Marlborough Patch Candidate Profile: David Doucette For Ward 2 City Councilor

MARLBOROUGH, MA — The municipal election is heating up in Marlborough, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Marlborough Patch has asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day approaches.

David Doucette is running for the Ward 2 City Councilor seat in Marlborough.

Campaign website

www.Doucette4Marlborough.org

Age

65

Family

Married 36 years to my wife Debbie, we have a daughter and two grandsons (with on more on the way) and a stepdaughter in CT whose daughter is a freshman in a local college.

Position sought

Ward 2 City Council seat of Marlborough, MA

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Educational background

Two years of normal high school, then transferred for two years to a Vocational School to take up drafting, back when engineering designs were done on paper. I knew I wanted to be an engineer and went to Northeastern University for an Electrical/Computer Bachelors Degree, finishing my pre-requisites 6 months early and graduating with honors. In my 30s, I decided to go to Business School and received an MBA from Clark University with a 3.9 average.

Are you originally from Marlborough?

No – I grew up in Holbrook, a small town between Braintree and Brockton on the South Shore. I started to work in Marlborough for Digital/DEC in 1987, we moved into our home in 1992 and have been residents since.

What is your occupation?

Currently, Flooring Specialist at the Marlborough Home Depot as well as Ward 2 City Councilor.

Have you previously or currently been elected to an office?

This is my fifth time running for the Ward 2 City Council seat. I’ve won the last 4, I’m hoping to win the next one if the voters choose me.

Why are you running for the Ward 2 City Councilor seat?

I originally ran for office to bring a fresh perspective to the council. In my experience on the council, I learned how our city operations provide and deliver the most basic and fundamental services of our society to the people of Marlborough in the most cost-effective methods possible while organized similar to a non-profit. We need to watch every penny, but in the same way we can’t be pound foolish.

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

Sometimes the most pressing issue in the room is the elephant that nobody wants to acknowledge. I think the dramatic changes and political battles in Washington will result in funding cuts for our local schools and other services in the next fiscal year. That will leave our city leaders with addressing service and budget cuts, tax increases, and/or fee increases. None are very appealing to the citizens of Marlborough. I hope to work within the city to address these budget items and continue to deliver necessary services with a tax rate that continues to be lower than other local communities.

What sets you apart from other candidates seeking this position?

I have an Engineering Degree and can speak with DPW about engineering issues. I have an MBA and can speak finance with the Treasurer, and the 9 years on the City Council to better understand which questions to ask.

Related: 'I Will Work For You': Marlborough Candidate Kicks Off Ward 2 City Council Campaign

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

I try to listen to people during the campaign to get a better understanding of their concerns. I support the fire station on the other side of town and voted in support of a new Richer School. Thank goodness Route 20 is finally completed, that is a great benefit to Ward 2.

I have always advocated for renewable energy of all types, though solar and geothermal make the most sense for this region. Any renewable energy captured and used within our city provides great savings to the owners and results in less imported fossil fuels to or community, which may have originated from unstable parts of the world.

How does your experience prepare you for success in this position?

Practice makes perfect, 9+ years so far and I looking forward for at least two more.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself?

I appreciate the opportunity to represent Ward 2 since 2016, and I am grateful for the voters of ward 2 who have elected me in the previous elections, and anyone else who has read this far in the questionnaire. Good for you!

I started getting politically active after my step-granddaughter was attending a school where there was a mass shooting. The true tragedy of the event is that it no longer matters which one. I wanted to run to make a difference for my community. The best compliment I have received from a supportive citizen is that they like how I think. My career includes over 30 years of high-tech experience in various leadership and management roles. I bring my A Game to the council chambers and try to have questions for every committee meeting, even if it’s just to clarify a topic or issue. I’ve learned long ago that there’s no such thing as a stupid question.

I am asking the voters of Ward 2 to continue representing them on the Marlborough City Council.

See Other Candidate Profiles:

• Marlborough Patch Candidate Profile: Mark Oram For City Councilor At-Large
• Marlborough Patch Candidate Profile: Richard Aldrich For Councilor At-Large
• Marlborough Patch Candidate Profile: Michael Ossing For Councilor At-Large
• Marlborough Patch Candidate Profile: Katie Robey For Councilor At-Large