Candidate LETTER: 'School System is Top Heavy with Administration'

Dear Constituents of Ward 3,

I am very excited to share with you that I am running for Ward 3 City Councilor for this great City of Marlborough. I wanted to take this opportunity to share a little bit about who I am and where I come from, what are the main issues I see Ward 3 and Marlborough facing, and why I think I would be the right candidate for Ward 3.

I am a 5th generation Marlborough-ite. I grew up in Marlborough on High Street where my mom and dad, Donna and Jerry, still live. My brother, Drew, also still lives here in Marlborough. I graduated from Marlborough High School in 1998, went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Lasell College in 2002. Since then, I have worked in Finance, Management, and Non-Profit organizations. In 2010, I joined my brother and parents to launch our family business, DruMais Hair Salon, located in Historic Downtown Village. Even the salon has historic ties to Marlborough- it sits in a renovated shoe factory dating back to 1869 and incorporates recycled pieces from many places in Marlborough and the surrounding area.

I have spent the majority of my life here in Ward 3 and I have witnessed some incredible changes over that time. As Marlborough and Ward 3 continue to grow and develop, I think I could help make changes that benefit the entire community here. The main areas I see affecting us and that I think I could help influence are:

Increase the City’s support for small businesses
Increase community engagement with the City, businesses and each other
Help the Marlborough Public School System to benefit all students
Library support including an online Calendar of events.

We have a many great resources such as the Chamber of Commerce, BNI Groups, Marlborough Economic Development Corporation, Rotary Club, Etc. but the City of Marlborough can do more to support small business. Big Business is great but American was built on the backs of Mom and Pop businesses. Support can be given by having educational seminars to business owners / managers. A town hall meeting for owners to talk and share what works or doesn’t work to build the business. Coordinate with the library and sponsor entrepreneurs’ to have a lecture.

I grew up here in Marlborough and my fondest memory is going to Ward Park for the carnival and fireworks on the Fourth of July. A tradition that continues is the Labor Day Parade. These traditions build a community. Over the years we have a Car Show and Heritage Day. We have spent a lot of the tax payer’s money beatifying Downtown Main Street and it is underutilized with events or functions for the community.

The school system is top heavy with administration. With this salary structure we are cutting school aids and important resources. Did you know that there are NO librarians in elementary schools this academic school year because of budget cuts? Yet, all three elementary schools are a performance plan. This is the foundation for the future of Marlborough, what message are we sending?

This community is diversely divided not only in the business sector on Main Street but also in our schools. This sense of community is going to get worse until we learn to embrace it by setting up resources for all students to be taught based on individual needs and language. We all can learn something from one another. I know this is a very hot button issue with whether we agree or disagree we have to deal with the reality that this is a problem on every level of this City. I think the Mayors, office, city council and school system is ignoring this issue.

Our library is in need of more support – whether that is a remodel, addition, or a new location. My vision for the library is to be all things resource. This means to have someone to act as a liaison between the major power players (City of Marlborough, Library, MEDC, Chamber, and PTA, etc.) to promote events, activities, garbage pickup, emergencies, and even school menus. There is not a single source of information that the community can go too. These organizations can do a much better job with communication in regards to what is going on in Marlborough. A website that is updated with current event dates would be a simple answer to this problem. Once the site is complete then local businesses can advertise on this space creating revenue with specials or even their own events. Local media can be more accessible to cover these stories when things happen because they will know what is happening as will YOU!

This will be my first run for any political office. I am asked why am I running and I my answer is the same, I love Marlborough. I personally think the timing is perfect to run. I am on the Board of Directors for the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Rising Young Professional Steering Committee, and part of the Downtown Village committee. Lastly, I was the recipient of last year’s Entrepreneur of the year – nominated by members of the Marlborough Chamber.

I will be honest; I have a business to run and great friends and family, I do not need this position, I want it because I want what is best for Marlborough! Community engagement, small business growth and a focus on MPS should be the leading issues in this election, not sign ordinances and beautification projects.

I thank you for reading this and I hope that what you take away from this letter is a realization that I am passionate about Marlborough. New faces and ideas can be a great thing. With your vote I hope to make that change.

Thank you for your support and your time. I hope you check out my website and if you believe in change vote for J. Christian Dumais on November 3rd.

Best,

Christian,

Any candidates wishing to submit a Letter to the Editor should send to charlene.arsenault@patch.com.