Marlborough Councilor Kathleen Robey On 2021 Run For 6th Term

MARLBOROUGH, MA — You could make a lot of solid predictions about who's going to win races in Marlborough this year.

Out of 10 races in 2021 — including for mayor, all City Council seats and School Committee — only three incumbents are facing a challenge. After Nov. 2, the City Council will look almost exactly the same with just incumbent Ward 4 Councilor Robert Tunnera facing a challenger this year.

Even still, Marlborough Patch has asked each incumbent to tell us why they're running this year, and what can be done to increase local participation. At-Large Councilor Kathleen Robey was first elected in 2011, making her one of the longest-serving citywide councilors (Michael Ossing and Mark Oram are the others still on Council a decade later).

Here's what Robey had to say about her choice to run again in 2021:

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

My reasons for running in 2021 are the same as they have been for the more than 25 years I’ve been serving as an elected official in Marlborough: local government has a direct impact on some of the most important things in our lives. We want things such as safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a robust local economy. I believe I have made positive and lasting differences in all of these areas. I’ve always considered it an honor that the citizens of Marlborough have trusted me to help make these important decisions and hope to continue to do so.

You’re running unopposed this year. Does that concern you?

I don’t think it’s a cause for concern per se. The last two years have been particularly difficult as we’ve all tried to navigate some truly extraordinary circumstances. Perhaps this required some people to re-assess plans to run for election. What should not be a concern to the voters is that just because I’m running unopposed doesn’t mean I’m not fully engaged in the election. I will never take support for granted. The public events of the campaign are an excellent opportunity to directly engage with the candidates. Let us know what our priorities need to be over the next two years. I’m always listening. I would encourage all eligible voters to cast their votes. Of course, I ask they mark the box next to my name, but regardless of who you vote for the important thing is to stay involved and be an active part participant in self-government.

What’s one way the city might be able to get more citizens involved in local politics?

Elected office is not the only way to be involved in Marlborough civic affairs. Earlier in the year, the mayor offered an academy for residents to learn about local government. I think this was great and highlighted many opportunities and the real need for direct involvement with many of the boards and commissions that do much of the nuts and bolts work of city government. Several people applied for positions on the Planning Board and Arts Council and those applications were approved. I’d encourage anyone looking for these sorts of opportunities to call me or their ward councilor to discuss what might be a good fit for them.

What’s your top priority for the next term?

My top priority is the health of our city; the physical health of our residents and the health of our local economy which fuels a great many of the things we rely on in our community.

The last two years have been some of the most challenging many of us have experienced. All levels of government needed to act decisively and I’m proud of how our city did so. As we navigate the recovery, we need to remain focused on both types of health.

I’ll continue to support important public health measures needed to keep the virus in retreat including a robust outreach to increase the vaccination rate in our city. Vaccines remain our best weapon against the coronavirus and our best chance to end the pandemic sooner rather than later. We need to give our healthcare workers unqualified support for the unbelievable efforts they have made as they bore the brunt of the fight against this disease.

There are many measures we can take to help restore the local economy. In particular, the Economic Development Council has always been an important resource for the businesses of Marlborough. I’ve worked together with them for my entire tenure as City Councilor. I’ll continue to do so over the next two years.

The City Council has been very busy this past term with nominations to boards/commissions, approving mayor’s appointees, ordinance changes, approving special permits for businesses and housing. It’s great to see Main Street busy again; to march in our Labor Day Parade, to attend a Panther’s football game. These are all signs that we, as a city, are returning to normal. I want to do everything I can to keep that momentum.