Marlborough Councilor Teona Brown Returns For Second 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 incumbent Ward 4 Councilor Teona Brown answered:

Name: Teona C. Brown

How old will you be as of Election Day? 45

Education: I am a 1996 graduate of Marlborough High School and earned a BA in Sociology from Framingham State College.

What is your occupation? I have been an Early Childhood Educator, working in group care centers, since 2007. I left the field, briefly, during my previous campaign, to pursue a career as an Insurance Adjuster. I missed teaching, so I returned to Early Education. I currently work as a Lead Educator, and assist with training and mentoring new or struggling educators. I am Director II certified through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them. My husband, Chris, and I are both life-long Marlborough residents. Our son, Tanner, is 10-years-old and is a student at Richer School. Tanner plays baseball with Marlborough Youth Baseball, runs with Marlborough Youth Track and is a drummer in the band Full Metal Jac, through The Rock Institute, here in Marlborough. My parents, Gary and Susan, are residents of our city, as well, and are both retired from positions with The City of Marlborough.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? Not currently, but my parents both held municipal positions before retiring. My father, Gary, was the Veteran's Services Officer. My mother, Susan, was the Secretary for the Zoning Board of Appeals and The Conservation Commission.

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?

When I first ran for office, I wanted to represent residents when they were having difficulty understanding something happening in their neighborhood or the city as a whole, bring up an issue they would like to have addressed, or assist in making connections between residents and city departments. Although there is so much more which falls under the responsibility of a City Councilor, the customer service aspect remains my favorite part of the role, and it motivates me to run for office again. Regarding my general views on politics and government, I am happy to serve all residents, in this non-partisan capacity of municipal government. On a larger scale, I am not enrolled in either major political party. I do not agree with voting along party lines, and like to make my own opinions, based on information available. My views tend to be moderate.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is safety. I am eager to work with the incoming Mayor on the West Side Fire Station, which should be a priority for the new administration. I have also had conversations with Police Chief Giorgi, regarding issues around traffic enforcement and general resident safety, in Ward 4. We discussed areas where there could be community officers on bikes or foot, making connections with residents and businesses.

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

I do not personally know my opponent, so I do not feel like I can answer this question with any facts to base my thoughts upon. I always say, "I welcome anyone to run against me, but they just have to love Marlborough as much as I do, and be willing to work as hard for the residents as I am."

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

I would like to continue to advocate for road improvements in Ward 4. In the last two years, we have seen some major roads in the Ward get repaved, but there are so many more which need to be addressed and repaired. In addition to road repairs, I am interested in the mitigation actions we will take, regarding the flooding we have seen recently.

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

I believe my work and life experience are evidence I can handle this job. I have held positions as a teacher and school administrator, and at home I am "mom". The most important skill I have taken from these roles is how to listen. When someone reaches out to me or shares information with me, I am an active listener. This helps me figure out how to help move any situation forward and find resolution. It may sound like a simple answer, but the act of listening is often underutilized.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen more than you speak ...

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

I have genuinely enjoyed representing the residents of Ward 4 and want to thank them for giving me the opportunity to do so.

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.