Milford 2021 Candidate Profile: Michelangelo Bon Tempo, Moderator

MILFORD, MA — The 2021 race for Town Moderator in Milford is a solemn one.

The Town Moderator seat is open after longtime moderator Michael Noferi died unexpectedly in the fall. Two candidates have stepped up to take over the seat: former town attorney Gerald Moody Sr. and Friends of the Milford Town Library member Michelangelo Bon Tempo.

We sent each candidate a questionnaire to help voters get to know them better. Here's how Bon Tempo answered:

Michelangelo Bon Tempo

Age (as of Election Day): 58
Position Sought: Town Moderator
Family: The second of five sons of Dr. Noel C. and Evelyn (Davoren) Bon Tempo
Education: Providence College (Bachelor of Arts)
Occupation: Finish Carpenter/Joiner (self-employed)
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None
Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/MichelangeloBTforModerator

Why are you seeking elective office?

As Moderator, I would honor the customs and traditions of Milford Town Meeting while working to ensure that it remains a vibrant and effective form of democratic local governance for the future.

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

I shall continue the custom, established by our late Moderator, Atty. Michael J. Noferi, of conducting town meeting according to the procedures found in Town Meeting Time: A Handbook of Parliamentary Law, while also introducing several best practices from Town Meeting Time which would further expedite the business of town meeting and allow voters an opportunity to be heard.

I shall actively support the efforts of The Town Meeting Study and Improvement Committee in developing a Town Meeting Handbook; creating a New Member Orientation and Education Program; and investigating the use of electronic voting at Town Meeting. The Town’s website lacks a Town-related webpage, phone number, and e-mail address for the Moderator. The creation of these is essential, for when it comes to questions on town meeting, it is the Moderator to whom everyone looks for answers and guidance.

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

Town Meeting member (2001–present); Town Meeting Work Group (2016–2017); and Town Meeting Study and Improvement Committee (2018–present)