Select Board Chair JR McCourt to seek reelection

Submitted by the campaign to re-elect JR McCourt

John R. McCourt is announcing his re-election campaign for the Canton Select Board.

McCourt, more commonly known as JR, is a lifelong resident of Canton. He attended Canton Public Schools before finishing his K-12 education at Blue Hills Regional High School. He has been involved in many aspects of the community from a very young age. As a father of three grown adults, who are the love of his life and whom he couldn’t be prouder of, McCourt has always made the Canton community a priority.

Starting at a young age, he worked for the Canton Recreation Department, the Department of Public Works (DPW), and the Engineering Department. He’s worked behind the scenes to support and craft youth-oriented spaces, and has donated his time to multiple committees, including the Canton Parks and Recreation Committee, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Building Renovations Committee.

Despite starting a career in electronics after receiving his associate’s degree in electronic technology from Blue Hills Regional Technical Institute, McCourt has spent most of his professional time focused on construction and facilities management. In 1995, McCourt began working for the Canton Housing Authority, where he continues to work today, and has spent 30 years of dedicated service as a supervisor. He is devoted to the residents and to their safety, and he has a special interest in maintaining a functioning public housing system.

McCourt has proudly served as a Select Board member for the past three years and currently serves as chair. His activity and commitment to this and other town boards has enabled him to be part of several vital town projects, such as the new aquatic center and library renovations. As noted previously, he has an extensive history with the BRC, with over 15 years of consistent commitment.

“My time on the BRC has been fulfilling and educational in ways that I hadn’t expected,” he said. “I love my town and always want what’s best for my community. Getting the chance to not just do that but also to meet incredible, smart people who are just as committed to the town is an honor. I feel privileged to see their immense talent come to fruition in so many different ways, helping the town grow.”

Looking ahead to Canton’s future, McCourt’s concerns center on ensuring stability in the near term. He believes the focus needs to be on maintaining the community’s fiscal health. “Canton has been AAA-rated for years, which is a testament to the hard work of the entire team,” he said. “With a large-scale middle school project underway and capital improvements to our buildings, the town needs to take its priorities seriously and make the decisions needed to maintain a stable, tight budget. The town of Canton is also undergoing a significant transition.”

McCourt candidly admits that the Canton Police Department remains a large-scale conversation and concern for the town. “We need officers, and that’s urgent for the safety of our community,” he said. “But with that comes the acknowledgment that Canton citizens are seeking comfort and relief. And that means these decisions cannot be made in haste.”

McCourt believes the town’s newly formed Facilities Department is vital in this process and requires support and patience from the community. He also firmly believes that the town needs to address its current building needs and develop a plan for the future as costs continue to rise.

“We cannot build anything new until we take care of what we already have,” noted McCourt.

When asked why he’s choosing to run for reelection, McCourt had no hesitation in his response. “My love for this town hasn’t gone anywhere these last three years; if anything, it has only gotten stronger. These past few years have been trying for residents; tensions have been high, and current issues have divided our community. I remember the heart of our town, and I want to do everything in my power to help others remember too. I understand that social media is prevalent and rampant in this day and age, and while I know that’s not something I can change, I believe I can help bring back discussion grounded in honesty and integrity. I’ve always explained my votes and my stance when asked, and I will continue to do so. I believe in an even approach, and that’s not going anywhere. I said this three years ago when I first ran, and I’ll say it again: I want to help our community continue to grow. I’m hands-on, I’m face-to-face, and I’m doing everything I can to get the job done. I have more work to do here, and I want to do it. We have big decisions before us. Please vote McCourt in April. You will not be disappointed.”

VOTE MCCOURT 2026 BEST FOR CANTON

John R. McCourt is hosting a meet-the-candidate event on Sunday, March 1, from 3-6 p.m. at the Canton Town Club. All are welcome.

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Posted by Guest on Feb 20 2026. Filed under Town Election. Both comments and pings are currently closed.