About Mitch Cohen

 

Many have called me a “Local Government Nerd” – and it’s true. Soon after moving to Northborough six years ago I joined the Library Trustees and the Fire Station Building Committee. I participate regularly at Town Meetings and many Board and Committee meetings. If you attended or watched the ARPA funding forum organized by the Northborough Guide, I helped interpret the ins and outs of rules for the $4M federal government funds available to Northborough.

I’m originally from Framingham and have lived in the Metrowest and Worcester areas all my life. I met my wife Alysa when she lived in Westborough twenty years ago. We have two growing daughters – Ariella is a freshman at Algonquin, and Alana in sixth grade at Melican. By day I’m a software developer at Lexia Learning. If you have kids in the Northborough Elementary Schools, they probably use our “Lexia Core5” reading app.

Some may know me as the one who fundraised for and led the lighting of the Menorah at this past December’s Tree Lighting. I recently finished terms on our Synagogue’s Board of Directors and as Treasurer. We’re members of the amazing Northborough Historical Society, and I recently joined the Northborough Rotary. I moderated the last in-person candidate’s night we had, at the American Legion in 2019.

Going back in time a bit, before moving here, I was very active in our former town’s government. This was in Douglas, just south of Worcester. I served two terms on the Board of Selectmen, two terms on the School Committee, served on two School Building Committees ten years apart (built two new schools and renovated a third), six years on the Cultural Council, six years on the Financial Planning Committee, eighteen years on the Cable Committee, and many more.

Before my current job, I owned a small software development business for 22 years. I spent several of those years very active in the Worcester and Blackstone Valley Chambers of Commerce, organizing networking events for other small business owners. Small businesses are crucial to any local economy, and along with residents and government one of the pillars of our community.

I don’t do anything halfway. If I’m elected, you’ll see me asking serious questions and taking actions to move the town forward. I take the long view in problem solving, but I’m happy getting into the weeds when needed. I’ve marched on the steps of Beacon Hill, and I’ve testified inside. Local government is so important.

In upcoming posts I’ll share more of my experience, and ideas I’ll bring to the table. I hope you’ll elect me to the Board of Selectmen. We have so much more to do.