2020 Milford Election Profile: Tom O'Loughlin For Selectman

MILFORD, MA — Former Milford police chief Thomas O'Loughlin is back in the public eye. He's running in the spring town election against Board of Assessors member Joshua Lioce for the Board of Selectmen seat being vacated by William Buckley.

O'Loughlin enters the race after the Board of Selectmen in 2018 voted not to renew his contract after 17 years on the job. The Board of Selectmen is also in the midst of picking O'Loughlin's successor, although it's probable the new Milford chief will be voted on before the election.

As with each election, Patch has sent candidates running for the School Committee and Board of Selectmen a candidate questionnaire. Here's what O'Loughlin, 64, told us about why he's running this spring.

Family: Wife, Johnna (57); daughter Jaylin (35); sons Steven (30), Tommy (29), Kevin (26)
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? Kevin is a police officer in Milford. Jaylin is a special education teacher assistant in the Bellingham Public Schools.
Education: Law Degree from New England School of Law - 1990
Occupation: Attorney
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Chief of police in Milford 17 years. Chief of police in Massachusetts 33 years. Police officer in Massachusetts 42 years. Member of the Milford Council on Aging. Milford Town Meeting member.
Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/Tom-OLoughlin-Selectman-2020-101868967986712/

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am proud to have served as the Milford Police Chief for 17 years. During that time, I built a record of collaboration and consensus building that solved problems and addressed community concerns. I worked with residents, businesses and Town officials to maintain Milford as a great place to live and work. I have more than 30 years of municipal government and budgetary experience. I have helped those in need with compassion and understanding: no mater who they were, or what their problem was, we worked together and we worked with respect and fairness to find solutions. I will bring this same culture of personal respect, compassion and understanding to the Board of Selectmen so that together we can build a better community for all Milfordians. I will be a strong and independent voice but will always be willing and able to work with others when they bring good ideas to the table that are in the best interests of the Milford community. I believe that there is no problem or issue that we cannot solve when we work together and I would be honored to serve as a Selectman leading efforts to ensure that Milford remains a great place to live and work.

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

Although there are always issues and concerns that need to be addressed, I believe that the two most pressing issues facing the Board of Selectman are: (1) Community concerns related to the Amazon distribution facility and the Amazon delivery vehicles; and (2) Acquisition of the Milford Water Company. First, with regard to the issues related to Amazon, I believe that the Town should engage Amazon and their subcontractors, who own the delivery vans, in discussions to identify all of the issues and concerns expressed of the residents of the Milford community and then work collectively to implement appropriate measures to be undertaken by the Town and the Amazon officials to mitigate and resolve these issues. Secondly, with regard to the acquisition of the Milford Water Company, I believe that precious resources, such as water, should be in the control of the residents of the community. Although the final price tag to purchase the Milford Water Company is still unknown, I am very concerned that another company is positioning themselves to step in and pay a much higher rate than that which the Town will pay and these added costs will be passed on to the residents of Milford.

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

Respectfully, I am focused on my candidacy for the position of Selectman. I have a record of proven leadership and dedicated service to the Milford community. My service to the community has put me in touch and in tune with this community in a way very few have ever been able to experience. For 17 years I effectively managed the taxpayers funds in the second largest Town budget and I have more than 30 years of municipal budget and management experience. I have the necessary ties and relationships with the residents, businesses, Town department heads, the Finance Committee and the other boards and commissions to work effectively from day one.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION: I believe that we have to move forward from the talking stage to develop a strategy and plan towards implementation of efforts that can be undertaken by Town government and downtown property owners and businesses in the same fashion that has occurred in other communities such as Hudson and Marlborough.

OPIOID RESPONSE AND RECOVERY: I believe that the Board of Selectmen have to re-engage with the programs and responses of Amy Leone and her staff at Community Impact and the efforts of the Police Department in assisting individuals and families confronted with this tragic addiction. The involvement of the Selectmen in this response and recovery strategy is important because it maintains this life-threatening issue as being a matter of first concern for the community.

HOMELESSNESS: I believe that the Town, through the Board of Selectmen, should be supportive of the "Path To A Better Life" program which provides shelter through the various places of worship for those individuals in the Milford community who are homeless. Again, the involvement of the Selectmen in this program shows that the issue of homelessness is an issue of great concern for the entire community.

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

In 2002, in my capacity as the police chief, I worked in a collaborative manner to heal the strained and fractured relationships between individual police officers and those of the police and community. The mission of the police department was redefined to ensure that the residents of Milford were being treated with respect and fairness by the police. Today, the Milford Police Department has strong ties with the residents and businesses of the community and with the other Town departments, particularly the Fire Department, and social service providers. As the Chief of Police, I managed the taxpayers financial resources effectively for 17 years. My 33 years of experience in managing, redesigning and redefining several police agencies, to include the Milford Police Department, and my 30 years as a licensed lawyer, has given me the necessary skill set to serve as an effective member of the Board of Selectmen.

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

I was honored to serve the community for 17 years. Once I began working in Milford, I loved the community so much that I built a home and moved my family to Milford. I believe that Milford is a great place to live, raise your family and work. I would like to be involved and to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family. I want to ensure that Milford remains as a desirable and vibrant community. With your help, I believe that together we can accomplish this for our children, grandchildren and generations to come.

I respectfully ask for your support and your vote on April 7, 2020.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Council on Aging, Milford Senior Center, Member

Milford Town Meeting, Elected Member

Opioid Response and Recovery: Developed a program with Amy Leone, Community Impact, to effectively respond and help individuals and families confronted with this tragic addiction.

Milford "Path To A Beter Life", addressing homelessness in the Milford community. Founding Member

Milford Neighborhood Task Force

Milford Regional Medical Center, Corporator

Chief of Police, 2002 - 2019

RECOGNITION:

2019 Milfordian of the Year

2019 Friends of the Milford Senior Center Award

2019 Milford Democratic Town Committee Service Award

2018 Milford Police Association "Vote of Confidence"