Stoughton Special Election Candidate Profile: Mark Zamanian

STOUGHTON, MA — Stoughton's special town election is June 22. Stoughton Patch asked select board candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Mark Zamanian is one of two candidates vying for a seat on the select board. He faces Louis Gitto in competition for former Select Board Chair Christine Howe's seat. Her seat became available when she resigned to accept a government job in Idaho.

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 Zamanian in the profile below:

Age (as of Election Day)

51

Position Sought

Select board

Family

Pamella Zamanian - wife, Alexandria - daughter, Andrew - son, Avril - daughter, Aine - daughter

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Boston College - Business management and marketing, St. John's Seminary - Diaconate program

Occupation

Contracting / sustainable consultant

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Redevelopment Authority, Community Preservation committee, Chair - Housing trust subcommittee, Precinct 1 Chair

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking office because I believe I can bring the experience and hard work to the Select board that is needed right now. The Town needs someone who is familiar with the current events in Town, who can respond quickly and hit the ground running. I currently sit on the Redevelopment Authority and Community Preservation Committee as well as chairing the Housing Trust subcommittee and I am chair of Precinct 1. I believe it is our civic duty to serve this great Town and I work diligently to ensure all the residents needs and concerns are heard. I would like the opportunity to put my experience to work for the residents.

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

Stoughton is facing a number of capital expenses in the near future: a new fire station is needed, the South school is in desperate need of replacement and the police department is running out of room. If I had a magic wand I would wave it and make all these things happen, however, I do not. Stoughton does not have unlimited funds. The Town has to look at how we can accommodate its needs without overburdening the taxpayer. We need to build these infrastructure projects within our budgetary limits, putting forth safe and affordable structures that Stoughton can be proud of, not pie in the sky limitless spending. This requires hard work in conjunction with our professional staff, volunteers, committees and boards, listening to the advice of those people and working together to produce an end product we can all be proud of.

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

I am a big believer in living within our means and not burdening our residents with heavy tax increases and proposition 2 1/2 overrides. The Town must start looking at our finances like we all do in our personal lives, saving money for large purchases and having a little something to put down on these projects. In my opinion we need to work together with our staff and volunteers for the collective good of the town as a whole, bringing unity to our town. Being a member of the various boards and committees I'm currently on I have had the ability to hear the concerns and interests of many residents and am ready work diligently to serve my community.

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

I am running for the open seat which was vacated by Chairperson Howe. If elected, I would like to refocus the Boards energies, helping to identify which projects should be prioritized and then achieve the needed results.

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

The pandemic hit the Town of Stoughton hard and through the COVID relief fund, established by the Housing assistance subcommittee through the CPC, we put together a much needed fund that supported our residents. Additionally, I'd like to thank the Town staff, COVID Taskforce and all the volunteers for their hard work during this most difficult time.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

If elected, keeping Stoughton financially stable through sound fiscal management will be a priority. Transparency, integrity and commitment to the job are of utmost importance to me. I will protect Stoughton's charm while building on its economy and infrastructure through thoughtful commercial development. I will listen to the residents and understand that schools, road repair, neighborhoods and the need for a fire station are important to residents. I will ensure all grant money is pursued by Stoughton easing the burden on the taxpayers.

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

I brought transparency to the Redevelopment Authority making sure residents have access to our meetings. I have been actively involved solving multiple Town issues by ensuring the proper process was followed by the boards and committees I've been on. As chairperson of the Housing assistance committee we provided real help to residents through the COVID relief program with $750,000 in CPC funds to support our residents in need and stabilize our housing market. As an active Town meeting representative and chair of my precinct, I regularly receive calls from the taxpayers and vote in a thought filled manner reflecting on the wishes of the residents.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be true to yourself and your convictions, be honest and never be afraid to admit when you’re wrong.

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

First, I'd like to say the most important thing to me is my family. I am committed to working diligently for every single persons needs in this Town. I will do my homework and will follow through with issues ensuring the best outcome possible. I will work with all of the Select board members to ensure a fair and equitable town for all. I ask for your vote on June 22, 2021.