Alumni Profiles: Arthur G. Vigeant '81
Arthur G. Vigeant ’81 has served as mayor of Marlborough, Mass., since 2012. Prior to being elected mayor, he served for 18 years on the City Council, including nine as City Council president.
1. You are currently running for your fourth term as mayor. What are the best and worst parts of campaigning?
Raising money is definitely the worst part of the campaign, but it is probably one of the most important parts to be able to get your vision out to the voters. The best part is the interaction with the residents of the city, and if you’re doing your jobcorrectly, it is continuous throughout your tenure. You need feedback from people outside of your regular circle to stay grounded in your position. People around you will almost always tell you you’re doing a good job. The people on
the street may tell you a different story.
2. What are the biggest challenges facing cities such as Marlborough?
Managing healthcare costs continues to be an issue. Providing the properfunding to improve aging infrastructure and roadways and to improve parks, playgrounds, and our schools
without overburdening our taxpayers. Our proactive approach to economic development and our conservative budgeting has allowed us to do beach renovations, a new senior center,
playgrounds, and other infrastructure projects while maintaining low tax bills for our residents.
3. Do you have political role models?
President Ronald Regan, who would try to fill a room with people who were more experienced than he was then make decisions based on their advice; Former Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, who knew all politics is local; Governor Charlie Baker, a conservative with a big heart on the social issues and team approach to governing; And of course, the late Governor Paul Cellucci, who never had a bad word to say about anyone and always remembered where he came from.
The common thread with these strong leaders was to be able to work with others of any political party and compromise on issues without giving up on your values, all for the good of
the people.
4. In this highly charged and partisan political climate, is it hard to be an elected official?
Local elections are nonpartisan.That’s why we can get so much accomplished. Once we get into party politics, decisions are made based on the party, not on what’s best for the people. It happens at the State House too often and it happens in Washington, D.C., every day. Kids need to be educated, police and fire need to keep people safe, potholes need to be filled. On a local level, there’s no passing the buck.
5. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Gather the facts and think before you make a decision. Never accept the excuse, “but that’s the way we’ve always done it.” That’s the easy way out. Also, find some down time to unwind with family and friends.
6. What advice would you give to students with political ambitions?
Get involved early. Campaigns are always looking for volunteers. Go out and hold signs, leaflet a neighborhood, make phone calls, or work in a campaign office. There is a science to politics and elections, but I don’t believe you can learn that in a political science class.
7. How did your Worcester State education impact your life?
One of the last electives I took at Worcester State was “Federal Income Tax.” I did well in it and found it interesting. I went on to get my first job after school doing tax returns and later sat for my C.P.A. exam. I’ve had an accounting practice for 30 years in Marlborough. Being a Certified Public Accountant got me interested in Marlborough’s finances, and that’s why I ran for city council in 1993.
8. What is your favorite Worcester State memory?
I wasn’t the best student through my school years, so I would have to say my time playing football there. I still see some teammates 35 years later.