Milford 2021 Candidate Profile: Marco Bon Tempo For Library Board

MILFORD, MA — The Milford Board of Library Trustees is one of five competitive races in the 2021 spring town election with three candidates running for two seats.

Marco Bon Tempo is back in 2021 to retain his seat, and candidates Scott Vecchiolla and James Sherman are competing for the seat being vacated by Jennifer DeManche. We sent each candidate our 2021 questionnaire to let voters get to know each candidate better. Here's how Bon Tempo answered.

Marco Bon Tempo

Age (as of Election Day): 56
Position Sought: Library Trustee
Family: Married 29 years. Three sons, raised and educated in Milford.
Education: New England School of Law, JD 1992; Mount Saint Mary's College, BA (Cum laude) 1986
Occupation: Attorney, 28 years
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Library Trustee, Town Meeting Member

Why are you seeking elective office?

My desire for public service to a local institution that I have benefitted from my entire life.

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

Relevance. With the spread of computers and on-line learning, the Milford Library must remain relevant. To do so, the Library must offer services above and beyond the loaning of books. The Library has to expand services such as ESL classes, tutoring services, remedial reading, story time (both remote and in person), and provide assistance with tax preparation, and community events. This must be done in compliance with applicable Covid-19 restrictions

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

I cannot intelligently respond to this question as I do not know the other candidates.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

In regard to the Library, the Director has done an admirable job of complying with the mandates of the local Health Inspector and the directives issued by the Governor's office.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Serve as a Fiduciary for the best interests of Milford's taxpayers and advocate for funding for the Library at both State and Local level.

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

I have served faithfully for the past three years. Being prepared for and participating in monthly Library Trustee meetings and being a member of various subcommittees on budgetary and personnel issues.