5 Things Donald Trump Should Visit in Worcester

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

GoLocalWorcester News Team

Make no mistake about it, Donald Trump's visit to Worcester is historic.

With Trump dominating the GOP Presidential polls and the Iowa Caucus less than 75 days away, the chances of Trump being the GOP nominee are better than anyone else’s right now.

However, like any VIP visit to Worcester, it is a chance for the uniqueness and quirkiness of the City to shine, politics aside. According to Presidential historians, the following Presidents visited Worcester while they were in office - Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Howard Taft, Harry S. Truman, Lyndon Johnson,, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

SLIDES: What Trump Should See in Worcester BELOW

Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush both came to Worcester as Vice Presidents. Interestingly, there is no indication that John F. Kennedy came to Worcester while he was President.

The number of Presidential candidates who have come to Worcester to stump is unknown. Dozens of candidates have given speeches at rallies. Adlai Stevenson gave a somewhat noted speech in October of 1952 in Worcester in his failed effort to unseat Dwight David Eisenhowser.

The visit by Trump is sure to give some significant national attention to Worcester when he visits.

The following are five things that would be good for Worcester and good for Trump - if he took the time to visit.

Related Slideshow: 5 Things Donald Trump Should Visit in Worcester

Here are five experiences Donald Trump should have while visiting Worcester during his campaign visit.

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#5

Diners…Diners…and more Diners

To understand the fabric of Worcester you need to eat in Worcester’s diners. Maybe Trump should start at Shaker's Cafe for pancakes, then hit lunch at the Boulevard Diner for meat loaf and finish at Miss Worcester Diner for some meatballs -- get there before closing time at 2 pm.

At each, Trump would get to meet the people of Central Massachusetts - people far more representative of America than having a fundraiser at the Four Seasons in Boston.

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#4

Kelley Square

If there was ever a poster child for how America’s transportation infrastructure is falling behind the rest of the developing world — it would be the chaotic, convoluted transportation disaster affectionately known as Kelley Square.

Trump could gain a clear understanding of the need to rebuild and rethink our nation’s infrastructure after a harrowing ride around the Square.

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#3

Innovation

Between WPI, Clark, Becker and the other colleges and universities in Worcester, there is some serious innovation going on in hard science, bio tech, gaming, and engineering.

The Presidential aspirant would be well served to spend an hour or two with Laurie Leshin, a self-described space nerd and President of WPI. If Trump is looking for ideas on how to transform the American economy, his time would be well-served with the ex-NASA scientist who has an asteroid named after her.

Clark’s Dr. Robert Goddard may have launched the first rocket on Auburn Hill, but Leshin and her innovators may get us to Mars.

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#2

Worcester Schools

The GOP candidate who was recently assigned Secret Service protection should visit the Worcester Schools — if the Secret Service will allow it.

The school system is wracked with safety concerns and an inability to implement a comprehensive school safety program may be a great place for the Presidential-wanna-be to learn about the challenges of America’s inner city schools (again -- if the secret service will allow it).

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#1

Firefighters Memorial

Trump would be well advised to learn of the sacrifice of the Worcester 6 — the public safety officers who responded to a five-alarm fire at the Worcester Cold Storage & Warehouse Co. and gave their lives. As much as his supporters enjoy his non-canned speeches and can do attitude, his detrimental comments about Senator John McCain’s service raises questions about Trumps' understanding of public service and sacrifice:

Firefighter

Paul A. Brotherton

Firefighter

Timothy P. Jackson

Firefighter

Jeremiah M. Lucey

Firefighter

James F. Lyons

Firefighter

Joseph T. McGuirk

Lieutenant

Thomas E. Spencer