Worcester PowerPlayer: Jennithan Cortes

Thursday, April 09, 2015

GoLocalProv News Team

Each week, GoLocalWorcester shines the spotlight on one individual who is making an impact on the community. This week, we sat down with Jennithan Cortes, candidate for Worcester City Council, District 2.

You seem to really embody the “American Dream.” You are a first generation American, born and raised in Worcester, and worked hard to support yourself through school to reach your current position. Can you tell us a bit about your experiences and how they have led you to where you are now?

I am fortunate to have had and continue to have a very strong foundation of family and friends who have inspired, motivated and supported me throughout my entire life. In addition, the experience of growing up in a diverse city like Worcester and more specifically, in District 2, is where I learned about working hard, a sense of community, civic engagement, and those are some of the life long lessons that have proven to be key factors in the successes that I have enjoyed both professionally and personally.

You have been actively involved in various community organizations, both politically and recreationally. What drove you to become so involved in the community? What has been your proudest moment?

I’ve always been a people person and as such never hesitate to get involved in activities or events where I feel I can offer my time and efforts to help support a worthwhile cause. Taking a lead role has always come naturally to me and I believe that stems from my life-long involvement in competitive team sports and that, coupled with a strong work ethic has taught me to take initiative, foster teamwork and stay focused on the task at hand.

Having been involved with coaching youth sports for over 15-years, I would have to say that my proudest accomplishment are the long-term relationships I’ve established with my players and the positive role I served as a role model, mentor and friend.

Just this month, you officially picked up your nomination papers for the 2015 Municipal Elections to represent District 2 in City Council. What vision do you have for your district? For Worcester?

My vision is to work with all of the residents of every neighborhood throughout District 2 in an inclusive manner. To utilize my diversified background and bring a new perspective, a passionate voice to help build strong relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships so that we can move forward with effective and sustainable neighborhood revitalization programs, enhance public safety, increase economic and business development, strengthen our education system, and keep District 2, which we proudly call home, the heart of Worcester…
What are the biggest challenges you see facing the district this year?

In such a large, diverse and robust area, the residents of District 2 have seen a lot of changes over the course of the last decade which have impacted us on a daily basis and I want to ensure that the vision for moving our district forward stays in-line with maintaining the quality of life that our families, friends and neighbors seek. We must support progress but we also need to preserve the core services that the residents of District 2 deserve which include challenges such as; maintaining a safe city, first-rate streets and sidewalks, clean neighborhoods and parks just to name a few.

What are the obstacles to running in a municipal election in Worcester?

Since I was a candidate for District 2 City Council in 2013 and as a byproduct of that firsthand experience in running a strong campaign built upon integrity and a sincere commitment to D2, I feel very comfortable with the time, effort and hard work that is required to being successful in 2015. However, as I am not a professional politician nor am I immersed with any special interest groups, the biggest obstacles I will face are finances and “volunteer” labor as compared to other candidates so we will focus on this truly being a hands-on grassroots campaign.

Do you have a hero?

Actually I have several and am very fortunate that many great people have made a positive impact in my life at one point or another but at the top of the list are both my mother and my father who have led by example and continue to do so to this day. They are truly representative of “living the American dream”.

What are your favorite restaurants in Worcester?

I am lucky enough to live in District 2 where we have such a variety of wonderful restaurants to enjoy and ALL of them are absolutely fantastic. So my favorite restaurants in Worcester are located in District 2.

Last book read. How was it?

The last book I read was American Sniper. It was referred to me a while ago by a good friend and former Marine and as expected, it was extremely powerful and emotional, very moving. I highly recommend it.

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Worcester PowerPlayer: Jennithan Cortes

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