to continue using my skills and experience gained as an elected official.

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

...not an easy thing to identify as the residents of Marlborough have different issues depending on their economic status, their age, and their demographics. The city needs better transportation options, better roads, another fire station, more diverse housing options, and more classrooms. As a member of the city council, I can collaborate with mayor to bring in more MWRT busses, use Chapter 90 and city bonding to repair our roadways, approve funding for a new fire station while discussing options for aging stations, work with developers and CDA to provide housing for low income and homeownership vs rental properties and smaller homes for 1st time buyers and people downsizing, and work with the School Committee as reports come back on status of Richer School with the MA School Building Association.

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

One obvious difference is that I am a woman and the other candidates are all male which does allow me to bring a different perspective to the council. I was not born and raised in Marlborough as some of the other candidates are, but the city has welcomed me as a resident since moving here in 1989. I am not college educated, instead I have lessons learned at my various jobs and as a homemaker that I can bring to the table.

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

Making sure we keep an eye on the ever-increasing city budget while keeping the tax rates steady and predictable; that we continue to bring in new commercial partners to help offset the residential tax rate; we update the city's Master Plan keeping in mind the requirements of the MBTA zoning.

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

Served as chair of Wireless Communications Legislative & Legal Affairs approving several special permits for modifications to wireless communication facilities and dealing with changes to FTC rules; served as vice-chair of finance committee for 4 years as mayor's budgets were reviewed, reductions were agreed to and budget approved then remained an active participant in the budget process as I moved to chair Urban Affairs committee where I was instrumental in stopping a housing project at the former airport, served on the mediation team when the McGee Farm project's developer took city to court where we reached agreement without going to court; participated in discussion in numerous Tax Incremental Finance agreements with businesses in city; served on the School Building Committee both as a school committee member and then as a city councilor; approved location and funding for the Senior Center at Ward Park; involved in many decisions on zoning including most recent proposed changes to Downtown Village District.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

There is more than one way to do something.

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.