Why Jumonville Is Running For Marlborough Ward 2 Council Seat 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 Ward 2 candidate James Jumonville answered:

How old will you be as of Election Day? 66

Education: associates degree in criminal justice.

What is your occupation? machinist

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them. Yes i do have a family, I have my wife Deusuita, my daughter Brittany, and Ana, my son Brian . I also have a grand son named Lucas.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective? yes i have , four term selectman in Holden ma

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 seeking this office because of my 5 year old grandson Lucas. The world my grandson is entering is one that he already in debt before even starting his life, and for the seniors who get forgotten often . You may ask how does this make since well the world he is entering is not a world that is beneficial for him or anyone his age and neither is for the seniors who have worked there whole life to get something in return and is not getting anything. I am looking to help the young and help the elders either start there life or help continue there retirements.

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

The fact on how high the prices of housing, the prices for groceries well lets be clear how high everything has gone up and the income for minimum wage has not changed for many. I see that the tax money could be used in so many different ways but isn't and my attentions are for the best for the city I live in. This is also one of the beigest reasons why I don't want to just join this team but I must join this team and help with changes. People in this community need to see where there money is going and they need someone who will speak for them . The forgotten citizens need a voice and I will be the voice for them in this unknown future we will be entering.

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

The major differences I can say is my old fashion parents taught me that before you take a loan to really analyze your income, your debts prior to entering in a new one. I feel like allot of youngsters now in days go in to society blind sided think that if they blast out there credit card they will pay later is something that works, reality is that does not work and they need to know that. Taking a step bigger then your own legs anyone can try but 99% will fall and with this up bringing my parents gave me its defiantly something I want to bring back to todays society and actually give them a knowledge how to control there money and also help them grow there income with out always being in debt. I want to bring back the "old school system" of finance prosperity .

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Well the current counselor indicated he is a progressive democrat, don't get me wrong I have nothing against someone being a democrat but i do have something against the whole situation that is going on to what they support. Lets start with allowing people to infiltrate in this country with out knowing the background, now those people are going to be joining our community and its okay in there mind set. Also the whole dilemma of education they believe should be given to these young children is to start mentioning sexual conversation earlier then it should be. I am not in favor in allowing people coming in this community with out knowing who they are or even allowing my grandson to hear about sex at such a early age. There are things that can not be changed but i do believe it can be avoided, and I sure will try to help this community with this.

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

I am aiming to support the children as mentioned they need a voice and the seniors they need a voice. Reality is we all need a voice and for those who are not being hear I will be there to speak for them. The issue of money and how people can manage there money is always a topic I will be in favor for and will try to help. I also believe that the education that Marlborough has is a good one but not Great and i intend to focus on this part as well. While joining my campaign I have heard millions of story how children are being bullied, how teachers feel unsafe with how the kids speak to them and this comes from a home base. I intend to give families and this community a ease of mind feel safe in this community. Safety, and education is key to allot of the problems we currently have.

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

Here are the reasons why.
• I was a selectman for 12 years in Holden
• I build a senior center in the town of holden
• I re established the memorial parade after 30 years in Holden by my self
• My major accomplishment was when I was able to sit down with the governor of Massachusetts to change the educational formula that the state used for all the towns and how the money was being distributed. It was a meeting between the educational secretary, Holden town manager, the state rep, the governor and myself to discuss the issues that was noticed but never had nothing been done. Fact was all the towns was able to get benefit out of this meeting and change.
• Last but not least was when I was able to help in a sewer contract that the town of Holden had with the town of Worcester I noticed we where being over priced and after going to court we where able to get a settlement of 30 million dollars and $6000 per day of interest until paid off.
All of these accomplishments where fully to help the community and help the people of that town to get more for there money and I intend to do the same for Marlboro ma.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Never take a step bigger then you can.

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

I am just a 66 year old man who had an amazing up bringing from my family. With this education I had I just want to share with our society and the new generation that is starting now because we need this back in the community. I also want to share that my intentions is for the best and I know that I can help.

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.