Are Minorities Finally Becoming a Political Force in Worcester?
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
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At- Large Candidate Juan Gomez
"The city is currently responsive to a very small segment of the city. The jobs are filled by people who often don't even live in Worcester. Top to bottom, the city is disconnected from its residents - except for Councilor (Sarai) Rivera - who isn't just a Councilor of color, she is the only Councilor I often see at community events,” said Jordan Berg Powers, Director of Mass Alliance.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than a quarter of Worcester’s population are non-white.
“This year, fourteen individuals to date have requested nomination papers for School Committee,” said School Committee member Brian O’Connell. “If they all do run for office, we will have a diverse pool of candidates with varied backgrounds, experiences, ethnicities, perspectives and interests. Individually and collectively, they will add much to the quality of discussion and debate regarding educational topics during the months between now and Election Day.”
"There are many good minority candidates running and perhaps this could be the year," said School Committee member and GoLocal MINDSETTER™ John Monfredo.
“I think it's great that minorities are attempting to assert themselves into civic and political life. Our elected officials, schools, and police need to be held accountable at the highest standards to move our city forward,” said city activist John Giangregorio.
According to a new report from the Worcester Research Bureau, “ From 2001 to 2013, the average percentage of registered voters that participated in municipal elections was 21%, with a low of 14% in 2013.”
President of the Shrewsbury Street Neighborhood Association Gary Vecchio said, “When only 15% or less of the registered voters usually come out to vote in municipal elections, any group of individuals can become a political force if they vote in large numbers and get other people who share their points of view to vote also.”
Minorities Have Rich History in Politics in Worcester
At-Large Candidate Linda Parham
"Minorities have always been a political force in the city going back to when Councilor (Charles) Scott represented the Shrewsbury Street area," said local political expert and GoLocal MINDSETTER™, Paul Giorgio. "We have had two people of color on the council in the past few years - Stacey luster and Juan Gomez. Both were elected as At-Large."
Gomez is running again this year for an At-Large council seat and looks to be an early favorite. On Friday night, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito is hosting a fundraiser for Gomez.
Vecchio added, "Whether it is our President (Obama), former Governor (Deval) Patrick, or at the local level: Betty Price, Ogretta McNeil, Hilda Ramirez, Juan Gomez, Sarai Rivera, and Stacey Luster - voters have shown that they will elect Minorities to office."
How Will the Home Rule Charter Effect the Election?
At-Large Candidate Khyrstian King
“From time to time there have been marginal candidates from the minority community who have had the effect of hurting serious minority community candidates,” said Giorgio. “These perennial candidates do nothing to advance the communities of color.”
“The answer is “No,” I don't think the city will be adding a lot of people of color,” said Berg Powers. “That being said, there are two great candidates - Linda Parham and Khrystian King - who are the most likely to win an At-Large seat so at one position we could elect the most qualified people who happen to be people of color.”
"There is a great deal of enthusiasm at all levels of city politics," said School Commitee member Hilda Ramirez. "However, campaigns are difficult to run and raise the money needed to get your name out there. It also requires some experience with the process. I have no doubt that the diversity of this city will be reflected in local politics, but we all still have a learning curve and lots of work ahead."
If there is a preliminary election it will be held on September 8, 2015. If candidates choose to withdraw their nominations, they have until May 28 to do so. In the instance there is a preliminary election, those looking to vote that haven’t registered to vote, need to do so by 8 PM on August 19. In order to vote on Election Day (November 3), individuals need to register to vote by 8 PM on October 14.
According to the Research Bureau’s report, “In 2013, out of a possible 108,593 eligible candidates for City Council (i.e., registered voters), only .02% competed for office. Two district councilors ran unopposed and only four individuals ran for mayor. As a result, fewer than 1 in 10 eligible Worcester voters (and approximately 1 in 20 Worcester residents) elected the city’s mayor from among the four candidates.”
"I believe that the majority of the voters have and will continue to vote for the candidates who they feel best reflect their own thoughts, values, and issues," said Vecchio. "I do not think that ethnicity plays a major factor in who gets elected. Of course some people vote ethnically, however, I think the quality of a candidate's issues and campaign are the major determining factors in who gets elected."
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- Report: Minorities Driving Worcester’s Population Growth
- Minorities Frozen out of City Jobs in Worcester
- Only 12% of Worcester City Employees Are Minorities
- Racial and Ethnic Minorities Facing Housing Discrimination
- 29 Candidates Are Running for 10 Worcester City Council Seats
- Will Worcester’s School Committee See Overhaul this Fall?
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