Worcester’s Temple Emmanuel Had Huge Voter Turnout This Morning

Tuesday, November 04, 2014

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

Worcester's Election Commission has it's hands full today, but beyond being swamped with phone calls regarding voter turnout, there have been no issues at any poll locations thus far. The Temple Emmanuel at the intersection of May and Chandler Street has had the largest turnout this far in the city. There are three precincts just at the one location causing huge foot traffic at the polls.

At the Temple, home of Ward 9, precincts 1 through 3, candidates for all races are well-represented and the poll location should only get busier. Steve Quist said, "When I went to do my voting, the place was busy. This morning, I didn't have to wait long for my precinct, but precinct 3 the wait was five people deep. When you get closer to 3 or 4 o'clock, it's going to be standing room only. It's the highest percentage of people voting in the city."

At Auburn High School, supporters of Democratic candidates Martha Coakley, Maura Healey and Stephen Abraham were out pushing for their candidates.

At the Worcester Senior Center there was a great turnout. "Lots of traffic," said Leslie Girardi of Worcester. "There has been a great turnout, especially early on. We hope there is going to be more people coming through here on their way home from work."

Other polling locations are not so busy. Worcester resident Tom Lubelczyk said "Lincoln Village was busier than normal, but there were really no lines to speak of. During Presidential elections the line can be long. It's sad really."

Related Slideshow: Top Challenges Currently Facing Worcester

Prev Next

Economic Development

Paul Giorgio, Publisher of Pagio, Inc. and a GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER™

“One of the largest challenges is economic development and making sure that we are continuing to bring in new businesses. We also need to integrate neighborhoods into the larger city plan to make sure that no small businesses are being left behind.”

Prev Next

Transportation

Tim McGourthy, Executive Director, Worcester Regional Research Bureau

“We need to expand our public transportation options as well as out commuter rail service. Additionally, we need to bring more flights into our airport.”

Prev Next

Public Safety

Kate Toomey, Worcester City Councilor

“One challenge that our city is facing is working on public safety. We need to ensure that we stay on top of the drug and heroin addiction problems.”

Prev Next

Prioritizing Education

John Monfredo, Worcester School Committee member and a GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER™

“The new city manager will have to understand what is happening with education. The city has maintained a minimum budget of education; will the city look to better fund education?”

Prev Next

Community Involvement

Sarai Rivera, Worcester City Councilor

"Getting to know the different departments, neighrborhoods, and communities will be important for the next city manager. It's a lot to take in; it's a lot of learning and doing as you learn."

Prev Next

City Accountability

Bill McCarthy, Worcester Representative, Massachusetts Republican Party

"The city manager needs to hold all city employees accountable. We want to make sure that money is being spent wisely and that departments are being run smoothly."

Prev Next

City Infrastructure

Tim McGourthy, Executive Director, Worcester Regional Research Bureau

"Improving the city's infrastructure is just one of the many ways that Worcester can continue to drive our economic growth."

Prev Next

Lowering the Tax Rate

Michael Gaffney, Worcester City Councilor

“We really have to work on our business tax rate. Many malls and businesses are on the outskirts of Worcester because other cities’ tax rates are half of what Worcester’s are.”

Prev Next

Retaining Local Talent

Paul Giorgio, Publisher of Pagio, Inc. and a GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER™

“I think that one of the challenges that Worcester must work on for a better future is the retention of college students, which all goes back to economic development of the city.”

Prev Next

Bring Taxable Business to Worcester

Bill McCarthy, Worcester Representative, Massachusetts Republican Party

“The city manager should work to bring more taxable businesses to Worcester, since there are so many hospitals and schools in Worcester that aren’t taxed. The city manager should also work to reward local businesses that have been in Worcester for a long time.”