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2013 Worcester

Municipal Election Candidates Guide

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Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Kola Akindele, Chair Joseph Carpenter Jennifer Davis Carey Connie Charette Maria Lopez David LeBoeuf, Interim

Director Patricia Mallios Linda Parham Anne Reisinger Stephen Slaten Kenny Vo Annie Wynters

Special Thanks to our Summer Fellows:

Nicole Hasanova: Holy Cross 2016

Giovanna DeMeo: Holy Cross 2016

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Table of Contents

2013 Municipal Election Candidates Information

Message from The Initiative

Councilors At Large

School Committee

District City Councilors

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The

Initiative

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About the Initiative for Engaged Citizenship: The Initiative is an effort to engage, mobilize, and protect voters. Through education and dialog we aim to build a stronger city and greater inclusivity in the civic process. In addition to our own programs, our members and volunteers help to build partnerships and support existing efforts to engage residents in local affairs. We are a nonpartisan entity not associated with any candidate or campaign.

2013 Municipal Candidates Guide

Election Day is Tu e sday No ve m be r 5 th, 20 13

Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm

Absentee Ballots can be requested from City Hall by noon on the day of election.

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The Ballot will include

City Council At-Large City Wide. Voters can select up to 6 candidates

Mayor City Wide. Voters select 1 candidate

**Note: The Mayor is a member of the City Council . You must vote for your desired candidate on the ballot

twice: once as Councilor-At Large, and once as Mayor. The list of Candidates for Mayor will be available on

September 24 t h.

School Committee City Wide. Voters can select up to 6 candidates

District City Councilors Voters select 1 of 2 Candidates in D1, D2 &D5.

There is only on candidate on the ballot in D3 and D4. To find your district go to http://www.worcesterma.gov/e-services/where-do-i-vote

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A Message from our Director David LeBoeuf Over the last two years the Initiative has seen a host of transitions, and it is because of these transitions that our organization continues to grow and progress. Although we have expanded our programs, one staple that we still maintain is our Municipal Election Candidates Guide. Started in 2009 by the Coalition for Educated Options program our guide was an 80 question questionnaire intended to demonstrate to the candidates how invested our residents were in the outcome of the municipal elections and the future of our great City. In 2011 we transformed this into a simpler profile that makes it easier for groups to translate into other languages. On average we have distributed close to 2,000 of these candidates guide through our website traffic, social media pages, and hard copy productions each Election cycle. Hopefully this guide will provide enough insight for you to make an informed decision on Election Day. I also encourage you to please attend our upcoming Candidate Forums and hear questions posed by our coalition of community groups:

School Committee Forum Wednesday September 25th 7:00pm Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room

City Council-At-Large Forum Wednesday October 2nd 7:00pm Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room I want to thank all of the candidates who participated and our fellows from Holy Cross who compiled all of the information for this guide. Worcester is better off because of your willingness to take Initiative. Also I want to thank you, the voter, for taking the time to read this guide. If you are interested in learning more about our organization and getting involved in our efforts to engage, mobilize, and protect voters do not hesitate to contact me at David@IECWorcester.org or at 508-754-2858 ex27 Regards, David LeBoeuf Interim Director

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City Council Candidates 2013

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Councilors At-Large

Mesfin H. Beshir

86 Vale St.

Mesfin4worcester@yahoo.com

Current/Past Occupations: Founder and Executive Director of Central Mass Mutual Assistance Partnership, Inc. Founder/ Executive Director of the Ethiopian Dream Center, Inc.

Reasons for Running: Ive been dedicated to volunteering in the Worcester community, and am passionate about serving my culturally and ethnically diverse fellow Worcester residents. The people I have encountered throughout my time serving the community have inspired me to work to end the shortcomings that exist in our community and provide justice, economic prosperity, development in terms of jobs, schools, crime prevention, as well as youth and women empowerment.

I am Advocating For: 1) Creation of jobs through public and private partnerships.2) Neighborhood development through the restoration of the education system, promotion of youth and women empowerment, creation/proliferation of affordable housing, and crime prevention.3) Intensification of social and cultural interactions.

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Morris Moe Bergman

11 Kensington Heights (508) 981 5934 Current/Past Occupations: Attorney in Private Practice, Prosecutor District Attorneys Office- Worcester. Reasons for Running: City leadership has not met the challenge of finding ways to grow our tax base so that that our city will have the tax revenues it needs to properly fund our schools and reach appropriate levels of police, fire and municipal personnel and maintain a high quality of life without placing further tax burdens on already cash strapped property owners. We as a city have failed to recognize the reality that children who grow up in Worcester and go onto college often do not choose to return to Worcester to raise their families and because this has a negative impact on Worcesters property values and tax base, we must do better in marketing our public school system and providing for more employment opportunities for college graduates.

I am Advocating for: Assisting our small business owners by relaxing zoning requirements relating to parking in business/commercial areas, as well as making progressive changes/improvements to their parking/metering needs. The City of Boston PILOT Task Force Model. Instilling pride in our city by better publicizing, commemorating and maintaining Worcesters history, including its historic sites and park lands.

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William Bill S. Coleman

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36 Acushnet Ave. billcoleman3@yahoo.com 508-826-1307 Current/Past Occupations: Community Activist and employed as Nutrition Educator at UMASS Amherst. Reasons for Running: My goal is to make the quality of our schools sell our city. Quality schools will enhance the value of a Community.

I am Advocating For: -the highest quality of Public Safety in our City - a City that welcomes industry and small business by creating a supportive environment for their success -a creative Arts environment that nurtures the individual talents of residents and the agencies that support the Arts."

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Carmen L. Carmona

600 Main St. carmonacampaign@gmail.com (508) 847-5516 Current/Past Occupations: Residential Counselor Supervisor, Medical Detoxification Unit, Community Healthlink. Reasons for Running: Being in the field of social work has opened my eyes even more to the challenges and difficulties constituents face every day in the city Worcester. I want to use my social work experience to help the City of Worcester overcome these different challenges, by working hard to find the resources that will build our socio-economical, educational and health systems to help the people of our city here in Worcester. I am Advocating For: I will promote tax breaks for small businesses and do my best to make it easier for entrepreneurs to create more jobs and thrive here in Worcester. In promoting a more progressive city, I would also like to help create more alternative educational programs with emphasis in technological and philosophical areas to allow or kids to expand their skills and talents for societys development and improvement towards the future. Lastly, I will advocate for affordable and continuing health for all our children and senior citizens in our communities to produce a healthier Worcester.

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Councilors At-Large +

William Feegbeh

24 Charlton St. Wfeegbeh@hotmail.com 857-237-6649 Current/Past Occupations: Educator Reasons for Running: I am running for city council at large because I do want to help the people of Worcester by providing affordable housing, Jobs and quality education for Worcester public school. I am Advocating For: When the resident elect me Nov 5,2013 I William will be advocating for the people of Worcester to get good health care, good Transportation and taking care the elderly.

Michael T. Gaffney 45 Linden St.

(508) 770 1007 www.MichaelGaffneyWorcesterCityCouncil.com

Current/Past Occupations: Law Office of Michael T. Gaffney, Manager, Safety Insurance Captain, 1058th Transportation Company, MARNG. Reasons for Running: To restore our city council to one where council members regularly attend meetings, make informed decisions that will support sustainable progress and not only seek, but respect resident input. Our city council has increased tax revenues 23% on the backs of residents that earn a per capita income of $24,544 per year while failing budget for a fully staffed police force, fire department or the $656 million in unfunded other that pension liabilities owed to the rank and file city works; instead, favoring the more than 423 mainly administrative city employees earning over $100,000 per year that refuse to live in Worcester. I am Advocating For: 1) Balancing the salaries of the citys administrative employees proportional to the income of the citys residents, creating residency requirements for employees and fully funding the citys obligations. 2) Focus on rebuilding our middle class by providing essential services, not taxing them out of their homes, and slowing the rate of growth of non-taxpaying, non-profit entities to develop a tax-base. 3) Actively engaging the citizens of Worcester and respecting citizen input in the crafting of ordinances and city projects.

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Michael J. Germain

(Candidate for Re-Election)

63 Fairmont Ave.

Peter C. Kush

1 Blossom St. peterckush17@aol.com Current/Past Occupations: Case Manager Worcester Housing Authority, Housing Director, South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation. Reasons For Running: I am running because I love this City, and am frustrated by its inability to engage all its residents ranging from old-timers, young families and the middle class to college students, recent arrivals, and lower income residents to work together to develop a cohesive plan that capitalizes on our many assets. I was born and raised in Worcester, and have a strong understanding of the Citys neighborhoods, its people, and its potential. I want to bring people together to build an economically, culturally and socially vibrant community where people can live, learn, and work. I am Advocating For: Strong neighborhoods, and will support neighborhood schools, production of quality affordable housing, and open space initiatives. Jobs that will capitalize on our brain-base, and create spin-offs that will increase opportunity for the small businesses that support them. Public safety and community policing because safety and security are the foundation for a healthy neighbors and a vibrant economy.

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Councilors At Large + 1

Joseph M. Petty

(Candidate for Re-Election)

2 Groves Heights Dr. petty4mayor@gmail.com 508-873-5715 Current/Past Occupations: Mayor of the City of Worcester and Executive Secretary to the Employee's Retirement System of the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. Reasons for Running: I am running because I truly care about Worcester and its future. I will continue to advocate for the people of our city. Worcester is my home and my goal is to make it the most livable city in the country. I am Advocating for: I will continue to advocate for investing and upgrading our Public Schools, as it is important that Worcester has first class and competitive learning environments. I will continue to advocate for infrastructure improvements along the Route 20 Corridor and explore the potential these improvements will have to spur economic development and create long-term sustainable employment in our city. I will continue to fight to ensure that all the residents of the City of Worcester receive the highest quality municipal services and will continue to build upon the great innovative policing strategies of the Worcester Police Department.

Konstantina B. Lukes

(Candidate for Re-Election)

24 Hadwen Rd. konlukes@aol.com Current/Past Occupations: Vice Chair, Worcester City Council, Attorney at Law, Mayor (3 years) Reasons for Running: We must recognize that fiscal scarcity will be a reality for many years and city leaders needs to plan further than 2 years to ensure that Worcester is affordable, business friendly and .financially sound enough to fund our educational, public safety and public works priorities. The public deserves elected officials who wont duck issues, as happened on the slot parlor proposal and who will set public policy based on the citys best interest not on the agenda of politically connected constituencies, such as killing a hotel project because of an Open Shop. I am Advocating For: Preserving our affordable housing stock by attracting homeowners and private investors who will preserve housing at reasonable costs. Paying off our pension and post employment obligations now at $1 billion; Marketing our public schools (including charter schools) by promoting the achievements of staff and students. Promoting Worcester as a tech-savy city because the internet is the future for business and young professionals by developing a dark fiber infrastructure and providing for public input regarding city issues through crowd sourcing on the city web site.

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Councilors At Large

Rick C. Rushton

(Candidate for Re-Election)

24 Stonehouse Ln. (508) 792 1091 Current/Past Occupations: Attorney

Reasons for Running: I am running to bring a voice for people who are underserved, and to help fashion a common sense approach to economic development, and education.

I am Advocating for:

1) Developing a capital plan within the next two years to build a new Doherty, Burncoat, and South High School.

2) Bolstering the daily interactions between City Hall and small business in Worcester to find out what they need to help them grow.

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Kate Toomey

(Candidate for Re-election)

50 Ideal Rd. (508) 753 8058 Current/Past Occupations: Current Occupation: Vice President, Community and External Affairs, Autumn Village Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Sterling Village Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Reasons for Running: I am running for reelection to continue the work I have been doing for the past eight years on the City Council to support Economic Development, Public Safety, quality Public Schools and updated infrastructure. As the first woman chair of Public Works, I am proud of the work we have done to upgrade our infrastructure, paving more miles of streets this year than any other year in the history of the city and tackling emergencies with ease. I am Advocating For: 1) A safe community where people from every zip code can live without fear, where citizens know they are protected from fire and crime, where people can walk on sidewalks that arent crumbling or drive on streets riddled with potholes.2) An educational system, which provides our children the tools, they will need for future in the classroom and to provide those tools in a sound and modern structure. 3) Economic development initiatives to broaden our tax base to pay for the aforementioned including identifying new economic development initiatives such as the Rte. 20 Sewer Project Initiative, which I have been supporting for several years to open a new economic corridor extending from the Auburn, line to the Shrewsbury line.

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School Committee Candidates 2013

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Douglas F. Arbetter 8 Pinebrook Ln. douglas.arbetter@gmail.com (508) 579 6846 Current/Past Occupations: Camp Counselor at Worcester JCC (Summer)/Admissions Assistant at the Office of Undergraduate Admission at the George Washington University (finishing up last semester of college this fall) Substitute Teacher at Doherty Memorial HS, Intern for Congressman Jim McGovern. Reasons for Running: I am running for School Committee because as a product of the Worcester Public School myself (Doherty 09) I believe that much can be done to increase the competitiveness of our students as applicants to jobs and colleges; via expanding course opportunities and policies that encourage our students to take rigorous curriculums, not discourage them. Being involved as a student at Doherty and serving the Worcester community as an intern for Congressman McGovern, I was inspired to get involved and bring a young and meaningful perspective to the School Committee. I am Advocating For: 1) Providing more opportunities for students to become more competitive for the work force and college; by expanding the world language program and social science curriculums and creating a grant to help students cover the costs of AP exams. 2) Ending policies that blame teachers 100% for failing students, which force teachers to dumb down their material and not truly challenge our students. 3) Ensuring that everyone who is affected by policies, whether teachers, administrators, students or parents, have an opportunity to weigh in and provide experienced opinions.

Dianna L. Biancherria

(Candidate for Re-Election) 8 Ventura Rd. Current/Past Occupations: Caregiver for parents, former WHA Resident Services Assistant Director, Worcester Public Schools-District School to Career Coordinator, City of Worc, Chief of Staff in Mayors office for former Mayor Raymond Mariano and Assistant Vice President in the banking industry for Fleet Bank Reasons for Running:I am running for re-election to continue working on expanding opportunities that ensure every student is career and college ready. As a life time resident of our great city, I have seen the impact of strengthening our school system and the benefits to our community. I am proud of the progress we have made in the last three years with the success of developing innovative programs enabling students, parents and staff members to be more engaged in the education of all of our students. I am Advocating For: Improved School Safety- Strong Supporter of developing and improving safety features and equipment in each of our school buildings to ensure students and staff continue to feel safe. Continue to promote and advocate supporting programs of anti- bullying. Academic Excellence- Strong advocate of supporting increased Advanced Placement courses, enrollment and awareness of the benefits for all students. Continue to promote the benefits of strong partnerships in our community to ensure expanded and new opportunities for our students. Strong supporter of increasing and improving Chapter 74 courses, STEM and dual enrollment opportunities. Enhanced Job Readiness Programs and Alternative programs- Continue the efforts of advocating for developing programs that enhance preparing our students for the work environment and expanding community partnerships to improve awareness of the skills needed for success. Advocate to enhance the early warning process and invest in programs supporting alternative education.

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Donna M. Colorio

(Candidate for Re-election) 508-450-0104 Current/Past Occupations: Adjunct Faculty, Psychology Quinsigamond Community College Reasons for Running: I am running for re-election because as a professional educator, School Committee Member, and community organizer I am committed to overseeing the continual improvement of the Worcester Public Schools. In the past two years Worcester Public Schools has been through changes, as a common sense official I will be proactive in maintaining local control to ensure Worcester as a leader in educational excellence. I am Advocating For: Increasing educators in the classroom by properly allocating resources. Local control of curriculum. Adding Civics course as part of Graduation requirement.

Robert J. Cohane

56 Eagle Rd. voterobcohane@gmail.com Current/Past Occupations: Senior Quality Engineer, Medical Device. With over twenty years in industry.

Reasons for Running: As Co-Chair of the Citywide Parent Planning Advisory Council (CPPAC) I have advocated for adequate funding for the Worcester Public Schools annual budget. I am committed to establishing a five-year financial plan for the Worcester Public Schools that will identify our goals and objectives as well as establish what resources are required to achieve our goals. I am Advocating For: 1) Establishment a five year financial plan for the Worcester Public Schools.2) Implementation of an

aggressive technology plan in the schools 3) Increased opportunities for middle schools students and Improved support for our teachers.

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John F. Monfredo (Candidate for Re-Election)

8 Cherokee Rd. Current/Past Occupations: Principal and teacher in the Worcester Public Schools

Reasons for Running: I have had the privilege of being a successful teacher and an award-winning principal in the Worcester Public Schools and wanted to continue to serve my community. I will continue to try to bring my understanding of schools, knowledge of the city and my belief that children succeed best when we have a system that puts children first and welcomes the involvement of parents. I am Advocating for:

1) ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Closing the achievement gap and providing enriching opportunities for all students in the Worcester Public Schools.

2) WELLNESS AND SAFETY: Schools must work on having a balance between wellness and academics as we address the needs of our children. We need to be sure that our nurses are a strong part of our school system and that safety concerns continue to be monitored at all of our schools.3

3) )PARENT INVOLVEMENT: Children succeed best when we have a system that puts children first and welcomes the involvement of parents, childrens first and most influential teacher. Not all teachers are parents but all parents are teachers.

Jack L. Foley

(Candidate for Re-Election)

6 Winter Hill Dr. (508) 853 3593 Current/Past Occupations: Vice President for Government and Community Affairs at Clark University Reasons for Running: I am running to continue the work to bring outstanding educational opportunities to all children in the Worcester Public Schools. Our strength as a community and as a school district will be the continued attractiveness of our schools to bring businesses and residents to our city.

I am Advocating for: I am advocating for increased school-based management and autonomy in our schools, a focus upon early childhood literacy and the goal of 100% literacy rate for students by the end of 3rd grade, and increased academic rigor and higher expectations for all students.

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Brian A. OConnell

(Candidate for Re-Election)

54 Providence St. (508) 792 6789 Current/Past Occupations: Attorney, School District Chief Financial and Operations Officer. Reasons for Running: For many Worcester students, our Worcester Public Schools play a determinative role in their ultimate prospect of success in life, and my key goal will be to maintain an academic-focused environment which gives ALL students an opportunity to excel. We must equip our students with a true ethic of achievement, which develops ultimately from mastery of vital analytical and reasoning skills, from knowledge imparted in challenging courses, and from skills of self-discipline, focus, persistence, concentration, and dedication, all of which come from a school system which sets ambitious but achievable standards of mastery for its students.

I am Advocating For: More rigorous but still realistic - academic expectations of students and an aggressive culture of achievement in schools, including optional language immersion instruction, additional occupational education programs, expanded art and music initiatives, and ambitious application of literacy and numeracy standards. Development of schools with varied grade configurations, as additional options for students, including kindergarten through grade 8 schools and a small satellite middle school as a component of a current high school, all of which shall involve teachers, parents, and interested students and community representatives in the planning process. A careful reassessment of budget priorities and a redirection of funds, wherever feasible, from administrative and ancillary functions into classrooms.

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Tracy OConnell Novick

(Candidate for Re-Election) 135 Olean Street Current/Past Occupations: currently a member of the Worcester School Committee and mother of three, previously a high school English and History teacher. Reasons for Running: I am running to bring the perspective of a teacher, a parent, and a policy analyst to the Worcester School Committee.

I am Advocating For:

-Classrooms grounded in a full, rich, engaging curriculum that educates the whole child.

-Thoughtful use of the resources available to us.

-Education policy at the local, state, and national level that is researched-based, child-focused, and sensible.

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Hilda Ramirez

10 South Ward St. Current/Past Occupations: Assistant Director, Latino Education Institute at Worcester State University Executive Director, Worcester Youth Center Manager, John Hancock Observatory.

Reasons for Running: I am running for school committee because I believe that Worcester has the potential to generate the intellectual capacity that is essential for our knowledge-based economy. If we want to improve the quality of life of our residents, then we must ensure that every student in the district achieves success.

I am Advocating for:

1) Early Education: Studies show that children who have trouble reading in third grade will continue to struggle in school, we need our entire community to support our students by ensuring that all programs are geared towards improving their education, whether thats through arts, music, sports, science, or technology. 2) Family Engagement: Consistent parental involvement is a major factor in determining a students academic success, I will work hard to ensure that our families become partners in our schools. 3) Effective Teacher in Every Classroom: Currently, our new teachers do not have a very robust teacher induction program that supports them in their first year in the classroom, there needs to be more emphasis on coaching and mentoring teachers on improving instruction and supporting their professional growth.

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District City Councilors Candidates 2013

District 1 includes Salisbury Street, Westwood Hills, Assumption College, Hancock Hill, Grove Street, Holden Street, Indian Hill, Indian Lake, Greendale, the Summit, Quinsigamond Community College, upper Burncoat, Clark Street, Lincoln Village, Great Brook Valley, Curtis Apartments, Montvale and Massachusetts Avenue Local Historic Districts, Hammond Heights, Bancroft Tower, Winter Heights and Richmond/Flagg.

District 2 includes Lincoln Square, Lincoln Street, Brittan Square, lower Burncoat, UMass, Lake Avenue north of Hamilton Street, Bloomingdale, Shrewsbury and Franklin Streets, Poet's Hill, Plumley Village, downtown east of Main Street, WPI, Chadwick Square, the Canal District north of Kelley Square and Grafton Hill north of Hamilton Street.

District 3 includes Grafton Hill south of Hamilton Street, Rice Square, Billings Square, Union Hill, upper Vernon Hill, Massasoit, Edgemere, Granite Street, Quinsigamond Village and College Hill.

District 4 includes Green Island, Kelley Square, lower Vernon Hill, the Canal District south of Kelley Square, Four Corners, Main South, South Worcester, Piedmont, Crown Hill, downtown west of Main Street, Gardner/Kilby/Hammond, Clark University, Webster Square and Highland Street east of Park Avenue.

District 5 Columbus Park, Stafford Street, Heard Street, main Street from Webster Square to Cherry Valley, Airport Hill, Mill Street, June Street, Neighborly Newton, Newton Square, Worcester State College, Tatnuck, West Tatnuck and Moreland Hill.

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District 1 Candidates

Tony J. Economou (Candidate for Re-Election) 9 Carriage House Ln. tony@electtonyeconomou.com Current/Past Occupations: Broker Associate RE/MAX Advantage 1D-1 City Councilor, Started and operated Interstate Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning. Reasons for Running: In the past 1- years we have been able to make in roads in getting Nelson Place School approved by the MSBA for replacement and $14 million in additional school improvements throughout the city. Continue to make neighborhood park improvements so we may all enjoy them. As well as additional neighborhood improvements. I am Advocating For: 1) to continue to advocate for our schools by working towards updating the Turncoat Street Playground and implementing the first phase of Indian Hill Playground 2) Supporting additional police and fire classes. 3) Continuing to work with and supporting the area businesses and will continue to be accessible to the residents of District 1.

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Christopher M. Rich

5 Scranton Rd.

Current/Past Occupations: Software Product Manager in the IT Security, Governance & Compliance Industry.

Reasons for Running: I am running because I believe I have the professional skill set, work ethic, and determination required to successfully tackle the challenges that lie ahead for our city and improve the quality of life for the people of District 1 and throughout Worcester. I want to provide District 1 with an accessible, visible and vocal contributor to the future of our city. I am Advocating For: I am advocating for improved streets, sidewalks, public safety, and education. I am advocating for a balanced and sustainable budget that honors our commitments and protects our senior citizens. I am advocating for a business-friendly environment that will protect and grow the tax base and create jobs.

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District 2 Candidates

Jennithan Cortes

258 Belmont St. Apt. #3 Cortes2Council@gmail.com Current/Past Occupations: Operations Manager, EOLWD, Department of Career Services 25 years management experience in both the private and public sectors. Reasons for Running: Jennithan Cortes is a neighborhood voice with a new vision for moving our district forward by supporting economic growth but not at the expense of the quality of life in our neighborhoods. I am Advocating For: Supporting Economic Growth: Support small local business * New job creation for local residents * Labor union advocacy * Vibrant public education programs. Public Safety: Work with & support Worcester Police and Fire Department services and new initiatives * Promote crime watch prevention program. Neighborhood Pride in our District: Invest in our parks and community recreational programs * Focus on housing, streets and side-walk revitalization initiatives * Establish a district-wide Councilors Advisory Committee for public involvement and inclusion.

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Phil Palmieri (Candidate For Re-Election) 28 Buckingham Road 508-852-2229 Current/Past Occupations: Business Owner: Commercial Real Estate, Juvenile Probation Officer: Massachusetts Trial Court. Reasons for Running: I believe in working hard every day to make Worcester a better, more prosperous place for my family, my neighbors and the business owners who have staked their future on this city. Having served my community as the District 2 councilor for the last twelve years, I am running again to insure that the crucially important issues in our communityeducation, development, public safety, and responsible fiscal policiescontinue to have a strong, experienced, independent voice on the council floor. I am Advocating For: Smaller classroom sizes, capital investments for repair and upgrade of existing schools and more technology assets to enhance the opportunity for students to learn important new skills. Continuing contributions from local colleges and universities to support libraries and parks, more commuter rail and express trains to provide access to jobs and encourage local home ownership and building projects that bring permanent new jobs to the city. Basic funding to maintain and improve our existing police and fire resources by providing more classes for police officers and firefighter recruits and innovative policing methods.

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Sarai Rivera (Candidate for Re-Election District 4) 7 Lucian St. Current/Past Occupations: Co-founder and Director of Programs; Shalom Neighborhood Center, Worc. Clinical Therapist, Co-Pastor; Christian Community Church. Reasons for Running: I believe in looking into our communities and looking through the lens of potential and possibilities and not just plight and problems. Being raised in District 4 has given me roots in this community roots that are in my heart, continually building my passion. I believe in this community, choosing to; live in this district, raise my children in this district and work in this district. I am Advocating for: COMMUNITY VOICE: I value your voice and will bring that voice to the decision making table at City Hall. I am committed to working with all parts of District 4 when elected to City Council. INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY & CREATING JOBS: I will work to support the local economy by adding jobs, employment for youth, supporting small businesses, so that you are provided the same resources others receive to start, support and grow your business, and achieve your goals. SUPPORTING OUR FAMILIES: I will continue to actively work for; strong schools, safe and healthy neighborhoods, removing barriers to achievement and success, community pride, civic engagement and involvement.

District 3 and 4 Candidates

George J. Russell

(Candidate for Re-Election District 3)

36 Dolly Dr. georgerussellcommittee@gmail.com (508) 925 0705 Current/Past Occupations: Owner/Broker at George Russell Realty LLC 15 Hamilton St. Worcester, MA 01604 Reasons for Running: I am running for reelection to continue my efforts to improve the quality of life for all residents. My accomplishments and goals can be found at GeorgeRussell.org. I am Advocating For: 1) The Residents of District 3 by providing personal constituent services and helping residents with personal and neighborhood issues that arise.2) Making sure the Taxpayer money is not wasted. I will continue to fight on behalf of Residential Tax Rate Payers as well as fighting for fair Assessments for all. I do not and will not hesitate to point out waste in City Government.3) I will make sure D3 gets its fair share of Parks Department and DPW attention to improve Quality of Life in our Neighborhoods by continuing to advocate for added Fire Department Staff and Community Policing.

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William J. Eddy

(Candidate for Re-Election) 3 Barrows Rd. Current/Past Occupations: City Councilor (3rd Term) Executive Director Massachusetts Association of Early Education & Care Reasons for Running: I am running for re-election to a 4th term on the City Council to build upon the progress we have made in this district and across the City. Working together, we have built parks & playgrounds, paved streets & sidewalks at record pace, re-staffed our police & fire departments while maintaining fiscal discipline and keeping taxes low. I am Advocating For: I have worked to ensure a high quality of life for families in this district. I have provided leadership by investing in neighborhoods through public services such as re-paving streets, sidewalks & addressing dangerous intersections, as well as investing in our public schools to retain our middle class in Worcester. I have assisted public safety staffing by authoring a plan for incremental staffing growth in consecutive budgets that has brought our police staffing levels back from dangerous levels (down sixty-four officers in 2011) towards having a better ability to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Gary Rosen 11 Herbert Rd. (508) 755 3006 Past/Current Occupations: President of Friends of Worcesters Senior Center (volunteer position), High School Chemistry Teacher (retired) Reasons for Running: As District 5 City Councilor, Ill be a visible, vocal, engaged and accountable public servant who will return, in a timely fashion, all phone calls and emails from residents and business owners alike. And Ill work tirelessly to keep Worcester a safe, clean and affordable city that promotes home ownership, recruits business and industry, provides quality jobs to its residents and offers a meaningful education to its students. I am Advocating For: 1) Better promoting the City of Worcester to attract new investment, business development and job creation.2) Encouraging civic engagement and involvement by helping to establish in District 5 the citys first Neighborhood Council as defined in Section 8 of Worcesters Charter. 3) Involving District 5 residents in planning for future expansion, if any, at the Worcester Regional Airport including cargo, traffic and access issues.

District 5 Candidates

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Dont Forget to Vote!

74 Providence Street Worcester, MA 01604 508-754-2858 ex 27 www.IECWorcester.org info@IECWorcester.org

David LeBoeuf, Executive Director

The Initiative

@IECWorcester