District 1 Candidate Forum 8/29

Video of the forum; MassLive coverage

Testing mics.  Larry Shetler immediately starts working the crowd, talking about how he volunteered in the beer tent at the Polish Festival.  Gary Rosen orders an IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF MICS. 

Maybe 75 people in audience?  (More streaming in as we begin)

Panel: Kiernan Dunlop of Masslive, Hank Stolz, Gary Rosen

LOCATION OF THE BATHROOM is announced.  Now that I am approaching menopause, I appreciate Gary’s restroom announcements.  THERE ARE NO MALE BATHROOMS IN THE SCHOOL.

This race isn’t as contentious as the D5 race, but Gary reminds us NO ABUSE, NO BULLYING of any candidate by anyone.

Introductions

Larry Shelter: a retired person, grandfather, worked under late Mayor Cianci in Providence as asst director of planning and in econ dev.  Wants to share some of interesting things he’s learned on the way and that concern many of his fellow senior citizens.

Dave Peterson, not Peterman: moved here in 2003, three-decker off of May Street.  City has come a long way since poster of Judith Light.  Has spoken with a lot of people – many have seen progress, some have concerns.  Background is in entertainment/media, baseball – first foray into civics. 65% of people in country think USA going in wrong direction, trickles down to local.  Bring positivity, optimism – always rooting for City of Worcester.

Jenny Pacillo: wants Worcester to be a place where kids, families, seniors can thrive.  Part time editor of Pulse Mag, stay-at-home mom, LWV, on Citizens Advisory Council.  Has personally knocked on 3000 doors.  Being up here is a little scary.  Partner Nate & her bought house, second masters degree in public admin.  D1 neighborhoods are vibrant and diverse.  Will prioritize transparency, city services, will always answer phone and listen.

Q to Shetler: D1 a lot of voters think race btw Peterson and Pacillo.  How to stand out?

Shetler: as senior, concerns are more about what is it to help us in day to day life.  What makes it happen for us – living within our budget.  Potholes that cause you to spend Christmas money on car, you want to know why that is happening.  We say, we’re still engaged – we may have lost a step but we’re not going to go quietly into the night.  We have needs and concerns that should be addressed.  I’m just another person in the race, not the third person.

Peterson: how to differentiate.  Jenny’s and Larry’s background: both involved in politics before.  I am very much a newcomer.  Involvement in biz community, traffic, public safety, decided in Feb that he wanted to run.  I don’t mind making fun of myself.  What is a politician?  He is fun, energetic – politics is lacking that.  Wants to bring that with new ideas to City of Worcester.  Now to do it in public as he has done in private industry.

Pacillo: Larry, you have not lost a step.  I have been more involved in campaigns, important to be involved.  Agrees with Dave – does not consider herself a politician.  Very open and honest.  Hard to present yourself as a super smart polished human.  We all want that – just different ways of going about it.

Shelter: all about perspective.  He wants to see Worcester vision and what we want to accomplish long term.

Q to Pacillo about video out there that is three years old, placed on Facebook.  How to change city council, to turn it into a circus and have fun with it.  “Just get people engaged.”  Talk about video and address issues brought up in it.

Guy shouts at Pacillo about something, including people’s cars getting broken into – Gary tells him he came in late and reminds him of ground rules. NO ABUSE OF ANY CANDIDATE – JUST LISTEN FOR ANY CHANGE.

People are shouting at him to leave.

NO ONE HERE WANTS TO HEAR IT says Gary – much applause

Pacillo: I was in a comedy podcast.  They were sarcastic comments about a generation different from mine – I think we’ve all made comments like this.  If you want to know about how I feel, you can see what I’ve done.  Has attended neighborhood meetings for 5.5 years.  The people in there are some of my closest friends.  You can ask everyone at the neighborhood watch meetings.  City Council is not a joke.  Appreciates that Hank watched the whole clip where she was more serious.  She attends other meetings as well.

Peterson: he thinks there are issues – he makes a living entertaining people in a ballpark.  In not one of those years, he has never made a disparaging comment about the ballpark.  Does not agree that the city council is a circus.  If he is elected, he will be serious and will restructure his professional career so it matches political career.  Residents had cars broken into and that is serious.  Make sure residents feel safe.

Shetler: I’m a singer and I’m real uncomfortable in this convo.  If we’re going to talk about city council, we need to revisit plan E for Worcester.  Time we discussed that.  Should we have strong mayor?  How has that come about?  What will give us best return on investment?  Would like to move on to more substantive issues.

Pacillo: I’m with Larry, let’s talk planning, let’s look at the charter.

Q to Peterson on dual tax rates.  Neither residents or business owners pleased with results.  Slowly work to eliminate dual tax rates? 

Peterson: Yes, will take some time.  When I started this race, have job growth.  Lot of small businesses leave because commercial tax rate is so high, going over bridge to Shrewsbury.  Almost everyone had a higher tax bill this year, not bc of tax rate but because of assessments.  Need to look at too-high assessments, too many abatements needed.  Commercial – typically pick up own trash, snowplow own property, no kids in schools.  Treatment of commercial entities needs to be fairer. 

Pacillo: as a homeowner, doesn’t want residential tax rates to increase – would need to look at it thoughtfully every year.  Why are we hurting residents and businesses with flawed system?  Idea: create intermediate tax level for LLCs and commercial landlords.  Different tax level for owner-occupied.  Regular landlords getting pushed by LLCs.

Shetler: you need a tax base, people willing to pay taxes that is bigger than where we are right now.  Somehow we have to go into econ dev and think outside box.  What to drive income into city so we don’t have to beat on you guys…residents will vote by their feet, no one will be left to pay taxes.  At some point in time city will not make payroll.

Peterson: thinks by expanding entire tax base, lessens burden on residents.  22% of revenues came from commercial center – 36% of commercial in mid-1980s [before dual tax rate]

Q to Pacillo: speeding in the district, dangerous intersections.

Pacillo: I live on Clark Street, which is the Clark Street Speedway.  Chester and Drummond have a number of accidents.  Grove St is a state highway, need to work with MassDOT.  WPD and Traffic Division work hard, would like Complete Streets program implemented.  Concrete examples: bike lanes – when street is narrow, people are less likely to speed.  Green infrastructure to beautify streets.

Peterson: speeding, condition of roads, Councilor Rose was asked for a stop sign, frustration from residents.  Problem in city with advancing some of it through Traffic Committee, cars flying down Sagamore Road, can’t put speed bumps everywhere but not a bad idea for back roads.  WPD has had 400 officers, increasing population – can’t expect them to do speed traps. 

[Note: the WPD actually had more back in the 1960s when we had a smaller population]

Shelter: How did these people who don’t use turn signals get driver’s licenses?  Take a look at who’s driving…they should use their mirrors.

Pacillo: we need better communication with residents – Bay State Road repaving 3x/3 years.  Agrees with Peterson on that.

Q to Peterson: present cc debated for months on inclusionary zoning.  How do you feel?

Peterson: we need enough affordable housing.  What CC did is adequate for now, can’t scare away outside developers, want to incentivize 60% AMI units.  Need to speed up process, less red tape, will encourage that development.  Less than 2 spaces / apartment.  Build units a little smaller, taller buildings, quicker approvals.  Cannot scare away private development, this is what many developers feel when they hear inclusionary zoning.

Shetler: this discussion is much bigger than City Council, Worcester, Mass.  New residents are coming.  If you are an outside builder, question is – how am I going to pay, what is income stream, HUD financing.  I’m very uncomfortable with inclusionary housing and want to know who you are including and excluding.  He likes 62+ housing, doesn’t feel like he wants to share that.  Doesn’t want to sound like he’s not a good person, but what about quality of life?

Pacillo: once again, example of needing to think outside of box. Friend would like accessory dwelling for her mother.  We have so many manufacturing zones, why can’t we put housing in there?  Need to look at things differently. 

Peterson: in D1, not a lot of available land to build on.  Doesn’t know if he’d be in favor of redevelop.  51 acres at Saint Gobain – doesn’t see that being developed to housing.

Q to Shetler: does city need design review board to evaluate exterior changes, major changes to existing bldgs., new construction?

Shetler: he wants to say yes but needs to be a thoughtful approach.  If we have a design board, it should be a vision quest, what do you want to see in next 5-10 years, do pieces at a time.  Doesn’t know very many people who want to vacation in Worcester for 3 days.  What do you want community to be?  Destination?  Warm growing community?  Industrial town?  From city manager’s pov, mayor’s, have discussion about what we want to do, modify, meaningful bldgs.

Peterson: it seems like a bit redundant – renovating old mill buildings, new stretch code.  Doesn’t know that we need a board to review the design of any new construction.  Construction costs have gone way up – if we have a board that will approve or disapprove one of these buildings, adding costs unnecessarily to some new bldgs..

Pacillo: design review board – look to Worcester Now/Next, engaged community in accessible ways to get more community input.  We need to add a staffer to purchasing and econ dev to make sure that projects go forward effectively and in fiscally responsible way.

Shetler: WE NEED ACTION.  We talk things to death.  Choose to do something that a large segment of the population can get behind and just do it.

Q to Peterson: Redevelopment of Saint Gobain.  What would you like there?  How as councilor to get that to happen?

Peterson: 51 acres, once in 100 years opportunity.  We can turn it into jobs, foot traffic.  I don’t know if it will fit, but would love to explore a movie studio, sound stages, adds to flights coming into airport, hotel rooms, that would spur job growth.  Has been done successfully in Devens, outside of Atlanta (Tyler Perry).  4 sound stages, carpentry division.

Shetler likes the idea, anything there would be an improvement.  It’s a brownfield and that will be a challenge.  New owner will need to be indemnified. 

Pacillo: has been going to Saint Gobain / WBDC meetings for over a year, not zoned for housing.  They would like pad ready sites for manufacturing.  Loves movie idea.  Lots of people who work in this industry, props warehouse in the city.

Peterson likes to dream big.  Land would still need to be big enough.

Q to Shetler: Plan E form of gov’t, charter review, but how is CM Batista doing?  Do you wish to have charter review?

Shetler: doing a pretty good job, hasn’t personally met him.  He’s doing the best he can without being given a lot of guidance from city council – no one has shared the dreams.  He wants to do the right thing – now help him do it.  Absolutely need to revisit the charter.  City is dynamic, could be more dynamic, we need real sound leadership that comes from the grassroots.  If you have strong mayor, the downside is absolute power corrupts absolutely.  But real serious leadership needed to reach goals.  Quit having meetings – some folks in charge need to get it done.

Pacillo: CM Batista has impressive background, likes that he worked his way up.  Would love to see clear process for city manager search in the future. Thanks folks for applause, they are cutting into her time.  For charter review, 100% – I love community listening sessions and community meetings.  More people should share dreams – Portland ME worked hard to update charter.

Peterson: likes what the CM is doing.  He wants to do what’s best for city.  Has worked with him since 2014 on Bravehearts nights.  One of things he’s done is reopen Homeownership Center at Oak Hill CDC – closed by Augustus.  Plan E – lot of cooks in the kitchen, district and at-large school committee, seems like Worcester just chose everything.  Needs to be refined, but not right away.

Shetler is a happy camper, likes what he hears, go forward and explore these things.  We need to embrace a new thought process on the city charter.

Q to Pacillo: should CC defund the WPD?  Return police to high schools as SROs?  Civilian review?

Pacillo: I signed a defund petition in 2020 because of excessive use of force complaints – we are short on police, people are retiring, need to recruit people in new ways.  Did WPD Civilian Academy.  SROs removed in 2021, is a WPS mom, school safety is important.  Adjustment councilors/social workers better equipped. Civilian review: doesn’t think it could ever happen.  Would like to see inspector general model, not just for WPD but for all parts of gov’t.

Peterson: no to defund; SROs in schools – yes, place for kids to develop relationship with police officers; citizen review board good in theory, could potentially work, but we’d need citizens to be held accountable.  Can’t be made of people with same opinions about police department.

Shetler: we’re going to fund police, resource officers back in school, no civilian review.

Pacillo: agrees with Dave – if there were civilian review, would need to be diverse, with police and community members.  In a ridealong, a police officer said he’d be in a classroom where kids could have a low stakes conversation with him. 

Q to Shetler: rise in unhoused population, yet many housing projects face opposition.  What is councilor’s role?  Will you stick by residents vs NIMBY?

Shetler: 70 [apologies, I originally wrote that as “7” but I misheard!] years ago was adopted by Mennonites, believes we are neighbor’s keeper.  I don’t know what to do.  There are needs out there.  We have walked the streets, there is a need for shelter, there is a need to help people.  How to balance that against really beautiful neighborhoods, around Zion Church.  Doesn’t have the answer – it’s bigger than us.  We don’t have the resources to help them.

Peterson: he is of opinion that we must care for and help our neighbor, but look out for homeowner.  If we have 90 units in Quality Inn, security plan in place, resources for those living there.  Ability for those to recover.  Neighbors should be in constant contact, are there needles on the streets, are there people walking in the middle of traffic.  When you want to house people who don’t have housing, must give them all resources to become productive members of society again.

Pacillo: has attended Northern Lincoln St meetings for a couple of years off and on, they are skeptical of Oriol Drive, 24/7 services, people will have to apply.  Is conflicted, understands that neighborhood has been through so much, people who put in hotel need to communicate the plan better, more transparently.  Residents should be able to have their voices heard and know what’s going on in their neighborhood.

Shetler: tough to put kids and needle users together.  To have coherent community survive.  Common sense is being challenged.  If you (audience) have better ideas, we would love to hear it.

Q to Pacillo about senior population.  Underserved?

Pacillo: my grandparents were my best friends, my partner Nate teases me that my friends are all older.  I genuinely care for seniors, in meetings has helped people, worked on Community Preservation Act, made sure Senior Center has info on how to be exempt.  Wants seniors to stay in their homes, fare-free WRTA.  Thinks seniors are very important.

Shetler: sometimes I think it’s underserved.  It’s tough to transition from 55 to something else.  I thought I had extra time, money, but it’s sad, health – does it stay up?  Get to places, special bus service, do you have rides, facilities that can manage wheelchair and walker?  Can you still cook for yourself, get to stove.  Colony 1 and 2 have envisioned real quality of life aspects that enhance us as we get older.

Peterson: appreciates Larry’s transpo comments.  At Willows, residents have to call a week in advance for van.  Why not something that can be served by the WRTA?  Offer seniors more opportunities to get out.  Interested in city’s new franchise agreement with Spectrum, should include help for seniors, media center upgrades at senior center.  Not just TV, to teach seniors to use internet, zoom with family.

Pacillo: we need to do a better job of communicating services to seniors and, like Larry said, listen to our seniors.

Now we have the candidates-talk-to-each-other part

Pacillo to Peterson: in interviews you have shared how busy your job is as GM of the Bravehearts – do you think it’s responsible for residents to not have city councilor three months out of the year?

Peterson: first of all, idea that I’m not accessible is not correct. Phone posted on website, only person who has done that.  508-556-4295 for a good time.  Basically, being a city councilor is 80% reactionary, dealing with problems in neighborhoods.  When residents call you, very reactionary.  Campaigning is proactive, have to plan, make time to do door-knocking.  Reactionary is when you are a city councilor.  He responds to emails, answers phone calls, goes to lunch with you, and is a single man.  If you call me at 9:30pm, I’ll answer.

Pacillo: finds the answer acceptable.

Shetler has a girlfriend. [This is related to Peterson being single]

Shetler: what is you would embrace that would make Worcester a destination for 2-3 days?

Pacillo: with Greendale revitalization projects, businesses are already there – need to be uplifted and highlighted more.  Would like to get movie theater in the city.  We would all like that.  We have to go to Millbury or W Boylston to see a movie.  If you want to go really crazy, Larry, I would love to have a roller skating rink in the city. 

Peterson is told by Stolz that roller skating is great way to meet people.

Peterson: lots of growth in city, mostly in entertainment side.  Ways for people to go to entertainment destinations.  Taxes can’t increase on those – they will falter like Foothills Theater and like those before it.  He just broke his leg in June so doesn’t think he can go rollerskating.

Peterson to Pacillo: in favor of lowest residential?  If so, how would city make enough of tax revenue?

Pacillo: this is an issue every single year.  We shouldn’t be pitted against each other.  No reason why it needs to be like this.  Research Bureau looked at ways to shrink this over a decade.  Would like to figure out system in a new way.

Shetler: on one level, it’s kind of easy.  But how do you get mix of residents and businesses?  Gear up on bringing businesses here.  Need to stroke them a little to meet their needs – bring employees to our great city.  Then issues with diverse tax rates will go down.

Pacillo to Shetler – new Burncoat High School?

Shetler: not taxpayer for kids any more.  Not sure what kind of education they’re getting there.  Wondering if you’re going to get a return on investment.  More students than we thought we were going to have.  We haven’t embraced – with new immigrants coming in, we haven’t designed for capacity that we’re going to see.  The few people who have grandkids in system wondering the same thoughts.

Peterson: in favor of a new Burncoat High School, some areas that have had mold remediation.  Doherty finished next year.  Projects are difficult to budget for, Burncoat needs to be next.  Engage with colleges to help with programming at Burncoat because we will hit the enrollment cliff.  Lowest college enrollments in 50 years beginning in 2026/27/28. He discussed bringing in Assumption or Anna Maria for a program.

[Has no one heard of the existing Early College Worcester programs?]

Shetler: new folks coming to town, will not have a shortage of students, will have a lot more younger students with a lot more needs.  I don’t know how we’re going to deal with it – not sure how to manage future based on what we see.  We need a new school, maybe [sic – I am sorry, this is disgusting, people]

Shetler doesn’t really have a question

Peterson to Shetler: I-290 to airport access road.  Impossible without eminent domain. 

Shetler: Yes, would love to take those houses by eminent domain.  [Note: those houses are in D5.  Screw you, Larry, focus on your own district]  These people will need to play ball or something.  [Sorry, I cannot deal with this jerk, guys.]  We couldn’t connect the dots in the 1970s, there was a great bar there.

Pacillo: new idea to her.  She will say no – eminent domain is a huge thing for people.

Shetler: when you start taking people’s property, that is a big deal.  Yeah, we took property on 146.  Not an easy discussion.  Some great things like mall on 146, which we wish were further north.

Worcester Together Affordable Housing Coalition candidate questionnaire responses

Worcester Together Affordable Housing Coalition recently sent City Council candidates a questionnaire of five questions related to affordable housing.

They were kind enough to send me the responses, which they hope will inform your voting in the upcoming election.

Some additional information about the responses:

Worcester Together Affordable Housing Coalition is a group of Worcester residents and friends. Some of us are tenants and some are property owners. Some once were unhoused and others are developers of affordable housing. Some of us first came together to strengthen Worcester’s response to COVID and to creatively respond to those most at risk. We are united in our desire to secure more affordable housing in Worcester and to educate the community regarding the views of candidates for City Council. No candidates were involved in developing this questionnaire or the questions presented. We sent emails to all the candidates 4 times and below are the ones that responded.

Full thread of posts

1) https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=262822960078869&id=100090535010659&mibextid=ZbWKwL

2) https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=262824613412037&id=100090535010659&mibextid=ZbWKwL

3) https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=262826000078565&id=100090535010659&mibextid=ZbWKwL

4) https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=262826760078489&id=100090535010659&mibextid=ZbWKwL

5) https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=262827773411721&id=100090535010659&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Upcoming Municipal Candidate Forums – 2023

I’ll keep this post updated as I hear of forums:

For the general election:

At-Large City Council – Wednesday, October 11 at 7pm, Mechanics Hall (Washburn Hall)

Sponsors: Research Bureau, Telegram & Gazette, Worcester Chamber, Worcester Education Collaborative

(Contested) District School Committee – Thursday, October 12 at 4:30pm, zoom, registration link

Sponsors: Worcester Education Equity Roundtable

(Contested) District Council – Wednesday, October 18 at 7pm, Mechanics Hall (Washburn Hall)

Sponsors: Research Bureau, Telegram & Gazette, Worcester Chamber, Worcester Education Collaborative

Mayor – Wednesday, October 25 at 7pm, Mechanics Hall (Washburn Hall)

Sponsors: Research Bureau, Telegram & Gazette, Worcester Chamber, Worcester Education Collaborative

Previous forums:

For the Preliminary:

City Council District 4 – Monday August 28, 6:30 p.m., St. Peter’s Parish Gymnasium 929 Main St

I’m not sure who the sponsor is for this one and I cannot attend, but I would appreciate others going!

City Council District 1 – Tuesday August 29, 6:30pm, Auditorium of Notre Dame Academy, 425 Salisbury St.

Moderators: Rosen/Stolz/Dunlop

At-Large School Committee – Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 4:30-6:00pm, Registration (zoom) link

Sponsor: Worcester Education Equity Roundtable

At-Large School Committee – Wednesday, September 27 at 7pm, Mechanics Hall (Washburn Hall)

Sponsors: Research Bureau, Telegram & Gazette, Worcester Chamber, Worcester Education Collaborative

(Contested) District School Committee – Wednesday, October 4 at 7pm, Mechanics Hall (Washburn Hall)

Sponsors: Research Bureau, Telegram & Gazette, Worcester Chamber, Worcester Education Collaborative

District 5 Candidate Forum 8/23

Panel is Gary Rosen, Kiernan Dunlop, Hank Stolz

In the audience: Ray Mariano, Konnie Lukes, Moe Bergman, Johanna Hampton-Dance, likely other legends, only one “I Miss the America I Grew Up In” baseball cap

Patch coverage; Bill’s Twitter thread; Ben’s Twitter thread

Video of the forum; I do recommend watching, especially the last 10ish minutes

We are welcomed by Gary Rosen. “The bathrooms are to your right, you may need to push Manny and his camera out of the way.”

“Tonight we will not accept any abuse, any bullying.  … If you have comments to make, we don’t want to hear ’em.”

Format: question will be asked of specific candidates, who will get 90 seconds to respond; then other candidates will have 60 seconds; then 30 seconds to original for rebuttal.

Then – candidates will have opportunity to ask other candidates a question.  Not timed, free-flowing conversation.

Opening statements:

Edson Montero: here to represent district, people, neighbors, to inspire future generations, involve them in politics – here for elders, youth, families, working people,

Etel Haxhiaj: proud mom of these two beautiful boys who are her inspiration, not just asking for your vote but your participation, safe roads, walkable sidewalks, seniors to be able to age at home, develop various areas back to life, green and blue spaces.  For past 20 months, touched by your stories.  Death of Candace, flower shop and furniture shop owners in Pleasant St Fire, Mill St apartment residents who lost everything.  When Mill St residents wanted better public process, she got that from the city.  (She is amazing, I only got half of this)

Jose Rivera: The reason I got my hands on the table is that I talk a lot with my hands.  People over politics – focusing on D5, challenges but not deterred, real solutions for homelessness, commitment to transparency, not interested in negative campaigning (obliquely references an issue with his supporters) – city examine eminent domain on prime piece of Mill St property held hostage; he talks about eliminating a population (not sure what that was about), not blocking development, would create D5 Parks Commission.  Hopes this spins off into other committees.

Q to Montero: from local and social media, race is between Haxhiaj and Rivera.  Why is Jose Etel’s main opponent and what will you do to show you are the third person in the race?

Montero: I don’t want to be involved in a lot of social media drama.  Believes not in fighting but communication.  This is not about anything for the city he wants.  He knows that the fingers in his hands are different but they work together to accomplish things.  He tries to get the best from people with mental illness in his job.

Q to Etel: are candidates responsible for people who support them?

Haxhiaj: in both races, has run positive, clean campaign.  Has responded to constituent calls, each candidate responsible for their own campaign, she can only speak for herself.

Rivera: the candidates should make it known that supporters should be respectful of others.  Positive, respectful campaign – that’s not always the case, I’ve been getting attacked since he announced candidacy.  Incumbent’s supporters will say and do anything and I know it because I’m receiving it.

Haxhiaj: my supporters do not just want me to win, they believe in my values – because I represent the best this district has to offer.

Montero: I am here to work with you for a better city, family friendly, elders feel represented and not segregated from the city.  Elders don’t count in our system, doesn’t see the city initiative for that population.  Youth generation and other generations

Q to Rivera for D5 Parks Commission, what about King’s proposal for black and LGBT commissions?

Rivera: we want community of people to be heard, def supports.  Councilors should be involved.

Haxhiaj: desperately needed.  Immigrant/refugee as well – coming forward to the table with authority to make decisions.  Will continue to do this in the city. 

Montero: they are part of community, they deserve a seat at the table, doesn’t see this at the gov’t.  sometimes people who look like me go to an office but don’t see anyone they can relate to.  Agrees LGBT community should be supported.

Montero q: Love your Labels protesting outside Catholic Diocese,  if you weren’t here, would you be there supporting them?

Montero: I’m not going to tell you how to raise my kid, this is something parents have to have decisions. 

Haxhiaj: she would be there and signed the letter from Love Your Labels.

Rivera would be there with some of his family members who are part of LGBTQ community.  He thinks Worcester is a welcoming city.

Q for Haxhiaj: what steps to build bridges and trust btw WPD and community?

Haxhiaj: lead from communities most impacted, Black Families Together, Latino Empowerment, feel unheard.  Focus on building bridges but increasing transparency and accountability.  Hopefully DOJ will come up with ways to make things better and City Manager to work on that.

Rivera: lot of division with public safety.  Would like to see the police more involved in community.  National Night Out was great – helps build a bridge.  Accountability is important, let CM deal with that, not up to the City Councilors, it’s our job to build bridges btw WPD and neighborhoods.  Safe city is inviting city.

Montero: I believe in education.  We need more professionalization within WPD.  He works for CHL, we see clients with panic attacks – what would happen if someone with mental illness is approached by police?  We need mental health pros for this.  We need reform inside the police.  My community is one of the most hurt and stigmatized, people that look like me are scared of police.

Rivera: people from community are afraid of police so we need to build a bridge.

Haxhiaj: reframe the question – safety means more affordable housing, more detox beds, that’s what creates a sense of safety, redefine what safety means for our communities.

Montero: not talking about ‘going to the gym to learn to use a gun’ with professionalism.  How they can deal with public in difficult situations.

Q to Rivera: Regulating crisis pregnancy centers, ordinance, what is your stance on regulating cpcs?

Rivera: I am going to agree with Rebecca Rausch, S1114 bill to give uniformity with municipalities, don’t put city in predicament with lawsuits.

Q: so you would oppose ordinance?
Rivera: hedges, but yes

Haxhiaj: testimony from a mom last night who spoke about this, and women whose lives have been in danger from going to these clinics.  Disappointed that this was held last night, will vote to regulate.

Montero is pro-life but is also pro-choice.  If you feel you are in danger, you can make your own decision about your life.  This is what makes the United States a great country.

[he didn’t answer the question]

Q to Haxhiaj about legal liability

Haxhiaj: will of city council was to hear about ordinances, need to protect residents.  Ag’s office just had an advisory, hard to navigate consumer protections.  Will stand by her decision.  When it goes to committee, hopes a lot of people will show up for debate.

Rivera: wants this covered at the state level.  Much better than putting city in more lawsuits, as CCs we need to take this into consideration.  No way of saying that this will happen if passed.  [not sure what this means]

Haxhiaj says city has experience being sued, this is about protecting women and LGBTQ individuals.

Montero: when they lie, people cannot make right decisions.  Why not be honest with people when they go there?

Q to Haxhiaj: would you support charter change for strong mayor?  If so, would it come from 2/3 vote of city council or on ballot?

HaxhiaJ; looking forward to q about D5 but will answer.  Respects public participation and would like grassroots led movement that would educate – would rather it come from ground, organizing and educating residents. 

Montero: city council does not have that power – they are just a guide.  Cannot make the right decisions.  Impression that city is from Kelley Sq to City Hall, if you ask someone about city, it feels like a little town. 

Rivera: the problem is that a lot of things get thrown into it.  Somebody’s going to want to change something else, would rather come from constituents. 

Q to Montero: how would you rate the CM?  Would you renew his contact in 2024?

Montero: we are blind to how he is but he is doing very well.  He looks like he is being pulled in different directions, no one is working together.  When they talk about Mill St, they forget about Stafford St, Newton Hill, etc.  every pothole they say we have 60 miles of private street, what are we going to do about that? 

[STOP TRYING TO TAKE MY PRIVATE STREET AWAY PEOPLE]

City Manager needs direction

Haxhiaj: unfair to the CM and does not feel it’s an appropriate or fair q to answer now.  They called for national search, was committed to that.  Eric B trying his best, has goals in her evaluation and wants to see if they are met.  Committed to listening to constituents on feedback in a year.

Rivera: he has stepped up to the plate, only would have a few months away, would vote for him to stay.

Montero: he’s a minority and has no political support, he receives more attacks. 

Haxhiaj: part of councilor’s job is to hold manager accountable in a public eval, committed to that process.

Rivera: as am I.

Q to Haxhiaj: 267 Mill St collapse, how did you support residents in that and other districts?

Haxhiaj: seven months in, 100+ people, our neighbors at 267 had collapsed roof through no fault of their own.  Was out of country, called LeBouef and then CM, for next 100 days stood with residents in court and in lobby of hotel served subpoena by irresponsible landlord, stood with them in hotel and in courtroom.  Scared, confused, devastated for being in court for doing nothing, advocated for 100 days until the last person was permanently housed.  City solicitor has said we cannot do anything, I do not expect that to happen again.

Q to Rivera: is city doing enough to help those in disasters?

Rivera: city is stepping up but we can do bad.  So far the city has done a good job.

Montero: city has to do inside inspections.  If you had right inspector, the building would not have collapsed.  If city had a plan, don’t be reactive, be proactive, has to be there before thing happens.  We have to work as city council to avoid the situation.

Haxhiaj: in the days following catastrophe, put an order with 7 items, all of those items had one thread: accountability, which she still has not seen.  Emergency fund will come to city council, extra resource for residents to those who have fires, etc.  She didn’t do this alone, I did it because I was inspired and horrified by how these neighbors were treated by irresponsible landlords.

Rivera: the city is doing its job

Montero: the city can do better

Q to Montero about resurfacing on the list for decades.

Montero: have to shake the house and go to Boston and that the state takes care of this.  Everyone pays taxes.

Rivera: more petitions, more orders, more working with the department, have conversations.  I’ll be active working towards that.  He is going to spend his first year on safe streets and sidewalks.

Haxhiaj: in last two years, when city received addl ARPA $$, it devoted to 36 miles to resurfacing.  Need to look holistically at the city.  Commissioner Fink objectively focusing on worst sidewalks and streets, see Stafford, Main, Mill, has been working really hard that District gets attention we deserve.  Budget doesn’t have extra money for any addl streets.

Montero: population is not the priority.  Stafford St – making more holes, wasting the city’s money, why don’t they do it right the first time?

Q for Rivera: dual tax rates make no one happy.  Eliminate?  Y/N

Rivera: No, I cannot do that.  Dual tax rate is best esp because residents getting hit with taxes, CPA SURCHARGE!  Make it more even would raise residents’ taxes.  Bring in more businesses to alleviate.

Haxhiaj: I have been very explicit, lowest residential tax rate.  Debate is very narrow-minded, would like to hear how to support small businesses, homeowners.  CPA has left us millions of $$ on the table that we can use for quality of life for residents.

Montero: any policy has to be about […?] – review the […?} we have, equitability distribution, we don’t want a city without a budget.

Q for Montero: what experience qualifies you to be a city councilor?

Montero: what experience do you need to be president of the US?  Being a resident is enough.  We want a better city for kids.  The way he manages his business, his family, is right – prudence, do the right thing.

Rivera: I don’t have political experience, but has community work.  Boys and Girls Club, United Way, schools, giving back for everything given to him, hoping to give back as councilor.

Q to HaxhiaJ: what have you learned?

Haxhiaj: it takes a lot to do this work.  Unless you love what you do, there’s no way to properly serve residents.  Learned to be patient and to give herself grace.  Her kids inspire her, being public servant is about action.  By navigating difficult situations.  Sees Natalie and Natalie there, other neighborhood leaders, loves working with you all, loves making sure your voices are heard.

Q to Rivera: robust public meetings in D5 for homeless shelter, etc.

Rivera: residents get upset about lack of transparency.  He is open book.  We aren’t going to agree on everything, point is we have that conversation.  It’s not my seat, it’s your seat, I’m just elected to be your voice. 

Q to Haxhiaj: has there been adequate communication?

Haxhiaj: asked Rolle and Fink specifically about communication for Mill Street, sometimes city fails, as soon as she detects an issue, sees Brendan here – no way to notify people about road construction.  This is her responsibility.  There’s been some criticism. Next part is that she’s acted, listened, and come up with solutions.  I have never shied away from uncomfortable conversations.

Montero: better way to communicate – red tape to open a small biz.  Communication is not linear, equal.  Not many engaged voters.  People don’t have right communication with gov’t.

Rivera: important that all residents know that you can reach out to us.  Even if I have to go to their house, need to be proactive, not reactive.

Haxhiaj: the definition of listening is to ask for feedback.  She asked for this after Blessed Sacrament shelter meetings, went door to door before and after to hear how the response from city went.  Did the same at Mill Street.  Very definition of leader is not just listening but acting.

Q to Haxhiaj: MGL gives cities and towns right to evict, etc., over water/sewer bills and keep all equity homeowners has received.  What to do to change?

Haxhiaj: absolutely horrified at resident having house taken away for $3000.  We have very robust relationship with state delegation.  Will work with them to change the law.  Residents struggling at every turn, will have residents’ back.  Will make sure this happens.

Rivera: it was wrong and will echo what the incumbent says.  People losing houses are seniors.   Will not stand for that.

Montero: thinks this is awful and agrees with the councilor 100%.

Q to Rivera: high rates of homelessness.  What role does city council have?

Rivera: we have to work with state and feds to help us out with long term solutions.  Moratorium of homeless sweeps not good, offer wraparound services, substance abuse, mental health issues.  Need to help but we need $.

Haxhiaj: what is inhumane is that we do not have permanent supportive housing.  Heard from UMass for 8-12 months to open detox beds.  We do not have plan for winter shelter.  Supported emergency shelter in our district.  Has not called for growth in homeless encampments, has called for comprehensive solutions that begin and end with housing.

Q why in favor of moratorium?

Haxhiaj: we need to talk to experts about best practices.  Homeless encampment sweeps do not work – they just move to a different place.  I have called for permanent solutions, permanent housing, until then shelter beds, and we are short 100s of those. As a mother, as an elected official – it is not humane, dignified, for someone not to have a roof over their head.  A tent is not housing.

Montero: I think homelessness is real.  City council cannot do too much.  It’s a big business.  Homeless are from outside the city, they come because Worcester provides services.  These homeless are not from here.  The state has to take care of them.

Rivera: obviously no one has a monopoly on ideas, but if we see Mass and Cass, I don’t want it happening here in Worcester.  We gotta help the people with longterm solution plans.  I understand we need beds but we need it in a dignified way.

Haxhiaj: in my professional opinion, irresponsible to compare to Mass and Cass.  Has talked with experts, these are not solutions that have sprung up from our mind, it’s fact-based solutions.  Mr Vespucci was a disabled veteran who was displaced by his landlord and had to work with Veterans Services to get him a shelter bed. I want people to have permanent supportive solutions which take a lot of time & money that we do not have right now.

Montero: what I see some times when politicians lie…people slam the door on our face.

Q – will Big D be demolished?  What should go there?  How to influence?

Haxhiaj: held a meeting three months into her term about this property in this very room.  Looked for solutions, called owner, talked to CM.  Rezoned Big D for higher density, proposed a CH TIF zone, for public/private partnership.  Property owner seems to have intention to demolish.  It’s you, residents of Mill St, that need to tell us what we want.  Looks forward to having those convos, but right now property owner is not coming to the table.

Montero: the only thing I have is my voice.  I am voice of the voiceless, the owner will do whatever he wants, but he would make a school there, youth need more schools.  Center where older population and youth can connect together. 

Rivera: the reason I put out press release for eminent domain, residents asked for it.  I don’t wanna wait til I get elected to let residents know I’m listening now.  Housing or shopping center could go there.  We need housing or a business.

Haxhiaj: property owner has clearly made movements since her orders.  It’s premature to talk about eminent domain – should be a last resort.  We are progressing and hopefully after demolition, we can have convo with other developers.   There have been many times with developers wanting to develop and owner holds neighborhood hostage.

Q – dangerous drivers, ignoring traffic signs, crosswalks

Montero: we have to re-educate our population.  people should have to take a class before getting their license.  Get solar powered signs, not that expensive!  People don’t have that kind of light.

Haxhiaj: after 5- year-old Candace died in 2021, had neighborhood safety walk.  Her family lost their child, made it her mission to do anything/everything possible for road safety.  They will bring improvements on Stafford St after community meeting, road diet convo on Mill Street, has heard petitions from residents for support.  Transp and Mobility dept working on a plan.  Speed bumps are not everything, also need to look at speed limits.

Rivera: instill safe calming measures, we have a lot of road issues, he understands that there’s an accountability factor, need more officers in the streets working on safety/traffic measures.  Shortage in WPD is not helping. 

[It’s unclear what’s going on now, there are some sealed questions?  I have no idea]

Rivera gets a question to ask?  I think it was just who can ask?

Rivera: did you ask any D5 residents about your plan to eradicate single-family housing?

Haxhiaj: I thought we were going to stick to facts tonight.  We would need to engage planning board for anything like that.  City of Worcester has very restrictive zoning, but I will speak to residents when that time comes.  There is no plan, don’t spread that around.

Rivera is sputtering about a quote in a blog

Haxhiaj: we follow public process, changes to zoning requires extensive public process

Rivera said it’s Worcester Sucks?

[Rivera is so bad at this, I can’t lie]

Does Montero want a piece of this?  Negative

Q from Haxhiaj to Rivera: what is your plan to revitalize blighted properties and how would you hold property owners accountable?

Rivera: I’m going to let property owners know that they won’t want 20 years.

Haxhiaj: eminent domain?

Rivera: tool, not the first thing I ask to do [laughs from the gallery at this bullshit]

Haxhiaj: Midtown Mall not taken by eminent domain, you cited eminent domain as a specific solution

Does Montero want to jump in?  He does not.

Q from Montero: what would you do to uplift our district?  Some people think we are the best neighborhood but I feel we are stuck

Rivera: as a D5 councilor, I would listen and serve.  It’s not my seat, it’s not her seat, it’s your seat

Haxhiaj: what I have done in 20 months is uplift community: road safety, standing up for neighbors, answered messages, we have a beautiful boardwalk that we got the city to give us extra trash cans for.  Everything I do is about uplifting people.

Montero: we are trying to engage and bring people to politics.  We try to engage the community with things that are important to the city, not to just develop one project.

Q from Rivera to Montero: do you think WPD is racist?

Montero: I said that in the beginning that the way Worcester city treats my population is not the right way.  I think WPD has a lot of work to do internally.

Haxhiaj: DOJ has put WPD under investigation for racial and gender discrimination – we wouldn’t need a racial equity audit if there were no issues.  Looks forward to DOJ recommendations, will ensure they are fully implemented as directed by the DOJ.

Rivera: accountability is important, city manager has important decision to make, we have a dept of close to 400 officers, you’re going to have bad apples.  I wasn’t asking what the DOJ thinks

Haxhiaj: when the federal government comes to your city to investigate, when people are bringing forward serious concerns, that means we have a problem.  The folks mostly impacted say they are an issue – address in thoughtful, consistent way – accountability and transparency

Rivera: still didn’t answer the question

Haxhiaj: making a political issue

Rivera doesn’t think the dept as a whole is racist

Montero is challenging this

Haxhiaj: we have patterns and we have issues, that is why/what feds are investigating.  Gotcha doesn’t address concerns of residents.  Will stand by CM when recommendations come, and he needs to take the recs seriously.

Q to Rivera: you will stand up for young people, I respect that you have done a lot of work.  It took you a lot of time to stand up to young girl mistakenly identified as relative of “cop killer”

Rivera: I know the family, but I didn’t know who the family was about.  The mom called me and said it was her daughter. I quickly let her know nothing to do with my campaign, I clarified and put out statement that we had nothing to do with it.  I didn’t politicize it like her side did.  [groans from the audience]

Haxhiaj: city of Worcester police officer and former D5 councilor harassed a girl.  She reads her statement that she made again.  On the very day this happened, the girl was getting an award from Latino Dollars for Scholars.  I immediately called the girl, her mother, the city manager

Rivera: I found out that she was a donor to you.  They wanted me to apologize for something I didn’t do. 

Haxhiaj: your job was to stand up to a future constituent – there was nothing illegal about the filing in donation.  To bring that and deflect from the real question, do you all want a leader who doesn’t stand up for constituents?  When a child is involved, you step up to the plate!  [She is hitting it out of the park, when there is video, watch the last 10 minutes]

Rivera – I don’t know what more you want me to do, I did my piece and everything was taken care of

Montero feels the pain for the family – when he sees something happen to one of the kids of the community, feels like it’s one of his own kids.  Apologizes for what happened to her

Montero’s question is about district – what can you do to make Worcester friendlier to families, embraces youth and other populations?

Haxhiaj: sees members of Tatnuck Brook Association, invited kids from Columbus Park – we don’t have a lot of rec opportunities for kids, wants to make sure we can have more rec opportunities for kids in empty storefronts.

Rivera: similar to what he just proposed yesterday, D5 Parks Commission, build relationships with people, it’s about serving

(I may skip closing statements for the sake of my wrists)

WEC School Committee District E Candidate Forum 8/23

(This forum conflicted with my workday so I’m running a bit late…)

Video of the forum

Noe Medina will facilitate the conversation (I don’t think I’ve missed anything…)

Candidates: Nelly Medina, John P Reed, Kathleen Roy (not in attendance; had a scheduling conflict)

Nelly Medina: former employee of MTA (did ARPA budgeting), current WPS parent and advocate. Opened her eyes to what’s happening in buildings, not a lot of transparency in how $ is being spent. She is a mom, current stakeholder, but shouldn’t give us a budget with only two days to comment. Need to do a better job supporting students with IEPs. One team of four for 50 schools doing assessments. Unprecedented opportunity to support her district. She was plaintiff that made district seats possible. She knows how to bring people together. When waves got rough (in COVID), she brought people together, surveyed 200 families to determine how to spend rescue funds. Group of moms feeding 850 people a week. District is old gerrymandered lines, we have some of most wealthy with most disadvantaged communities. We have 11 schools, need someone who represents whole district, represents diversity and culture. Knows she can do the job and wants to do it. Compassionate person who knows what it feels like to not be part of school committee decision making. She is the person who city of Worcester calls when they want parent input. Time to shine light on other stakeholders. She is not going to get far with protest sign, now she will work on policy. Wants to support educators, should not be working 2 years without a contract. Missing 75 paraprofessionals. Sec 504 accommodations not being met. Unhealthy classrooms. Children who never leave their community after school. Employ local stakeholders in being bus drivers. A whole bunch of children not benefitting from new buses. We have a lot of languages not represented at WPS. All kids in the city should know what composting is. Supports three Rs, children should know what is happening to their bodies. Transformative Justice over SROs. Person we choose is going to bring people together.

John Reed: born and raised in Worcester, he has three students. His son has an IEP and is member of National Honor Society. Teacher in first grade asked him to come in to see son sing in front of whole class. He sung in Mechanics Hall with 100 other students. IEPs can be helpful because it identifies weaknesses in students; thinks every student should have an IEP. During my life, has tried to improve City – senior technologist in WPS, need for boots on ground in department. Started program at QCC – only two year school recognized by NSF for this program. Helped found Park Spirit, movie nights at bank in Elm Park after hours, Coes Pond Watershed founder, took on other waters, Blackstone Headwaters Coalition president. Wrote grant to move Stearns Tavern to Coes Pond. If you go to the Coes Pond park, you will never see a park more utilized. Kayaks, canoes, petitioned naming the beach after John Binienda. Seven Hills volunteer. Running for school committee because he doesn’t like what’s going on in Florida, the country has gone crazy and wants to bring a touch of sanity back. 100% support lowering teacher/student ratio. His son went to school with a very low ratio and it made the difference. We don’t have a herd – we have students. He agrees with Nelly on many things. There is a need to review things for IEPs. He’s done a lot of different projects and would use school committee to continue service.

Questions are being taken in the chat…

Q: Projects to support preschool and kindergarten transition?

Nelly Medina: advocate for Common Start Initiative. Will give more respect, salary to educators. Big fan of universal Pre-K, essential for learning. Essential for her learning what to do to prepare son. Classes are too large. Teachers need extra time for prep, attitude is that pre-k is not prioritized like K and 1st grade. Enrollments low in diverse communities. Lots of miseducation. When we enforce with 3Rs, give continuous information. Outreach – School Committee thinks they are doing a good job but organizations are not parents. Have to meet people where they are at. Issue – not vouchers for parents who are working. Received a voucher and it was helpful for her.

John Reed: discussed defining goals and objectives within grantwriting. if we set a higher standard, of course it will work. Nelly is right on. The pope wrote a paper – we should treat everyone with respect, is there any reason we can’t be kind, work with each other? Over 100 different groups that worked on Stearns Tavern. This federal funding key to longterm success for full-time pre-k. We cannot compete on global stage if needs of children are not being met.

Q: What can you say about the MCAS HS graduation requirement and the Thrive Act?

John Reed: bring shareholders and educators together to ask – how can we evaluate people without bias, in more fair way? Need to have standards. Not terribly familiar with Thrive Act. Talks about the military eval test – we should bring that test in, better idea of what they are good and what they like.

Nelly Medina: MCAS is not good eval model, eliminate MCAS, disparities between haves and have nots are too great. Another detriment to students is that they can’t pass test. You have to spend grades 11-12 just trying to pass the test. No real problem-solving techniques. At QCC, she heard people feel that they had to take prereqs because they had to spend time prepping for MCAS versus prepping for college. Needs to be translation for the test, unfair raising of passing score post-pandemic. Listen to young people on what they should be assessed on, not former educators.

Q: SROs in schools? What do you feel about comprehensive sex Ed? What are your plans for the failing school buildings? (Nelly spoke to some of this already)

Nelly Medina: has been in combat since 2015. Found program called Pa’lante, should not have cops in schools, not overdiscipline children. Trauma of suspension and kids in schools, especially in underserved schools. Transformative, not restorative, justice, is not punitive but helps kids understand the impact of their actions. A way to get everyone to the table. School is first place we learn to interact and what our place is in our society. Student says he is in a circle, no longer afraid in school and community. Learn how to relate to others.

John Reed: In world we live in, we have school shooting drills. Amount of children killed staggering. He would get most skilled people there. Police officers put own families second, others first. Police have desire to go home, we don’t punish good cops for actions of bad cops. If I was a bad kid assaulting a teacher, I should get nervous when I see cops. Education only occurs in safe, conducive environments. Bad apples can be worked with, that’s why we have wraparound officers. Kids’ safety first, likes cop summer leagues. Look at the cop who saved someone’s life drowning, they are good people. Best we have is the Worcester PD.

We are out of time – but there were a couple of Nelly M answers in the chat:

Q-Why do you feel you are the best candidate for this position? A- The district needs a representative to represent all constituency. The representative must be able to bring people, all people together, understand the CURRENT culture, and have a respect and a heart for diversity. I bring a proven record for working under pressure and have the experience working with the Education Association of Worcester to bridge the Gap between families and educators to bring ALL stakeholders together, we need solidarity. Past good performance will not make it in the future, District E need a representative immersed in the now who understand what the community has been fighting for.

Another barrier to children accessing Pre-K is early intervention for children with suspected special needs. Our Public Schools have one team of four assessing special needs which is unfair and inadequate. WPS needs support from outside organizations to reach more families so no child is falling through the cracks.

Question that John Reed was able to answer after the forum: What are your plans for the failing school buildings?

My plan would be to review all options available first, is it to remove the administrator or a certain % of staff or both.  Is the state telling the district what exactly the options are or does the state dictate this will be done first, this second.   One of the most helpful things professionals use as a tool is the option to bring in a retiree or other professional administrator as their experience in dealing with students over decades will lead to the helpfulness of already knowing what options work best and what options are not helpful at all.   My first question would be how long has this been going on ? followed up by what has been done so far to change the trend to failing ? It has be a case by case basis to see and search of what is solutions to their specific problems.

Paid Family Leave and the City of Worcester

The city council had asked the city manager for a report about whether to opt into the Commonwealth’s Paid Family and Medical Leave is coming before the city council tonight. I’ve read through the memo from the manager and his staff, and wanted to highlight some items of interest (as well as points of clarification). In no particular order:

1. The most important part of this memo is the city manager’s introduction: that the city is “actively pursuing an alternative proposal,” including reviewing existing leave policies, discussions with employees, etc. I’d much rather see what they have in mind than look at PFML, because I think the city could likely do better than the PFML benefits at a lower cost.

2. On p 5 of the PDF, there is much talk about the indirect costs of PFML and that the city would incur more overtime costs due to people taking time off. There is nothing in this memo about how many people currently take FMLA (paid or unpaid), or even estimate how many people are not taking leave (but would if it were partially paid), or even how much overtime is currently paid due to people taking sick leave. All of this would be helpful in determining how much to be concerned about these costs. I hope the alternative proposal has these sorts of details and a cost benefit analysis.

3. Bagley & Reichert say that “the Commonwealth [as an employer] makes the entire contribution into the program and does not take any deductions from the employee’s earnings.” During my time at the University of Massachusetts (which operates under the EIN of the Commonwealth), employees definitely contributed their portion of the contribution. I’d recommend someone look into this because it is not accurate for all state employees.

4. On p 4 of the PDF, there is mention of private employers petitioning to opt of MA PFML. The only way I know for employers of a certain size to opt out is to have a comparable (or better) plan than the state’s PFML. Rather than just contacting the state Department of Revenue, it may be worth the city asking the Worcester Chamber of Commerce which local employers may have opted out, and what their plans consist of.

5. While the Worcester Public Schools are mentioned on p 4 of the PDF (for estimating the total cost to the city) and p 5 (for the number of bargaining units), it should have been clearer that this is an all-or-nothing: all eligible employees, or none, across the whole city.

6. Something also not mentioned but which is important to keep in mind: chances are that an employee will not receive full wages when they are on MA PFML.

In this example, I’m taking someone who has earned $15,000 each quarter for the past benefit year.

I’m going to use the wage calculator from mass.gov.

That individual is eligible for $841.80 in PFML benefits, or about 67% of their regular salary.

(Someone receiving $10,000 a quarter would receive $616 in benefits; about 74% of their salary – as you can tell, it trends towards a cap for higher wage earners.)

7. Reading between the lines, it would be difficult union negotiation to opt long-term employees into a program they’d need to contribute to but wouldn’t get benefits for. (If I’ve saved up 12 weeks of sick time, I likely wouldn’t need the state PFML, and I’d be paying for something that I wouldn’t use…not an easy sell.)

In Short

I think the city should provide better leave to its employees. It’s frankly the only way to attract and retain good people! I’d like to wait and see what the city manager’s administration comes up with, but I’d also like to see them work collaboratively with the school side on a unified solution.

Worcester Community-Labor Council forum: at-large council seats 8/16

video link

I’m running late but am still on time.  Some district candidates are here (Jattan Singh, Schwab); Jermaine Johnson and Sue Mailman (school committee incumbents/candidates), a smattering of #WorcPoli intelligentsia – I think slightly less packed than last week’s forum. 

Candidates accepted invitation to appear: Bergman [not here], Coleman, Creamer, Hampton-Dance, King, Morales, Nguyen, Perrone, Petty  [missing: Colorio and Toomey, I think]

Fred Taylor thanks us because we could have been somewhere else tonight.  Please, Fred, don’t remind me!

Celia Johnson-Blue (sp?) of MAWOCC will be the moderator tonight.

Each candidate has 1 minute for opening statement, 1 minute to answer questions, 1.5 minutes for closing remarks.

I will only record opening statements if I find them interesting (esp those candidates you may not know)

Coleman: he attended other two forums as a regular citizen and they were tremendous.  You have two votes: one for at large and if you find him entertaining also vote him for mayor

Creamer: mayor is chief advocacy officer.  Chair of Human Rights Commission, lead community organizer for citywide planning process.  Will continue to stand up to the bishop when he bashes lgbtq community

Hampton-Dance: attended Columbus Park, Sullivan, South, and Worcester Tech.  Is a normal person who does not have a college degree but business owner and homeowner.  Mother to a young man who has chronic illness.  Has received awards for social justice and community work.  There is need for new innovative ideas – move city forward while keeping residents here

King: there have been a lot of good things happening in city.  Worcester Renaissance not lifting everyone up.  Renters, unsheltered, children and families cannot wait for the state.  Feasibility studies for inclusionary zoning.  Social workers for unsheltered.  Emphasis on intentionality.

Morales: education is power.  AfroLatina from Puerto Rico, mother of 4, lived in Worcester for 30 years.  Mother taught her to break barriers.  Has worked in nonprofit sector.  Has sat across table for people for whom system has not worked. 

Nguyen: queer Vietnamese refugee, sitting councilor.  Has been youth worker and nonprofit worker for over a decade.  Getting gov’t to think more holistically.   Running for re-election because we see the movement happening now.  Create a Worcester that is holistic.  Unhoused and affordable housing crisis need to happen together

Perrone: campaign centered pushing towards equity and comprehensive public health solutions.  Grew up in multi-generational household in NJ.  Moved to Worcester for masters seven years ago.  Worked in vaccines, mobile health during pandemic.  Push towards progress and equity.

Petty: people know me pretty much.  Safe and welcoming city for all.  From most vulnerable, people who run businesses, bring consensus in most positive way.

Q1 to Coleman: with all multi-unit housing construction, should more be done to enforce transparency on who’s working on job?  Fines or reducing incentives for private and public projects that violate agreements?

Coleman: Yes.  [that’s the answer]

Creamer, thanks Coleman for the prep time: here two years later, unfortunate that we are having this convo again.  Still not acting on what we need to do as a city.  Need to stop asking these questions every two years and instead talk about what we’ve done over the past two years.  Preventing groups from going into our city – harming our community.  Not creating preventive actions and need to do that.

Hampton-Dance: yes.  Developers coming into city need to be held accountable.  Stricter fines, less incentives.  Paying close attention to vetting/bidding process. 

King: we can do more.  He led on Polar Park and misrepresentation of minority and women contracts.  Called for increased oversight.  Need additional positions in city to provide oversight.  Folks have been coming for development, not like the old days.  We can have incentives but re-address TIFs.  Don’t listen to folks who do fearmongering.  We can do this like inclusionary zoning, without slowing down.

Morales: people issue.  Safety in workplaces, wage theft.  Has sat with people who have not been paid for work done in these construction sites.  Has talked with people who are hurt, in the emergency room and don’t have any follow-up and can’t work in other places.  Supports fines and increasing accountability.

Nguyen: yes.  Will add that city councilors/elected officials should add meaningful, impactful policies.  Need to say no, we will not allow this to happen in Worcester.  Agrees with King about compliance officers.  Policy is important but implementation also important.  Worcester should have blacklist of those who are not compliant.

Perrone: transparency, believes in a democracy.  Would work very closely with our unions.  Proud to have signed responsible development pledge.  Uplift people in our own community in this process.  City Council majority should work towards progress.  Discusses private meetings.

Petty: yes.  Combine policy, put penalties in place.  Important that everyone has access to develop in this city.  Everyone should have piece of the big pie.  At least one more compliance officer in purchasing department should be hired.

Q2 to Morales: what steps to promote owner-occupied multi-family units?

Morales: I would have a system with refurbishing of some of older apartments and have supports set up for tenants. (This appears to be for elderly-owned properties?)  There are a lot of unoccupied units.

Nguyen: I think right now a lot of people are struggling.  Parents struggled to keep three-decker during COVID.  We have to be more compassionate.  Fund these things, if we want to resolve mold and roof issues.  Hard at this time for mom and pop landlord to pull this out.

Perrone: for owner-occupied multi-unit, enough funding and resources, education, access to existing resources. Probably many folks out there who do not know what exists.  From city perspective, increase resources, decrease barriers, and work with trusted community partners to be messengers.

Petty: this is an important issue affecting everyone.  We have 1 billion on deferred maintenance on 3 deckers.  Worcester Housing Now.  Maybe we can do a better job promoting that.  We have a number of programs. Housing Dept just won an award for the work they do. 

Coleman: we had $150million in ARPA funds.  Was part of discussion, we need a grant program with assistance from the city to help refurbish properties.  People want to stay in their properties.  Greater outreach to city residents.

Creamer: owner-occupied are truly gems for our city.  We are building a pathway to wealth, cutting down on slumlords.  Available in multiple languages, ensure that those of all different walks of life have ability to access – beef up granting system.

Hampton-Dance: she sits on Affordable Housing Trust, inheriting community preservation act funds, hope to use that to bring units up to code and renting at affordable rate.  Monies to renovate while they are living in the properties.  She is doing that currently.  Not looking to do it as a councilor – already doing it now – will continue the work.

King: as social worker, housing stability is top priority.  When we raise taxes every year, every single year he does not want to raise it more for homeowner than business owner.  100% of value is abated for set number of years. 

[No one is bringing up land value tax…hmmm…]

Q3 to Hampton-Dance: Worcester City Council unanimously passed climate action thing in 2019, in 2021 some other thing [sorry, these questions are soooo long].  Will you vote for highest possible standards for buildings as soon as possible?

Hampton-Dance: supported stretch code in city.  All new construction should abide by these codes.  Net zero by 2030.  We should be moving away from fossil fuels as best we can.  Funding to help homeowners with this. 

King: proud to have been much in support of Doherty High School’s construction, designed to be carbon neutral but will be carbon negative.  Heat pumps, solar panels will get us where we need to be.  We still have to remember that there are people who will lose jobs – we need to make workforce ready in greener community.

Morales: supports buildings having the highest standards.  Stretch code is one tool in toolkit; I have read (because I don’t know everything!) that the Green Worcester Advisory Committee has endorsed city moving forward with stretch code.  It could be more costly for builders, but ultimately more beneficial to community.

Nguyen: thank you for this question.  Is not the most environmental[ly aware] councilor.  Accountability needs to be there.  Unless we are accountable to something, it will not happen.  One of first things on council – no more new gas stations in the city.  We need council to hold admin accountable.

Perrone: question relates to health equity and public health.  Environmental justice affects communities of color, unhoused, etc. – heat islands, food insecurity.  Worcester needs to be aggressive.  Green Worcester Plan has very clear benchmarks.  Approves of enhanced stretch code.

Petty: supports Green Plan here in Worcester.  Stretch code passed recently, we’ll see how that works out.  Not sure about expanded stretch code.  Was talking to someone who said Nat Grid is years away from wind getting to us, HOW DO YOU GET BATTERIES TO STORE IT TO SOMEONE’S HOUSE?

Coleman: city has to think about future.  The older we get, faster time goes by.  We need to look at environment and past practices.  People used to use coal to heat homes, that changed.  Are we set up in a grid that can handle this?  Greener, safer city for our future and our children.

Creamer: he thinks about his future.  He’s 28, hasn’t yet built his family.  Green doesn’t always mean expensive.  Create proper multi-lingual education plan.  We are in a really good moment – as Councilor King said, these developers will come.

Q4 to Nguyen: hospital industry unfettered power over jobs, closing services, how to hold accountable?  What do you see as your role as an elected official?

Nguyen: proud that did striking with MNA during first campaign.  The people who staff, our essential workers.  Sister is a nurse.  Important to stand with essential workers.  Work to hold crisis pregnancy centers accountable.  Important that elected officials speak up and let our folks lead us.  Past few years have been organizing for our unions and we need to continue to support them.

Perrone: mother has worked as hospital staff person her entire life, pandemic almost cost her her life.  Have a healthy safe city.  Will work with MNA and others for sustainable solutions.  Council needs to be visible and work with community members.

Petty: was proud to support nurses on picket line.  Heroes during covid and heroes now.  State delegation, congressman, also reimbursement rates.  Competition comes in, take workers away from us.  Stood with SEIU on CHL.

Coleman: part of community meetings when building St V’s.  Big argument about size of emergency room.  St V’s wanted a bigger one.  Sadly didn’t happen and they had to play catchup.  Willing to use bully pulpit as elected official.  Doesn’t sound like much but in long run means a lot.

Creamer: was proud to stand with MNA.  Learned a lot from people who are actually in the job.  Worcester is healthcare center in the region.  Corporations need to fear advocacy from elected officials.  CHIEF ADVOCACY OFFICER.  COMPANIES NEED TO FEAR WORKING HERE.  Edward Kennedy Center, APW, need to be elevated and get resources they need.

Hampton-Dance: vows to support healthcare workers, member of SEIU 1199, important that workers are safe, adequate staffing, livable wage.  Has stood with MNA in the dead of winter, with her own union at the Statehouse.  Need to stand with healthcare workers.

King: cardcarrying member of SEIU 509, vp, important, continue to stand with MNA.  Fought against Burncoat Family closing, reduction of psych beds and maternity beds.  Identify stakeholders and influence/pressure hospitals via bully pulpit.

Morales: supports and amplifies voices of those on frontlines and taking care of most vulnerable.  Workers know what is going on – esp CHL workers who stood up to UMass.  Family Health Center – during that time, she and other community members took leadership to hold Family Health accountable.

Q5: many CDCs work in communities of color but top leadership does not reflect communities they serve.  What will you do to recruit/retain BIPOC professionals to represent the communities they serve?

Creamer: reflective pool best.  Committed to reflecting our pipeline to look like what community looks like.  We can’t just say we’re going to do it, we have to do it.  Funding appropriate offices in city hall. 

Hampton-Dance: I can’t lie, I wasn’t prepared for this question.  To improve on services they provide, leadership in orgs, marketing in BIPOC community to let them know that opportunities are available.  More funding for up and coming orgs.  City should create dialog with orgs to find better ways to promote.

King: brought together a group of clinicians of color.  Bring people together to fill positions.   We have to start with who is on boards of agencies.  City solicitor to reach out/hold people accountable.  Make sure local jobs are most impactful.

Morales: representation matters.  Bring in BIPOC folks, also support them.  Part of senior management team at place she works, she holds them accountable.  If you want people working here, you have to let them know you are looking for jobs.  I am going to mentor people.

Nguyen: 20 seconds earlier and you wouldn’t have taken my word ‘mentoring.’  Being nonbinary BIPOC in this space super not fun.  A bunch of people who are trying to navigate workforce, walking into a capitalist white supremacist world, how to build that out.  Start young, where people feel like they belong.  Want to support community but can’t deal with red tape. 

Perrone: pillar in our campaign is community learning: pathway programming.  “Community Development and Planning” dept at her institution.  Youth should be welcomed, no financial barriers.  At top of nonprofit sector is livable wages, good salary – takes very long time to get there.  Value and wisdom in our community group.

[I feel like no one has actually talked about CDCs yet!]

Petty: part of his goal is to make sure people are included.  You can see diversity in city hall right now.  Superintendent focuses on brown/black kids becoming teachers.  Important in community development.  If they see gov’t doing it, they will do it too.

Coleman: when I started this political journey in 1976, I used to go door-to-door in different neighborhoods.  People would say “the problem with the colored people is” or “your people” – impressed to be in this neighborhood with all these bright people.  Make more opportunities easy.  We need more diversity.

Q6 for Petty: MA mandated sick leave for private employers.  City has not opted into the state plan.  Will you vote for it?

Petty: he does support it, to be attractive as a company would.  In order to attract people, you need good benefits.

[This is actually Nicole’s profession and I have SO MANY THOUGHTS!]

Coleman: supports opting in – done

Creamer: Bill gives me no prep time.  We need to opt into this. By the time he’s elected, hopes it will be adopted – if not, it’ll be the first thing he does.  He has a younger sister who has med issues – if he could, he would take FMLA.  If we have that option, we need to provide that.

Hampton-Dance: has been caregiver for son, who is 25 years old.  When she had job and reached FMLA mark [after a year] – it meant job security for her and she could still be mom and take care of her son.

King: has already led on this.  $470 million payroll.  Required contribution from city would be a bit over $1 million a year.  These numbers need to be verified by city.

Morales: coworker still working part-time after maternity leave

Nguyen: embarrassed to be sitting on city council as librarians shared their stories.  Many of us are one paycheck away from homelessness, myself included.  How can we really manage a city if we treat our employees like that?

Perrone: we have a lot of work to do with childcare and also family leave.  Inaccessible ways of accessing doctors, high insurance rates.

Now…the closing remarks…I will only type if I’m interested.

Perrone: tenant, hasn’t lived here for her whole life, but has nothing but admiration for this community.  CORI-friendly jobs.  Leading with compassion and love with some of our crises like substance use.   Wants to keep pushing til we have a majority.

[WHYYYY is no one clearly saying “vote for me and these other people” – just run as a ticket, people!]

Nguyen: I know I look young but I’m really old.  So often solutions and funding are imposed: community needs to have vision and dream up together.  Ran of political reimagination of local gov’t.

Morales: wants to continue amplifying situations, conditions, issues that our community have brought up to me.  Is a leader in this community and wants to continue to do that at municipal level.  Worked in collaboration and teamwork, with philanthropy, community, government.  Policies to benefit those who have come here and who live here.  Asking for one of your six votes – you will not be disappointed.

King: safe, affordable, sustainable Worcester.  Proud of building coalitions in community, city councilors, state delegation.  Equity Audit.  [Petty had also mentioned this]  Unsheltered/homeless – has stood up for qualitative and quantitative data.  We keep doing the same thing with our population over and over again.  Brought a clinical lens into health and social emotional support for our students.

Hampton-Dance: everyone up here is very articulate. I on the other hand not so refined.  My words are not what it’s about – my actions…in favor of majority of people who spoke to her.  Inclusionary zoning, where people show up – when you show up, we should show up.  Make sure boots stay on ground, don’t climb ladder so high that you forget where you are from.  Willing to talk to anyone – even the ones who are mean to me.  I want to represent Real.

Creamer: when I convinced my now-husband to move here, it was easy sell.  From north Africa – found his food, community here.  Lived experiences carry value here.  Leader for SC and CC that will help move city forward.  Only renter running for mayor.  His future and future of family he has yet to build.  Democracy requires choices – ask for two votes: one for core values of campaign, and to codify new leadership.

Coleman: tough to follow all that.  Emma Lazarus’s poem at Statue of Liberty.  [HE CAN RECITE IT BABY.]  Not a perfect country – but he asks for your vote to finally serve on the city council.  He has seen change. 

Worcester Community-Labor Council forum: district council seats 8/9

Other coverage:

Notes from Matthew Noe

Full video of the forum

This is not liveblogged – but here are my notes:

In the crowd: a large smattering of #WorcPoli: Gordon Davis, Parlee Jones, Sha-Asia Medina, Sue Mailman, JOHN FRESOLO (!!), Sean Rose, Walter Bird, Guillermo Creamer, Bill (“Nicole’s Favorite”) Belcher, Molly McCullough, and many more people that I forget or missed…

(The place is packed!)

6:04pm

Celia Johnston-Blue, MAWOCC chair welcomes everyone to the forum

Fred Taylor will be the moderator for the forum

Candidates are seated alphabetically by last name

Every candidate was given an invitation a month ago

1 minute per candidate for opening – 1 minute for responses to questions

Opening Statements

Robert Bilotta (D2): lives by Lake Ave, went to North HS, graduated in 2004, then graduated from Worcester State.  Dedicated to improving life for Worcester residents.  Served on Human Rights Commission and now-called Accessibility.  Investing in neighborhoods, people, small businesses.

Etel Haxhiaj (D5): is the district 5 councilor, for last 20 months has served as she has for the last 20 years.  Attended over 80 community meetings from trash, etc., to comforting a grieving mother because our streets are unsafe.  Stood with Mill St residents when landlord took them to court.  Proudly supporting emergency shelter at Blessed Sacrament.

Feanna Jattan-Singh (D3): moved here in 2010, mother of 4 and wife, sub teacher at AKFCS until recently.  Has been trying to get city to get sidewalk on Sunderland Road.  Safe ways of getting around the city for everyone.  More affordable housing, better transpo around the city, if we can’t fix the current system, should have our own city of W buses

Ted Kostas (D4): born in Worcester, raised in Worcester, lived in W all his life except for a few years in FL.  Sees what’s going on in city – needs a lot of work.  It requires a lot of experience, which he has, and wants that available to those in the future.  This was not on his bucket list, but something we have to do.

Maria Montano (D4): D4, lifelong res of Worcester, 3 kids, 2 adults graduates of Claremont, 10-y-o has abilities – during covid had to quit job working for WHA.  Experience working with elderly & those with disabilities, worked for Shrewsbury Public Schools.  Does take city transpo, advocating for better/accessible routes. 

Edson Montero (D5): excited to introduce himself, running for D5.  Believes that we can do better in Worcester – more diversity, include the population that lives inside Worcester, not just big biz from Boston.  Worcester more than Main St, Shrewsbury St, where City Hall is working now.  Lakeside, Mill St, Tatnuck Sq, Newton Sq, money from city hall not going to his neighborhood.

Katia Norford (D4): resident of D4 of 20+ years.  Biz owner with husband. Also a board member of her church, club director, works w kids 3-10 yo, works with Main South CDC, PTO member at Woodland

Luis Ojeda (D4): lifelong res of D4, Doherty, QCC, UMass Amherst, Endicott College, worked at Boys/Girls Club for 10 years, asst principal in WPS.  Parents were both advocates in the community.  Parents supplied with unconditional love, here to provide district with love it needs and support it needs to be successful.

Jenny Pacillo (D1): kids, family, seniors can thrive in Worcester.  Stay-at-home mom in Worcester (one is over there).  Regular people need a bigger voice in our city.  Will be voice of every resident.  Prioritize transparency, city services, will always answer my phone, work to make city place we are all proud to call home.

Phil Palmieri (D2): senior in the group.  Has been a lifelong res of D2 and city.  [Lights just went off, they are now back on] Master’s in Ed, worked in juv justice system for 30+ years and biz owner, established Union Station Alliance, Green Hill Park now in good shape from when he was in office. Worcester Voke and North High – half the money of Doherty High School.  [Someone asks HOW MANY YEARS AGO?]

Jose Rivera (D5): world champ boxer 3 times with help of Boys/Girls Club and city.  Using platform to give back to community, residents, constituents hopefully.  Believe in yourself, work hard, have goals, when goal accomplished, set another goal.  Who would he be if he were not walking the walk and talking the talk?

George Russell (D3): if Phil and I were in the US Senate, they’d call us the young kids in the room.  You may not agree with me, but you know I’m there for you and everyone.  To talk, return phone call, to discuss the issues.  Urban Studies grad.  100% roll call vote.  World is run by those who show up.

Maureen Schwab (D4):  Lives in Green Island – 4^th gen Island resident, graduate in nursing, past pres of Green Island CDC, served on Citizens Advisory. Green Island is a heat island…stretch codes, here to talk about [environmental issues?  I think that’s where she was going?]

Q1 to George Russell: Did you sign a responsible employer pledge?  Why or why not?  What are you going to start working on now & how?

Russell: all for it.  In history of council, TIF policy is there because he wanted it because of work in Planning Board.  Hire Worcester people, keep jobs local. 

Schwab: she did sign.  One of the things is to protect wage theft, very serious consideration.  Giving apprentice a chance is a good thing.

Bilotta: yes, he did sign pledge.  Provide labor for citizens, that benefits everyone.

Haxhiaj: has been champion before she became a city councilor.  Stood beside Carpenters Union against wage theft at Front St.  No reason why no contractor / subcontractor – thanks Mailman for pushing for apprenticeship programs.  (mentioned need for local ordinance)

Jattan-Singh: we should support local Worcester reside  Should be standardized rules for everyone. 

Kostas: one step further, he’s signing it right now.  Looked into it, talked to people, that is his commitment.  Need to support local biz, workers, wage theft, everything imaginable, he has seen it all in construction business, wants to see fairness for everyone.

Montano: will be supporting and signing.  Agreed on apprenticeship program in schools. 

Montero: served for > 10 years for CHL as a kitchen manager, right now a bunch of coworkers were fired.  He tried to fight against stigma of population and low income.  Through education we can work on this – together we can do better.

Norford: yes, signed and supports 100%.  She has experience with sister who suffered from wage theft.  They made her work two part-time jobs to not pay wage she was supposed to be paid.  Youth need opportunity to have better education and training. 

Ojeda: most important is accountability piece.  Make sure there are consequences for breach, safety trainings in place, minority/woman owned biz priorities.

Pacillo: was happy to sign the pledge.  During 15 years as waitress, experienced wage theft.  Wasn’t able to speak up – happy to speak up now.  Add a compliance officer in purchasing, hold contractors/subcontractors accountable in contracts, unions/local people.

Palmieri: it’s a no-brainer.  Anyone who is responsible should be doing this.  There has been no teeth in this at the council before, have not been able to make an impact.  At least half of TIF agreements shouldn’t even be in place – they don’t need all this money to build in Worcester.  But if they get $$ they should have consequences.  Taxes are through the roof!

Rivera: agrees, unanimous vote here for candidates, will help keep improving wages, career ladder, helping against discrimination

Q2 to Montero: Massachusetts recently added optional stretch code: opt-in = all electric or electrification ready.  Will reduce greenhouse gases.  Do you support adoption of specialized stretch code?

Montero: Yes, we just put solar panel on his house because he believes in stretch code.  Electric car – daughter bought recently – future.  Everything he does now is for his child, if we do nothing we will not leave the planet for our children.  This is for future of our kids.

Norford: agrees with the code because we need better health.  We have to have better air, pollution is killing us.  I believe in having electrical building; air quality to prevent greenhouse gases, more electrical cars, better pollution systems in our city.

Ojeda; this is new to me.  But an understanding that this will provide better air quality.  Is there a cost in these homes & buildings?  Will there be incentives?  Air quality: planting more trees is a safer way to make sure our air quality is safe for city.

Pacillo: has starting reading the specialized stretch code.  Part of pushing Worcester Green Plan, net zero and climate resilient buildings needed in city, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting environment for current and future generations absolutely imperative for our city.

Palmieri: if feds aren’t playing a big role in this, it will make a big difference.  Hoping to bridge gap with fed, state local, with practical plan that can help everyone.

Rivera: needs to do more research, lots of costs, sound of it is great (cleaner, safer), but to say that he can support it today without research, can’t do that yet.

Russell: MA has stretch code already – do we want to make it more?  Will continue to support Green Plan – has anyone seen their electric bill lately?  Does Nat Grid have ability to handle the extra usage or will it further drive up our costs?  We want to make units more affordable.  We will need help controlling electric costs.

Schwab: Green Island is heat island, covered with impervious surfaces.  Electricity may be a little more expensive, but we can’t keep relying on fossil fuels.  New tech and innovation will give us cheap, reliable green energy.

Bilotta: yes, absolutely supports stretch code.  Need to start mitigating heat islands, quality of life for residents.  Architecture embracing green tech, Worcester needs to do the same.

Haxhiaj: as chair of Urban Tech committee, has been beating drum that Worcester needs to do more.  Kudos to Resiliency office.  18 communities have adopted.  Don’t want to gamble her kids’ future.  Instead of starting with No, City of Worcester needs to start with Yes, We Can.

Jattan-Singh: I agree with what she said.  She has solar on her house, her electric bill was $19 last month.  Sign up for Mass Save, people – you can a zero interest loan, will not cost much if you go solar.  If you don’t have clean air, asthma, etc. – climate change.  Would you rather have clean air or heat that you can’t bear?

Kostas: not ready to accept this at this time – would like more research to understand more.  Nat Grid is not prepared yet.  Would like to see plans for Nat Grid and development.  New construction – let’s price effectively and safe.

Montano: she can agree with lots of candidates, but she’s a single mom.  Electricity up $200 a month.  How is this going to help them?  Make Worcester greener, but there are a lot of renters, so they have people who own buildings who don’t want to use Mass Save.  New buildings – is that going to put more $$ on rent?

Q3 to Schwab: over past several years, hospital industry has unfettered power to bed closures, social services.  In absences of laws/regs, solely made by hospital industry without regard for community.  What is your role as an elected official to hold healthcare institutions responsible for good jobs, good working conditions?

Schwab: very hard to break their pattern because self-regulated industry.  People are leaving healthcare industry.  Crisis – what’s wrong with the business in general?  Will have to change the way we (nurses, people on front lines) work

Bilotta: as councilor, can support community health workers.  These are good jobs for our community, work with state delegation to keep services here in Worcester and keep services that provide many jobs.

Haxhiaj: recently I stood with SEIU workers calling for safe/thoughtful opening of CHL programs.  We lost a lot of beds and health workers lost their jobs.  Has supported the resolution they brought before council.  If there were a maternity ward being taken away, would speak out.

Jattan-Singh: we need to have regs to make all hospital related industry workers safe.  Had friend who left MA to become visiting nurse in FL, then back as a travel nurse in MA.  Supports better legislation – should be penalties for hospitals that are closing.

Kostas: will be a little blunt.  Healthcare industry doesn’t give a rat’s ass about anyone in this room, only the bottom line.  City work with state DPH to review what is going on in the boardrooms, their budgets. Unions can only fight so hard.  Where does it end?  Won’t end with me and you.

Montano: as an elected official, should work with state reps/senator on the lack of regs.  Don’t feel they are paid enough but that’s at the state level.  Can we have apprenticeship programs to see if the kids would like to do that?  [these exist]  I guess there’s no real good answer to his question.

Montero: works for CHL, feels pain every day when coworkers leave the city because they can’t get a job.  City council does not have the power.  The only thing is to raise our voice to the state legislature to do or say something about this.  Big biz are making a lot of $ from our taxes.

Norford: you can see the impact of striking nurses.  We need to hold companies accountable.  Need to support nurses/staff to see if we can do better.

Ojeda: we are all here because we love our city.  We need healthcare institutions to understand that, invest in our community.  We care about future and our youth, it’s about making sure 10, 15, 20 years down the road this doesn’t happen.  We will be working together and holding them responsible.

Pacillo: we need to hold healthcare institutions accountable for good jobs.  When she had her third child at St V’s [she referred to maternity ward there as “The Spa at St Vincent’s], a few months later they picketed and she joined them.  They deserve gratitude/respect.  Listen to nurses and do what we can, work with state delegation.

Palmieri: we see interventions when nurses go on strike; unacceptable – should be more transparency, everyone should be able to have good healthcare and not use money issue as an excuse.

Rivera: as union worker, will support nurses.  Imperative that we work with our state delegates, make noise, pass legislations, can’t have our head behind our back as a city councilor, fight for health care workers.

Russell: city councilors have limited ability to come down on big hospitals.  Has supported resolutions for SEIU, nurses’ associations.  Walked picket line.  Being district councilor is like being a customer service rep that can never go home.

Q4 to Bilotta: local econ & community dev does not always engage communities of color and low-income.  In what ways will you work with these communities?

Bilotta: my job to listen to folks and make sure development initiatives help those who are disadvantages.  Hold developers accountable – their job to make money, city council’s job to make sure it benefits all.

Haxhiaj: one of first things WCLC worked on is to focus on racial equity.  For ARPA funds, raised red flags about how equitable the process was.  There were barriers in place.  This is a lifelong action, she will always work on local hiring, housing, any issue council has a say on.

Jattan-Singh: we were left out to know how funds were being disbursed.  I will let my neighbors know when there are meetings.  One Grafton Hill Neighborhood Assoc meeting – one of three people of color.  A lot of things are happening and people don’t necessarily know.  She will make sure the word gets out.

Kostas: agrees with everyone.  Problem is that we need to get out more and fight for everyone.  There shouldn’t be any issues, but there is.  Will make sure everyone has opportunity that they deserve.  We are all God’s children.

Montano: talks to people of color in neighborhood.  Lack of info distributed.  More mailers, like we do for other things.  311 – we should have one that is for resources.  There is so much info on social media but it gets lost in the mix.  Schools should be involved in this as well.

Montero: we are talking the same language.  When you see the people at the top – they are untouchable.  There are many white people at city hall – I LOVE WHITE PEOPLE, MY WIFE IS WHITE – but it causes barriers.

Norford: unfortunately people of color feel left out.  Need to change our mentality.  POC don’t get involved, when we don’t get involved/show up, we won’t know what’s going on.  As a candidate she will let people know – that they can go, apply, be successful.  We need to let our people know what is going on in our city.

Ojeda: my dad was really involved in Hispanic community but it wasn’t taught to us.  Don’t ruffle feathers, just get education.  But now it’s his responsibility to knock on doors, come through on word, make sure voices are heard.  Give opportunity to let people know they can be successful.

Pacillo: I would always commit to working with BIPOC led organizations.  Led charge for making city council municipal meetings as a hybrid.  Not everyone has internet, but we need to make people where we are at.  At CAC, meeting people goes a long way, just be as accessible as possible.

Palmieri: worked with a very diverse group of people in juvenile justice.  We have heard twice PLUMLEY VILLAGE tonight.  [Have we?  Did I miss that?]  He established WIC center there, will now we extinct.  Community Builders at Plumley Village do not allow relatives [residents?] unless they talk with them prior to.  

Rivera: local sector with private sector to listen to residents.  Would help more with diversity that the city is going through and the city that we are becoming.  Bringing together both sides would help alleviate feelings of being left out.

Russell: has worked real hard on this.  If you think about what city hall looked like 10 years ago, more people with different language skills, etc.  City council members have pushed for this.  DEI office elevated to cabinet.  First POC as city manager.  Is fighting like heck to make sure Worcester East Middle doesn’t have plastic bags from windows.

Schwab: hire right people, priority will be working with people in minority communities.  Strong CDCs make all the difference in the world.  When Green Island lost its CDC – neighborhood was not recognizable anymore.

That concludes the questions – to be continued another time (I HOPE!)

Closing statements – I will only record anything of interest

Bilotta: I see Worcester growing and I don’t see it growing in an equitable way.  Worcester is a very diverse community.  We are not doing enough for econ dev for local folks.  Tired of hearing it’s too expensive.

Haxhiaj: I have worked really hard in the last 20 months.  I want to tell kids that we can have safe roads, clean community, housing for workers and small biz to live in the city and serve.  Lead with hope, data, facts – not fear-mongering.  I’m running for re-election because I do the work.  She commits to working really hard, side by side, whether you agree with me or not, D5 in synergy with the rest of the city.

Jattan-Singh: she saw city starting to grow but not equitably for everyone.  Only rich people can have nice roads (because of private roads).  Everyone deserves a paved road.  Proper bus system.  I took the bus to go to Polar Park but to get back home – bus had stopped running, but it was raining.  I’m running for common sense.

Kostas: heckled a bit, “I’m talking to you”, response: “I’ve got a rowboat, you’ve got a yacht” – will work with every aspect needed in the community.  I will do the job, trust me.

Montano: I’m not a politician, I don’t have a fancy team like the rest of them.  Knows what it’s like to work hard, look for resources in community, being denied at times.  It stunk real bad when your kids need something and you can’t get resources or can’t be heard.  She can’t say that she knows everything but she lives it.  Takes bus and walks EVERY DAY – I see the stuff that you guys get to drive by.  A lot of things look good on paper but won’t work for D4.

Montero: when he hears leaders, Worcester is a big city but they act like it’s a small town.  Neighborhood has a lot of private streets, but this is the best part of the city?  Wants to be part of the renaissance – doesn’t see it on his side of the city.  Worcester is not just a little town, leaders do not understand this.

[OK, WHY IS EVERYONE PICKING ON PRIVATE STREETS??]

Norford: has lived here for 20 years.  She can see a different perspective being a homeowner and business owner.  Committed to addressing needs of the neighborhood.  We can change stigma, esp in Main South.  Small businesses are the backbone of our community.  Promote our kids, more resources for school.  Kids need better education and opportunities to grow. 

Ojeda: his parents struggled raising seven children.  His voice – not about me, story of people of D4.  To support schools, small biz, elderly.  Voice of people – getting people to believe in city, that there are opportunities.  Positive changes, continuous improvements.  Safe streets, schools, neighborhoods.  Yes, I’m new to this, yes, I’m nervous, my right hand is shaking.  The concerns matter to D4.

Pacillo: vowing to be an unwavering advocate.  Waitress to stay-at-home mom, understands blue collar struggle.  Our district thrives when we can all flourish, neighbors bound by sense of belonging.  Accessible healthcare, clean, safe environment.  Not just a candidate – a fellow resident.  Same hopes & dreams.

Palmieri: housing affordability one of the most critical issues we have today.  With pending legislation, thought it was not fair to anyone/everyone.  Essential.  For market-rate policy, absolutely adversely affected every resident and homeowner in this city.  30% of people own single-family homes.  UNACCEPTABLE!  WE NEED A BETTER POLICY BY THIS COUNCIL!  Streets and sidewalks are deplorable.  75% of D2 were resurfaced during his time.  PRIVATE STREETS ARE HORRIFIC!!

[LEAVE MY PRIVATE STREET ALONE PHIL!]

Rivera: transparency to council, will bring facts.  You can call it fearmongering but you can’t call it fearmongering when it’s facts.  I want to bring a bridge because there’s too much divisiveness.  I want to focus on D5.

Russell: running for the same reason he ran 12 years ago.  For quality of life for neighbors, customers, people he grew up with.  On overall and individual basis.  He loves constituent services.  Happy to continue to do that.  On citywide level, would like to work on accessory dwelling unit – stalled in econ dev office.  TIF ordinance passed.  East Middle having WINDOWS!!  Good clear look at trash policy – how much money from yellow bags.  Cost of trash services in the budget. 

Schwab: 1- turn down the heat in Green Island! Green roofs, water features.  2 – Realistic housing for the homeless.  We have to do something for them, they can’t be on the sidewalk.  There is a way to treat people with dignity and respect.  Solve one prob and another one will be solved.  Realistic housing for the elderly.  WHA – free cable, free WIFI.

Worcester elections – candidate interviews

I’ve found it difficult to find information about candidates this election cycle. While I will try to attend as many candidate forums as I can, I often find that it’s helpful to read and listen to interviews with the candidates. I will update this post as I see/hear interviews, but I appreciate your help in pointing me to ones I haven’t yet seen.

School Committee At-Large

Maureen Binienda – Senior Speak, This is Worcester, Talk of the Commonwealth, Worcester Guardian, Rosen’s Roundtable

Laura Clancey – Talk of the Commonwealth, Patch

Sue Mailman – Senior Speak, Don’t Touch My Podcast, Talk of the Commonwealth, Manny Jae Media, Patch

Tracy Novick – Connecting the Dots, Talk of the Commonwealth, Manny Jae Media, Worcester Guardian, Patch, Don’t Touch My Podcast

School Committee District A (uncontested)

Molly McCullough – Patch

School Committee District C

Dianna Biancheria – What It’s Worth, This is Worcester

Jermoh Kamara – Don’t Touch My Podcast, Talk of the Commonwealth 1, 2, Manny Jae Media

School Committee District E

Nelly Medina – This is Worcester, WCCA preliminary candidates special 1:15:45-1:26:00, Patch, Don’t Touch My Podcast

John Patrick Reed – WCCA preliminary candidates special 0:00-10:40, Talk of the Commonwealth, This is Worcester, Patch

Kathleen Roy – Patch

City Council At-Large

Morris Bergman – Telegram & Gazette

Bill Coleman – Unity Radio, Telegram & Gazette

Donna Colorio – Worcester Guardian

Guillermo Creamer – This is Worcester, Connecting the Dots, Don’t Touch My Podcast, Worcester Guardian, Manny Jae Media

Johanna Hampton-Dance – Don’t Touch My Podcast, Manny Jae Media, Patch

Khrystian King – Talk of the Commonwealth, Don’t Touch My Podcast

Maydee Morales – Senior Speak, Connecting the Dots, Talk of the Commonwealth, Ahora Worcester, Manny Jae Media, Talk of the Commonwealth – 2, Telegram, Don’t Touch My Podcast, This is Worcester

Thu Nguyen – Patch

Domenica Perrone – Don’t Touch My Podcast, Ahora Worcester, WCCA preliminary candidates special 11:00-21:20, This is Worcester, Talk of the Commonwealth, Telegram, Manny Jae Media

Joseph M. Petty – Manny Jae Media, Worcester Guardian

Kate Toomey – Worcester Guardian, Manny Jae Media, Telegram

City Council District 1

Jenny Pacillo – Patch, This Week in Worcester, Manny Jae Media

David Peterson – This is Worcester, Activate Worcester, Patch, This Week in Worcester, Senior Speak

Larry Shetler – Patch

City Council District 2

Robert Bilotta – Connecting the Dots, Talk of the Commonwealth, Patch, WCCA preliminary candidates special 21:42-32:15, This Week in Worcester, Don’t Touch My Podcast, This is Worcester

Candy Mero-Carlson – Talk of the Commonwealth, This Week in Worcester, Manny Jae Media

Philip Palmieri – WCCA preliminary candidates special 32:25-42:35, Patch

City Council District 3

Feanna Jattan-Singh – Talk of the Commonwealth, Manny Jae Media, This is Worcester, Don’t Touch My Podcast, Worcester Guardian

George Russell – Talk of the Commonwealth, Worcester Guardian

City Council District 4

Ted Kostas – Activate Worcester, Patch, WCCA preliminary candidates special 43:00-53:40, This Week in Worcester

Maria V. Montano – This Week in Worcester

Katia Gisela Norford – WCCA preliminary candidates special 1:04:25-1:14:50

Luis Albizu Ojeda – Worcester Guardian

Maureen Schwab – Patch, This is Worcester, This Week in Worcester

City Council District 5

Etel Haxhiaj – Don’t Touch My Podcast, Patch, WCCA preliminary candidates special 54:00-1:03:30, This Week in Worcester, Standups and Standouts

Edson Montero – This is Worcester, Patch, This Week in Worcester

Jose Antonio Rivera – Activate Worcester, Talk of the Commonwealth 1, 2, WCCA preliminary candidates special 1:26:35-end, This Week in Worcester