In addition to voters casting ballots for the state and federal candidates this November, locally, Marlborough will also elect a town justice. The incumbent, Michael Kraiza, is running to retain his seat against challenger Justin Pascale. To this end, the Marlborough Democratic Committee (MDC) feels it is useful for voters to understand why Mr. Pascale, a Republican, is running on the Democratic line.

Town justice candidates are not required to obtain town political committee endorsements. Nonetheless, Mr. Pascale was considerate enough to approach the MDC in January seeking a cross-party endorsement. MDC bylaws require 75% of its total membership vote affirmatively to endorse candidates registered in different parties. At the meeting when the vote was scheduled to take place, not enough MDC members attended to achieve this threshold. Mr. Pascale subsequently circulated his own petitions for which he received 115 signatures from registered town Democrats, two of whom served as witnesses for each signature, as required. Considering only 88 signatures were required, this is an impressive endeavor, and the MDC commends Mr. Pascale for taking the initiative to engage in the democratic process.

The Marlborough Democratic Committee has not endorsed any candidate for the judicial opening, but wishes Mr. Kraiza and Pascale the best in their races.