Battle for A Worcester Strong Mayor Heating Up, Advocates Say

Thursday, August 07, 2014

Nicholas Handy, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

As the city of Worcester continues to take steps toward selecting a new city manager, local activists have been pushing for a public discussion, in hopes that it could lead to the city shifting to a strong mayor format of government.

The Worcester Community Labor Coalition recently approached the City Council, asking for public discussions in the fall to weigh in on the city’s government, something many activists and members of the public seem supportive of.

“I think that Worcester is being held back by not having a strong mayor,” said Paul Giorgio, a longtime Democratic Party activist in Worcester. “I think that a strong mayor could get a lot more done in this city and be taken more seriously on Beacon Hill. With the search for a new city manager still underway, the stars are aligned to have this discussion.”

Additionally, the Worcester Community Labor Coalition has been working on publishing a survey in regards to how people feel about the current government system in Worcester. According to the study, 39-percent of those surveyed agreed that Worcester should move to a strong mayor, while 43-percent said that the city should stick with a city manager.

Time for a Change

Because the city is looking for a new city manager, many activists in support of a strong mayor say that now is the perfect time to look at adopting the new form of government for the city, one that doesn’t allow for finger pointing by holding one person accountable.

The movement has certainly picked up a lot of steam as of late and activists are saying that support has never been higher for the public wanting a city manager. During recent hearing asking the public what qualities they were looking for in a new city manager, many pointed to qualities that would be required of and that describe a strong mayor position.

Would a strong mayor have more influence on Beacon Hill?

“This city is long overdue for a strong mayor, someone that can have the votes of the city behind them and be held directly accountable,” said Steve Quist, a local activist who goes simply by the letter “Q.” “We are the second largest city in Massachusetts; a lot of the other large cities in New England have a strong mayor. We need to makes some changes if we want to be known as more than the broom closet of New England; I think a change in our government structure can accomplish that.”

Blown Out of Proportion

While there are advocates throughout the city who say that the time is right and that a strong mayor is needed in Worcester, there are still those who are opposed to the issue.

Current City Councilor and former Worcester Mayor Konstantina Lukes is one of those currently opposed to bringing a strong mayor to Worcester. While she does admit that the discussion is timely, Lukes believes that the growing attention to the matter is one orchestrated by a few advocates and fueled by media outlets trying to make it through a slow summer.

“I don’t think that this is a real issue to tell you the truth,” said Lukes. “There is a debate going on, but it has been carried on more through public relations than anywhere else. It’s not on the streets or in the board rooms; I think a lot of people are trying to force the issue.”

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.”