Marlborough Mayor Candidate David Garcaeu On Second Bid For Seat

MARLBOROUGH, MA — One of the few contested races in Marlborough this year is for the mayor's seat, and it's a very similar race to the last one.

In fact, exactly the same: five-term incumbent Mayor Arthur Vigeant is running against Marlborough police officer David Garceau in a repeat of the 2019 race.

Marlborough Patch asked both Garceau and Vigeant to answer a few questions about key issues in the city and about their plans for the upcoming term. Here's what Garceau had to say:

Why are you running for Marlborough mayor again in 2021?

I am running for a second time in the mayoral election, first based upon the support I received in the first election never seemed to die off only to continue to grow with time. I believe the city is in need of change. The direction this city has taken has left many voids in what we had or should have in place.

In recent time we have seen an increase in the water and sewer rates and with a water filtration plant idol it has left this city completely dependent on the MWRA which is wrong. Multi unit housing has caused issues as well. Light of these issues and others that continue to come to light, I believe a different approach to the city's direction is overdue.

If elected this year, what would be your top priorities for the new term?

If elected to the Office of mayor, a top priority of mine is to propose term limits for mayor. I believe an elected official has a limit on effectiveness. I think three terms would sufficient a fourth in the event of an issue of such significance that a change in leadership would not be practical.
Stabilizing the water and sewer rates as well as addressing the delayed west end fire station. Land acquisition for future city needs and green space. Moratorium on multi-unit housing, addressing our idol watersheds as well as managerial changes to start. Public safety staffing levels are below national standard for the fire department and minimum staffing levels at the police department are the same as set in a 1975 arbitration settlement. Marlborough has not advanced where it needs to.

Marlborough's moratorium on multi-family developments is set to expire before Election Day. Would you like to see it extended and why or why not?

The moratorium on multifamily housing needs to go well beyond its temporary date. Marlborough's plan for expansion was a regulated plan set in the 1970s. With a change in economic development forecasts Marlborough's new economic development became multi-unit housing along with large-scale development in business of the entertainment and food services industry. Marlborough's southwest corner of the city had been designated for light industrial and commercial use. Housing has taken up that area and now needs to expand into areas not favorable for more housing. In light of the traffic issues, calls for service and overcrowding in schools as well as the building of a new school. I believe we have reached saturation levels and a stop to this needs to happen now.

What would be a transportation priority for you in the next term? (This could be anything from constructing bike lanes to a new highway exit.)

I think with the new road construction taking place in Marlborough, a number of changes need to be incorporated into the roadway design to accommodate both motorized and non-motorized methods of transportation. I see bike lanes becoming more common as the lifestyles have brought about an increase of bicycles to the street. In light of that, more signage would most likely be a necessity as well as redesigned intersections.

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In some areas of the city, road widening, as well as more sidewalks of various designs, would have to be incorporated into the transportation system. Pedestrian crossing would have to be more visible. One of the issues I have heard about most often, is the traffic pattern in the downtown district. Talks of making Main Street a one-way street to offer more parking has been common at group discussions. Whether it's a candidate's question or an issue that needs to be addressed. For sure there needs to be an evaluation of the downtown traffic pattern to provide needed changes to accommodate the growing traffic in the city.

The Marlborough EDC has put forward the Wayside District Vision Plan to renovate Route 20 to be more friendly to pedestrians and other non-motorized uses. What's your opinion about this plan, and can it be put into action?

The Route 20 project is going to incorporate not only road widening but changes in traffic patterns. Some of which would provide hazardous conditions to bicyclists as well as pedestrians. Bicycle lanes are to be incorporated in the plan as well as sidewalks. The challenge to pedestrians as well as cyclists is safe crossing of the roadway. With the announcement of no new traffic lights highly visible and well-lit areas for crossing and safe navigation are going to be more the necessity than a consideration. As a candidate and not a participant in the plan my involvement is limited. Knowing the area to be developed has brought about these considerations in light of my observations and not the MEDC's roadway plan. I believe based upon my experience of what occurs during peak traffic conditions and nighttime observations. Would prove to be of significant value when design to accommodate and protect non-motorized and pedestrian forms of transportation comes to design planning.

What do you like most about living in Marlborough?

First I was born and raised in this city. A place I call home. A place where my family was raised. While there have been good and bad changes in this city. I believe one thing has stood out from the rest. The character of the community has not changed that much. While we have experienced the pandemic and civil unrest that plagued our country over the past year, I continue to see the goodwill of our residents in a helping sense and the urge to resist division in the community as a shining factor to the home feeling we share. This past Labor Day parade was a good example. I observed a gathering of people who sat side by side with no issues, smiles and courtesy towards each other are just an example of what happens each day in this city. When you move to Marlborough you are part of a family that has made this city an example for others to take notice. Good people in a good place to live.

More Marlborough 2021 election coverage:

• Why Marlborough Mayor Vigeant Is Seeking 6th Term: Questionnaire
• Marlborough Councilor Kathleen Robey On 2021 Run For 6th Term
• Marlborough 2021 Election: Why Laura Wagner Is Running Again
• Final List: Candidates In The Marlborough 2021 Election