Stoughton Candidate Profile: Debra Roberts For Select Board

STOUGHTON, MA — The Stoughton town election is days away and will see contested races for Select Board.

Throughout election season, Patch will post candidate profiles on the candidates running to help keep residents informed.

Running for office? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com to ask about getting a candidate profile published on Foxborough Patch.

Given the pandemic, town officials created safety and sanitation protocols to keep residents as comfortable as possible when they hit the polls Tuesday.

Interim Town Clerk Stephanie Carrara said every voter will be given a plastic bag with gloves, a mask and a pen at the door. No one will be allowed inside without a mask. When standing in line to vote, blue tape will keep 6 feet of social distance between residents at polling locations. Voting booths will also be sanitized between votes, Carrara said.

Here's more about Debra Roberts prior to the election:

Age (as of Election Day)

64

Position Sought

Board of Selectperson

Party Affiliation

Family

Charles Roberts, Jr 64, Edward Roberts 44, Eric Roberts 33, Eryn Roberts 29

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance - Northeastern University

Occupation

Finance and operations - over 25 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Current: Appointed Finance and Taxation Committee Member, Elected Town Meeting Representative (multiple terms), Elected Chair Stoughton Diversity and Inclusion Organization
Previous: Appointed Board of Assessors (multiple terms), Appointed Vice Chair Capital and Financial Planning Committee

Campaign website

Debra Roberts Selectperson

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to give back to the Town of Stoughton by volunteering my time and bring my expertise in the areas of fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and listening to all town constituencies. I also want to increase community involvement and make Stoughton a positive destination.

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

Fiscal responsibility - revenue growth while controlling expenses - is the single most pressing issue facing our board. I plan to use my financial background and collaborative and listening skills to work together to move our town forward.

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

I have not been focusing on the candidacies of my opponents. I know myself, I'm a financial person, a doer, and a leader.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I'm focusing on what I can bring to the board by adding value. I've been focusing on the present and the future because the urgency of the times we live in require me to do so.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Bringing more people into government and becoming more involved in town groups. Working hard to make sure the government and services reflect the diversity of our town.

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

My experience with the finance committee and bringing people together with the diversity groups. My leadership abilities will benefit the town at this time.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My parents taught me the importance of making a difference. Not to sit on the sidelines; but to get involved.

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

I am not running as a politician favoring one side over the other on issues. We've been plagued with this in the past. It is too important of a time for that.