Marlborough's Robert Preciado Is Sole Name On Ballot For Ward 3 Seat

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. Robert Preciado is the only candidate who will appear on the ballot in the Ward 3 race, but resident Steve Judd has mounted a write-in campaign for the seat.

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 Preciado answered:

Name: Robert Preciado

How old will you be as of Election Day? 35

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here: https://www.robertformarlboro.com

Education: I graduated with a degree in culinary arts from Le Cordon Bleu. I also earned an Associates degree in Engineering Technology from Ben Franklin Institute of Tech in Boston.

What is your occupation? Manager and operator of a small production/prototype machine shop.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them: My wife, Jamie, and I have been together for 11 years. She is a teacher in a nearby school district as well as founder of Marlborough Makers. We have a one and a half year old daughter, Dahlia, who attends school here in Marlborough.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective? No.

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 am running for this position because I want to see the city grow in ways that will benefit us all. This ward is one of the fastest growing wards in the city, and with so much at stake for our residents it is important that they have someone that will represent their best interests. Serving my community is important to me, and that is a value I would like to see echoed by my children, as well as those around me.

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

Development. It's not always a bad thing but there have to be limits. Walking the neighborhoods and meeting with residents was truly a rewarding experience as well as incredibly informative. It's no surprise that, when speaking with residents, I found the biggest issue is generally the same anywhere in the city. First, I would encourage residents to become more involved in council and committee meetings, a community that is able to advocate for itself can be a very powerful tool. Secondly, I believe creating a position for a city planner is top of the list. We need someone who can truly ascertain the scope of such projects as well as direct and indirect impacts to surrounding neighborhoods. This will also help ensure any new development contributes to the city's overall vision.

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

My diverse background, as well as my passion for community has equipped me with a unique set of skills and perspective that I hope to bring once in office.

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

Other issues that I have addressed during my campaign that I would continue to as councilor are local government accessibility, supporting our public safety departments, protecting and investing in our green space, public art and arts initiatives.

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

I successfully managed several top-rated restaurants in the greater Boston area as well as led small engineering teams across the country. Now, as a machinist, attention to detail is key. The skills I learned have given me the confidence and ability to better serve my community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Be Prepared" -BSA

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.