JR McCourt announces candidacy for Select Board

Submitted by the Campaign to Elect JR McCourt

John R. McCourt is officially announcing his candidacy for the Canton Select Board.

A lifelong resident of Canton, McCourt attended Canton Public Schools and has been involved in many aspects of the community from a very young age. As a father of three grown adults, who are his pride and joy, McCourt has always made the Canton community a priority to ensure his kids and others in Canton have the best environment to grow and live.

In his youth he worked for the Recreation, Public Works and Engineering departments, and he was the principal of the very first soccer clinic at Pequitside Farm, which evolved into Canton Youth Soccer. He currently chairs the town’s Parks and Recreation Commission and is a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Building Renovations Committee (BRC).

A graduate of Blue Hills Regional Technical Institute with an associate’s degree in electronic technology, McCourt worked for many years as a technician but found his true passion in construction, with a special interest in building and renovating homes. In 1995 he took a step back from construction and started working for the Canton Housing Authority, where he continues to work today as a supervisor. McCourt is devoted to the residents and their safety, always making them the first priority.

As a member of the BRC for over 10 years, McCourt has overseen the design and construction of several municipal projects, such as the Hansen School addition, the Senior Center, Metropolis Rink, and town pool. He is currently involved with the Galvin Middle School project and its feasibility study as well as the library repair project. As a member of the ZBA, he has attended lengthy hearings for projects including the Paul Revere Heritage Site and Washington Commons, a development at the former Emerson and Cuming property. Noting that each case is unique, McCourt believes it is important to visit each site with a neutral perspective to be as fair and impartial as possible. “You have to look at every petitioner as a neighbor and resident and be respectful to all,” he said.

McCourt believes that being on a board or committee is an honor. “You serve your community in ways that you never thought possible,” he said. “You also get to work with some very amazing and talented people with the same commitment. I have been privileged to work with so many.”

The foundation of his agenda for Select Board is based primarily on his desire to be there for all Canton residents and to represent the best interest of the entire community. With a background in housing, he has directed attention towards the conversation of affordable housing in town, including the location and types of housing that fit best in Canton and best meet the needs of its residents. “Let’s talk serious with serious people without blinders on,” he said. “Let’s talk about what we need, not just for the median, but for all Canton residents and all income groups.”

Asked why he is running for Select Board, McCourt was ready and prepared with his answer: “I love Canton. Canton is rich in spirit and compassion and gives you strength in everything you do. The services in this community are second to none and its employees are among the very best. Our schools are growing every day and have become a pillar in this community. I want to not only play a part in keeping it that way, but also help it continue to grow and flourish. I am a team player that wants to make sound, knowledgeable decisions based on the facts present and in Canton’s best interest. I am transparent, fiscally responsible, and committed to this community that I have been proud to call my home for my whole life. I believe in being hands-on, having face-to-face conversations, and getting the job done. We are in some very serious times, and we have big decisions before us. Please vote McCourt in April. You will not be disappointed.”

All are welcome to attend a meet JR McCourt at a campaign kickoff event on February 26 from 3-6 p.m. at the Canton Town Club.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=105033

Posted by Guest on Feb 24 2023. Filed under Town Election. Both comments and pings are currently closed.