Stoughton Select Board Candidate Profile: Scott Carrara

STOUGHTON, MA — Stoughton's town election is April 6. Stoughton Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Scott Carrara is running for a seat on the Select Board. He faces incumbent Steve Cavey, as well as two challengers in Jarred Rose and David Lurie.

Are you running for office in Stoughton Contact Jimmy Bentley at jimmy.bentley@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Stoughton Patch.

Learn a little more about Carrara in the profile below:

Age (as of Election Day)

59

Position Sought

Select Board

Family

Stephanie G. Carrara -Wife

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Stephanie G. Carrara - Town Clerk

Education

Graduate of Stoughton High School Class of 1979 - Largest Class to graduate from Stoughton High School. Certified Welder - Blue Hill Regional Technical School

Occupation

Owner B & C Construction, Stoughton, MA Excavating Contractor - Serving Stoughton and Surrounding Towns for 60 Years. Family Operated Since 1961 to Present

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Town Meeting Representative -1988 to Present, Stoughton Conservation Committee - Past Vice Chairman 6 Years, Cedar Swamp Advisory Board (Town Well Project) 5 Years, Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate) 5 Years, Zoning By-Law Review Commission, Stoughton Board of Selectmen 2000 to 2009, Stoughton Water Sub-Committee - (Past Chairman), Stoughton Sewer Advisory Commission 2018 to Present, Stoughton Committee on Finance and Taxation 2012 to Present.

Campaign website

Scott Carrara for Select Board

Why are you seeking elective office?

I feel the Board needs an experience person who can prioritize the spending and projects that are needed. The residents deserve a person who has the knowledge, experience and common sense to make the proper decision that will not burden our tax paying residents.
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The Fire Station - This calamity has gone on long enough. Previously, as Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, we secured the Armory located on Pleasant Street Route 139, in 2007. This was achieved after speaking with the Commandant of the National Guard about taking this the building as a Fire Station. This building has been evaluated and deemed sound. There is no reason to tear this structure down and start over. This project should be a renovation, not a total rebuild. The men and woman of Stoughton Fire Department deserve a station now and the residents an affordable project.

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

I have many years of experience in town government, as you can see by my previous services in many positions I've held and still hold currently in the town. I have proven abilities which are knowledge of sewer, water, zoning, conservation and financial budgeting. I have no problem making my voice heard when the residents need representation. You need to show up and vote for what's best for the residents who pay the taxes.

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

The problem is failure to prioritize. We line up too many projects and many projects take money. The purchasing of buildings with no plan or direction is a burden to the taxpayers. We need to establish an order of importance when purchasing buildings. This has been missed by the current board. The constant reliance on outside consultants to make decisions, shows inexperience. The role of a Select Board member is not just a title, it is a position of trust that the residence bestow upon you to do the right thing with dignity, honestly and experience.

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

I would say they did the best with the knowledge that they had. Nobody can and should not say anything about the town's first responders and Covid team. This was a pandemic that no world has ever seen. Lets' pray that it will all be over soon.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Addressing the lack of the downtown parking and traffic flow. The simple task is a local parking garage. There is state grant money for this purpose. Support the School Committee, School Department and the residence of Precinct 3 the South School District in their endeavor to obtain grants to help of the building of the new South School.

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

In my previous tenure, I was on the Board when Fire Station 2, the Stoughton Senior Center and the MWRA was started and completed. I appointed department heads that are still currently working for the town. I helped institute early retirement which allowed employees to advance in other areas and rise in their departments. As a previous Selectmen, I had the privilege of attending many functions in the town representing the Board from parades, various presentations of eagle scouts, veterans square dedications all of which made me proud represent my town. I've handled shortfalls in the budget and came up with solutions that were amenable to the residents.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

When making a decision, write it down, read it to yourself, then read it again because when you say it, you can't take it back.

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

I will never compromise my integrity. I will always make the best decisions for the Town of Stoughton residents, employees and businesses. I would like to have 1 of your 2 votes on April 6th, 2021. Thank you.