Marlborough Candidate Profile: Laura Wagner For City Council

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough has several contested races within the City Council election, including a two-way race for Ward 1, a two-way race for Ward 2, a two-way race for Ward 6 and an eight-way race for Councilor At Large. Marlborough's mayoral race is also split into three ways — the field of mayoral candidates will be narrowed after the Oct. 8 preliminary election.

Marlborough Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Laura Wagner, 53, is running for Ward 1 City Council in Marlborough. Wagner's opponent is Bhaskar Purimetla. Wagner works as the Executive Director of Unitarian Universalist Mass Action. She graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in management. Wagner and her husband have three children, a step daughter, a son-in-law and 3 grandchildren.

Are you running for office in Marlborough? Contact Samantha Mercado at samantha.mercado@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Marlborough Patch.

Previously on Patch: Marlborough Mayoral Race Split Three Ways

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I'm concerned about the low rate of voter engagement and participation in our city governance. It's a problem that so few people are running for local office and are engaging, or often even know about, the decisions that impact the residents of this city. I plan to create more opportunities that engage community members, educate people about what's happening and invite conversation about the issues faced by our city.

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

I believe that my experience will be an asset to our city council. I have a foundation in business management and I have run several small businesses in Marlborough. I am trained as a social worker and I have a clear understanding of systems and creating systemic change. In my job as the Executive Director of UU Mass Action, I work in collaboration with many other organizations as, together, we achieve our shared goals. This experience is excellent preparation to work collaboratively with City Council members as, together, we address both immediate concerns facing this city while also preparing for our shared future.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

In addition to improving communication and both strengthening and expanding our understanding of community, I will bring a balanced approach to our city management. Yes, business, especially small business, is very important our city's overall health. And, the needs of the business community must be in balance with the needs of the residents. With careful planning, these two perspectives don't have to be in conflict with one another. Solid city planning takes all these perspectives into consideration - our diverse population and communities, our public school system, city services, business and more. Included in all this, I will also prioritize housing and especially, affordable housing that is truly affordable.

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

I am a social worker and collaborate with numerous other organizations on statewide campaigns working for systemic change. This means that I am adept at handling conflict, identifying shared goals and I'm a creative problem solver who is good at accomplishing a lot with very little funds.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Geese flying in v formation travel 70% farther than if they travel alone. If we want to create the world we envision, we need each other and we must work together

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love this city and all its residents. If we want a vibrant, welcoming community, we must all find a way to contribute. At this point in my life, I am ready to take on being a city councilor and representing Ward 1. It's my honor to give back to my community and I ask Ward 1 residents to please vote for me on November 5th. Thank you!