10 Questions with District 1 City Council Candidate Cindy Nguyen
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
GoLocalWorcester caught up with Nguyen earlier this week and had 10 questions for the city council candidate.
GLW: What is the single most important issue that you would like to address immediately if elected for City Council and why?
CN: There are a lot of major issues I would love to address; however, I think we need to think back to the fundamentals: one being, effective communication. I am aware that the several major issues this summer has been about safety in our schools and neighborhoods; however, one of my biggest concerns is in regard to how our municipal government communicates with its constituents. I see things like this: the issues we care about are interconnected. Safety concerns do not derive from a singular pathway nor does education, or our local economy. You can view them as individual actors, each having a specific role contributing towards the city’s greater end: a thriving community. With every issue being interconnected, there needs to be a strong structure in place as a unifier, and I believe clear and effective communication can create just that.
To put it more concretely, looking at the Worcester Police Department, we can see an initiative within Worcester engaging this issue. When the WPD released their “mobile app” for smart phones, it revealed that there is a need for effective, transparent and interactive communication. All over America, cities are taking tremendous steps in attempts to interact with their residents. The “mobile app” not only shows us that Worcester residents want a different outlet for communication as technologies advances, but it reveals that crime and safety is a matter concerning everyone. I think this is a fantastic initiative that can be improved upon.
Communication encompasses several key factors that translate to real-time issues. One, it correlates to how we get our community to be civically engaged. Two, communication allows a strong outlet for real accountability to our public officials. Three, you cannot resolve long-term problems unless you address structural flaws.
Several initiatives we can take to continue our effort on improving communication within our city include: how we train our staff down at city hall. Those folks are working their hardest, but they need additional resources from our city leaders. Another initiative would be to help residents resolve neighborhood issues step by step. This can be done by improving the city website or providing workshops; we can provide residents with the means to address their immediate concerns.
I know this sounds simple, but after knocking on over a thousand doors this was what stood out to me the most. I truly believe that we have neglected to address this concern because it is a task that is fundamentally complex, but surely important.
GLW: What challenges do you foresee running against incumbent Tony Economou?
CN: Tony has name recognition in the district by the simple fact that he has been in office for two terms now. For any campaign, name recognition is key—people want to know who you are and why you are running. That has been the center of my focus, as I dedicate majority of my time going door to door to meet residents. For me, it is crucial to continue building a strong relationship with my community and to hear individual’s concerns and perspectives; while communicating my stance and values to them.
GLW: What’s one message that you would like to convey to District 1 voters?
CN: Growing up in Worcester and seeing the many imperfections that are presented to me only have made me find ways to see the positive aspect of it all. I am proud to have been raised here, and I am proud to have attended Worcester public schools all my life, and I am proud to have made the decision to stay here for college. The only disheartening thing for me is when people feel like the city had let them down, or that there is a disconnect between the community and the local government. Hence, I want my voters to know that I am running because I care and I am not afraid of taking risks. I want to bring a new and fresh dialogue to our District and our city. There are so many potentials to be realize, but it takes the right leadership, energy, optimism, and collaboration amongst us all.
GLW: If you were a member of the City Council right now, how would you like to see Worcester's crime issue addressed?
CN: I think a strong working relationship between the city, the people, and the police department is crucial. We should allocate more time and effort to the crime watch meetings that exist, and in addition, I would like to see the city provides an avenue where different neighborhoods throughout the city can interact and come together. It is important that we see the correlation between isolated crime incidents with each other in helping us look at the bigger picture in hand. Moreover, we should think about investing or re-strategizing on how we create the environment around us, which consists of: how we take care of our parks, streets, schools, and etc; and how we treat our police officers and our families.
GLW: Safety in Worcester Public Schools has been a key issue of candidates for both city council and school committee. What changes, if any, would you like to see to improve the safety in Worcester's schools?
CN: For starters, I think the council needs to reevaluate its relationship with the school committee board. I think better collaboration would open doors to new understandings, ideas, and initiatives. In the short term, I would like to push further about the question of requiring metal detectors at schools, along with clear communications with the students and families what that entails. With that being said, police presence at schools is great, and perhaps we can invest in finding a way to have the students foster better relationship with the WPD. Lastly, there are many programs throughout the cities aim to provide additional resources to the public schools. If we find ways to work with different organizations and programs effectively, it not only build stronger relationships, but could potentially provides our public schools an opportunity to develop a better educational environment.
GLW: How did you spend your Summer?
CN: This is my first time running for office, so there was a lot to learn—some fallbacks and some amazing leaps. Each day I would try to canvass, even if it was for two hours; while the rest of the time consists of strategizing with my wonderful group of volunteers, and spending time with those I love. I think what not often said is that the most important thing in your life is making time for those who are important to you no matter how hectic things get on the campaign trail.
GLW: Where are some of your favorite places to go in Worcester? Any restaurants that you frequent?
CN: I was so excited back in October when a few of the local organizations work together to reopen Bancroft Tower for public viewing. I remembered learning about that when I was at Chandler Elementary School, and feeling inspired by the history of the tower—the good and bad. How history plays a role in our identities and what mold the city in such a way that reflects who we are, is truly amazing. In addition, I love to visit some of our many community gardens. I did a research project during my time at Holy Cross on community gardens and its impact on urban cities. Not only do I believe its benefits, but also the beauty that comes along with it, which is fostering relationships and what it means and symbolize to each individuals.
As for restaurants, I am a huge foodie. I used to frequent Evo Dining quite a bit. Nowadays, my boyfriend and I love grabbing a huge brunch at Miss Worcester Diner before we head out to canvass. We also are sushi fiends, so Baba and Kenichi are another frequent.
GLW: What issues does District 1 face?
CN: Since the Asian Longhorned Beetle issue occurred in 2008, it is still an ongoing problem to many of the neighborhoods of District 1, especially upper Burncoat area. Other issues I noticed are the value of homes. Since, District 1 consist of majority of single-family homes, many residents are concern with the high rate of vacancies and the maintenance of the surrounding area. Lastly, many residents of the district have mentioned about the businesses on West Boylston St, asking about the long-term plan and development.
GLW: What things are the people of District 1 most proud of?
CN: The residents of District 1 should take great pride for their focus on organizing consistent crime watch meetings. In addition, voter turnout—year after year, we have one of the highest voters turnout. I hope to see it continue to increase in District 1 and all over Worcester.
GLW: Will the Deflategate controversy end any time soon?
CN: Let’s hope so, Patriots fans deserve it!
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