Week in Review: September 14, 2014
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Saturday, September 13, 2014
GoLocalWorcester News Team
Welcome to GoLocal week in review - take a look at the top stories of the week. The stories that were best read, most important and make a difference.
We review everything from the Democratic and Republican party primary results, to the sad case of three infants dead in Blackstone, MA to the ongoing crisis in the Worcester Police Department.
Please look at the best place to go apple picking to lessons in business innovation.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Related Slideshow: 9 Challenges Facing Worcester’s New City Manager
Now the Edward Augustus is serving as City Manager for Worcester, GoLocal reached out to the city's leaders to find out what they believe are the biggest challenges Augustus will face in his new role.
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Keep Forward Momentum
Paul Giorgio, publisher of Pagio, Inc. and a GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER™:
“Priority One: Keep up the momentum.
Two: Work with the mayor on creating a task force for the north end of Main Street.
Three: Insure that we keep our school renovation plan on track.”
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Economic Development
Councilor Anthony Economou:
“Economic development is huge. We have a lot going on, and we have to keep the momentum up,” Economou said. “Make sure we don't miss a beat. You don't want to lose a period of nine months and not have forward progress.”
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Financial Management
Roberta Schaefer, former president of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau:
Schaefer said continuing the sound financial management of former City Manager Michael O'Brien was the greatest task for Augustus. But in addition to financial questions, she called for Augustus to “follow the lead of Michael O'Brien, to make sure he represents all the interests of the city, as the CEO of the city.
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Business Climate
Tim Murray, president and chief executive officer of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce:
In addition to budgeting and economic development, Murray pointed to fostering the business climate in the city. “Try to make Worcester as business-friendly a place as possible,” he said. Whether through permitting, customer service, or other incentive, “whatever we can do to make the city a supportive (place for business).”
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Budget Concerns
Christopher Pinto, member of the Worcester Republican City Committee:
“Can he really do pension reform? Can he spare the taxpayers from more abusive taxes?” asked Pinto, who wonders what Augustus will do about the Responsible Employer Ordinance and how the new city manager will make appointments to boards and commissions.
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Capital Improvements
Councilor Frederick Rushton:
Rushton said the number one challenge Augustus will face is following through toward new buildings and/or renovations to area high schools in need of capital improvements.
"Second," he said, “is completing CitySquare.”
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Public Safety
Councilor Sarai Rivera:
Rivera points to economic development, neighborhood development, and continuing to support public safety and public service, as well as “working with private and labor to support the (Responsible Employer Ordinance) and look into an apprentice program.”
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Neighborhood Development
Councilor George Russell:
“It's not necessarily 'A, B, and C,' it's more what you want to see overall,” Russell said. “For me, it's more neighborhood orientation.”
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Collective Bargaining
Councilor Anthony Economou:
Economou also cited the upcoming task of collective bargaining with union city workers. “One of the challenges will be the contracts,” Economou said. “I imagine it's on his radar, to get those discussions going.”
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