ROXBURY - In Roxbury, Thomas O’Brien is running for Town Supervisor on both the Democratic line and the independent Roxbury Partners line.
While this is O’Brien’s first campaign for elected office, it is far from his first time serving the public. His qualifications are rooted in nearly two decades of leadership at Roxbury Central School, including 12½ years as superintendent. During that time, he provided steady leadership, maintaining strong educational programs while practicing careful fiscal management.
O’Brien notes that the complexities of running a school district closely parallel those of municipal government. “Balancing community needs, regulations, and responsible budgeting are challenges both systems share,” he said. “I’m ready to translate those experiences into effective leadership for the town.”
If elected, O’Brien says he will focus on building partnerships and identifying efficiencies while preparing Roxbury to meet both challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. He emphasizes the importance of improving the community while preserving the town’s rural character.
O’Brien knows transparency and open communication are essential to healthy civic dialog.
“Clearly stating objectives and rationales helps open the door to productive community discussion,” he said. “Guiding documents like the town’s Comprehensive Plan, along with established goals and municipal regulations, must inform decision-making while we respond to the immediate needs of the community.”
O’Brien said he was encouraged to run and had considered local office in the past. As superintendent, he developed experience advocating for rural communities at both the state and local levels.
“Rural areas can easily be overlooked unless we advocate for ourselves,” he said.
One example came in 2016, when the late James L. Seward recommended O’Brien to serve on the Governor’s Task Force to Combat the Opioid and Heroin Addiction, citing his perspective as a rural educator, long serving EMT with The Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department, and trustee of the Margaretville Hospital.
“We must continue to affirm the relevance and uniqueness of this beautiful area we call home,” O’Brien said. “I appreciate the endorsement of the Delaware County Democratic Committee and the opportunity to serve the community in this new way.”
Tom hopes to earn the support of voters on November 3rd.
