Petty Tells Supporters “This Is Your Victory”
Wednesday, November 04, 2015
“Today the voters rejected the politics of fear and division, ” Petty said in his victory speech. “They chose instead to embrace the idea that the City’s best days are ahead, and that we are all stronger when we work together.”
Petty said that the City has moved in the right direction during his time in office, and pledged to ensure that the progress continues.
“We may not be a perfect city, but we are a great city, and I am proud that by working together, Worcester is on the right track,” Petty said. “Buildings are rising in our downtown, homeownership is rising in our neighborhoods, job creation is up throughout the city, our schools are being rebuilt, and graduation rates are up. At the same time, crime is down and so is unemployment.”
Another Term for Petty
Petty secured another term in the Mayor’s Office, receiving 9,973 of the votes cast. Gaffney received 7,853 votes and William Coleman received 1,333.
After the results were in, Petty told his supporters this was “not my victory, but your victory and the City of Worcester’s victory.” He also took aim at those who criticized him and his supporters during the campaign.
“To those naysayers who think our diversity is something we should fear, come meet the amazing diverse people in our community who make this a great city,” he said. “Worcester is changing and so must you.”
Petty told GoLocal that he was proud of how he and his team worked on the campaign trail.
“I’m feeling good,” Petty said. “We worked very hard over the last few months. It was a good victory. There was a lot of money spent and a lot of work put in by a lot of people. I’m very grateful to my team and to the people of Worcester.”
Petty said that he believed his record in office set him apart from Gaffney, and that he plans to continue working to better the city of Worcester.
“I think what really set us apart were the leadership and accomplishments we showed during the last four or five years,” Petty said. “I want to continue the initiatives we’ve already begun working on, particularly in the areas of public safety and economic development.”
Supporters Celebrate
Petty’s supporters gathered at El Basha, a local restaurant, to celebrate Petty’s victory.
“We did it! We did it! We did it,” supporters exclaimed in celebration after Petty’s victory was announced.
Eric Goldstein was on hand at Petty’s victory celebration and told GoLocal he was glad that the City of Worcester made the “right choice” in re-electing the incumbent Petty.
“I’ve supported Joe for a number of years. I think he’s done a great job and the city is going in the right direction. He has experience and has his finger on the pulse of what’s going on in Worcester. I expect him to continue to do good things,” Goldstein said. “I hope to see him continue to develop downtown in his next term, and fight to unite and bring the whole city together.”
Mary O’Connell told GoLocal she has voted for Petty in any election he has run in during his political career.
“I believe in him,” O’Connell said. “He’s a good man. He’s an honest man. I believe in him because he has done a good job and I know he has the best interest of the city at heart. He’s going to lead us into the future well.”
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