Town Treasurer Race: Michael Soares

Editor's Note: Milford Patch asked each candidate in the Town Treasurer race about their interest in the position and background. Michael Soares, whose response follows, is opposing Barbara Auger, a 16-year incumbent. Soares' response is edited only for grammar, punctuation and AP style. The Milford town election is Tuesday. Two people are seeking the treasurer position. The response of Auger can be found here.

Q: Why are you seeking this position?

A: I am looking to get involved in town government. I feel that my skills would fit best with the Town Treasurer position. But more importantly, I want to give Milford voters a choice for who they elect as town treasurer. Something they haven’t had the opportunity to do in years.

Q: What is your educational background?

A: I have an engineering background but also have a degree in business from Quinsigamond [Community College] and continue to further my education taking night courses at Framingham State University.

Q: What is your age and profession?

A: I’m 26 years old. I’m employed as a field service engineer working for a medical device company, Ventana Medical Systems. I’ve also been a real estate and stock investor for the last 8 years.

Q: Describe your family.

A: I live in Milford with my wife Shannon, 26, and our son Timothy, who is now nine months old and our puppy, Pluto. My parents are both immigrants from Portugal who moved here in the late 80s and are now U.S. citizens. I have a younger brother, Brian, who works for Evergreen [Center] in Milford. 

Q: What are the three top qualities that a Town Treasurer should have, and explain why you are the best candidate for that position.

A: First and foremost, the treasurer needs be someone who is proficient with the handling of finances. For nearly eight years, I have served on the board of directors for a home owners association in Hartford. When I started, we had $40,000 in debt and $0 in capital reserves. Gradually over the years we have invested in strategic improvements that resulted in lower operating costs and we now have over $100,000 in reserves and we haven’t raised fees for six years. The treasurer needs to understand his/her responsibilities as well as his/her limits. The position is regulated by Massachusetts state laws and the laws are very specific in what the duties of the treasurer are. In my line of work, everything I do is based on procedures that are regulated by the FDA. I need to know what the regulations say, and know where to find them when I’m unsure. I find myself to be a good mediator and problem solver and make a conscious effort to understand my audience to know when to be technical and when not to be. I’m constantly trying to come up with creative ways to fix or improve things. All of that will be necessary when looking at how to save money for the town while also being sensitive to the needs of town employees.

Q: Have you ever held public office before? If so, what was the position and the years served.

A: No.

Q: What is the most important thing people should know about you?

A: They should know that I am just like them, just a concerned husband and father trying to look out for what’s best for my family. I would also want them to know that, regardless of the result, I will continue to look for ways to get involved. I will be on the ballot for town meeting member for Precinct 6 and if unsuccessful in my bid for Town Treasurer, I will be pursuing a position with the capital improvement committee.