Marlborough Patch Candidate Profile: Katie Robey For Councilor At-Large

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.

Katie Robey is running for a City Council at-large seat in Marlborough.

Campaign website

https://katierobey.com/

Age

72

Family

I am married, recently celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary, and have 2 grown children.

Position sought

Councilor At-Large

What is your party affiliation?

Unenrolled

Educational background

I graduated St. Charles High School, St. Charles, MO

Are you originally from Marlborough?

No.

What is your occupation?

I was primarily a stay-at-home mom, employed at Kennedy’s Market for a number of years. Now spend time involved with role as elected official and my involvement with an international service organization — General Federation of Women's Clubs, where I serve on its Board of Directors, serve as GFWC MA treasurer, and as an active member of GFWC Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club.

Have you previously or currently been elected to an office?

I served 16 years on the Marlborough School committee, ran for Councilor at-Large in 2011, was elected and have served in that capacity since

Why are you running for the Councilor at-large seat?

I have called Marlborough home since 1989. Community, in its simple derivation, is a group who is stronger together. I believe we are stronger together because we understand that our resources aren’t limitless and we need to be wise in how we spend our time and money. We want the best education for the children who live here, and we cherish the diversity that continues to provide our city with a special vibrancy. Our city government plays an important role in keeping us stronger together and I want to continue to provide a voice for the residents as a councilor at-large.

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

I see the impact of inflation as a factor in all our lives. The price of basic consumer goods has risen. Electric, water and gas rates have increased, mortgage rates have gone up and rents for apartments are rising. Each year the council votes on a budget submitted by the mayor. We can’t add to it, but we can reduce it. The budget we approve will then impact the taxes that businesses and homeowners will have to pay. I will continue to spend time reviewing the budget with the goal of keeping those tax rates steady and predictable. The council also votes to approve special permits for buildings that will add to the new growth of the city and help offset the tax rate, and I will continue to assess each project and vote to approve them based on factors including their impact on the neighborhood. I will continue to approve funding for the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation who works tirelessly to bring businesses to the city, provide training for restaurant staff, and develop relationships with businesses to keep them in the city and have provided numerous cultural events that bring people to our city.

What sets you apart from other candidates seeking this position?

Other than the fact that I am the only woman seeking the office of councilor at-large, I think we are all seeking this office for the same reason: our desire to serve the people in the city.

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

The lack of progress on a fire station on the west side of the city will come up, but until the mayor brings a request for funds to the council, there is not anything we can do. We are beginning discussion on the need for a new school. I have served on past school building committees, and do so again as we discuss how to deal with the increase of elementary school-age students. Richer School is the current focus with plans to either build a new school on the current site, or build a new school at a new site. Unlike for the fire station, the state will offer financial assistance to build the new school. The impact of the cost of both of these projects will be topics for discussion in the future.

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

I have served as the vice-president of the council for a number of years. I am the current chair of the council’s Urban Affairs & Housing Committee, am a member of the council’s Legislative and Legal Affairs Committees and the Public Safety Committee. I attend other council committee meetings so that I can be aware of what was presented and understand the topic when it comes before the full council for a vote. I have attended many seminars provided by various state government organizations related to housing, finances, personnel, and zoning. I serve as Marlborough’s representative on the Metrowest Regional Collaborative, a sub-region of the Metropolitan Area Planning Association and on the MA Municipal Association’s Municipal and Regional Administration Policy Committee. I attend Site Plan meetings to know what projects are coming to city that would not necessarily come to the council, Traffic Commission meetings to be aware of what they are doing, and other city boards and commission meetings when I can. Through these experiences, I gain insight that helps me make decisions as a member of the council. I am known for asking the tough questions and not always agreeing with developers on a project and will continue to do that if re-elected.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself?

I hope voters know I am available to help them with issues they may have, to answer questions or just to chat. My phone number and email are on the city council page of the city website.

See Also:

• 'I Will Work For You': Marlborough Candidate Kicks Off Ward 2 City Council Campaign
• Marlborough Patch Candidate Profile: Michael Baker For Ward 5 City Councilor
• Marlborough Patch Candidate Profile: Mark Vital For Ward 1 City Councilor