Marlborough Ward 6 Councilor Navin On Bid For Second Term

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough Ward 6 Council Sean Navin is not facing a challenger in 2021, which means he will be reelected on Nov. 2.

A win this year gives Navin a second term on Council after he won the open seat in 2019 after longtime councilor Ed Clancy retired after 18 years. In 2022 and beyond, Navin, a Marlborough native and Massachusetts Water Resources Authority official, is pinpointing several important items for the city, including a new fire station and continuing the pandemic recovery.

Here's what Navin had to say about his run for reelection this year:

Why did you decide to run for another term in 2021?

Two years ago, I ran for City Council because I wanted to serve my community. I believed then that experiences gained through my career in public service would enable me to well represent all residents of Ward 6. I still believe that today. During my first term, I have worked hard to advocate for our neighbors, be responsive to their questions and concerns, and to act as a liaison between city departments and the people they serve. I love this job and have done my best to do it effectively. I am running for a second term to continue this work.

You're running unopposed this year. Does that concern you, and what's one way the city might be able to get more citizens involved in local politics?

Public service is different for everyone but requires contributions from all of us. It is a critical component to any community’s success. However, it’s not just running for office or voting. It’s showing up in whatever capacity you have to do what you can to make our community a better place. Over the past two years, I have seen people engage in many ways. I have heard from hundreds of constituents, reaching out to voice opinions on various issues before the council. I have met dozens of residents volunteering their time and energy by asking to be appointed to one of Marlborough’s Boards and Commissions. Still even more impressive, I have met countless residents volunteering to serve those in need through many of our charitable organizations. Every day, I’m inspired by where people are showing up.

Marlborough’s community engagement is strong and getting stronger, but we can always do more. I encourage all those who want to get involved to do so. If you’re unsure how, please reach out to me, contact the Mayor’s Office, or check the city’s website. There are opportunities everywhere.

What's your top priority for the next term?

My top priority for the next term remains the same — to be the best representative possible for the residents of Ward 6. As a City Councilor, you are often required to balance several competing priorities, however, I strongly believe that no matter the issue, my primary responsibility is to our residents.

Over the next two years the City Council will continue to deliberate several important matters:

• We must continue to help navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the pandemic, ensuring that our residents and businesses continue to recover and thrive together.
• Economic development is critical to Marlborough’s long-term success, but it has to be done in a way that limits adverse impacts to our residents and visitors. We need to be thoughtful and deliberate about new developments that we permit in the city. This includes mitigating traffic issues across our community.
• We need to find a path forward to build a new fire station that will provide quicker emergency response times for the safety and security of residents on the west side of the city, while trying to address the concerns of nearby neighbors.
• Finally, a community shows its true strength by providing support for those that need it most. Making sure that both our youngest and oldest residents have the services they need to succeed must always be a priority.

These issues, and many others, will be discussed at length over the next two years. I look forward to being part of this conversation on behalf of the residents of Ward 6.

More coverage of Marlborough's 2021 election

• Teona Brown Challenging Marlborough Councilor Tunnera In 2021
• Marlborough Councilor Christian Dumais On Forthcoming 3rd Term
• Why Michael Ossing Is Running For New Marlborough Council Term
• Marlborough Councilor Tunnera On Why He Wants 6th Term
• Marlborough Mayor Candidate David Garcaeu On Second Bid For Seat
• Marlborough Councilor Kathleen Robey On 2021 Run For 6th Term
• Why Marlborough Mayor Vigeant Is Seeking 6th Term: Questionnaire
• Marlborough 2021 Election: Why Laura Wagner Is Running Again