Election 2015: Who Won - and Who Lost - in Worcester
Wednesday, November 04, 2015
See Complete Worcester Results HERE
Petty garnered 9,973 votes to challenger Michael Gaffney’s 7,853 (as of 9:18 PM), according to the city’s website.
"Although turnout was up, the results were pretty much the same as the last two cycles. There is a residual anti-Democratic vote in Worcester,” said Clark University political professor Robert Boatright. “Gaffney captured that vote, but although he tried out a number of issues that he might use against Petty, none of them seem to have resonated.”
Boatright elaborated on Gaffney’s approach.
“I thought his attacks were a little harsher and more personal than I've seen in other recent elections, but I doubt that being nicer would have helped much,” said Boatright.
Down Ticket
“Council races were unsurprising; incumbents won. The school committee races were a bit of a surprise; Donna Colorio clearly outperformed expectations. School committee races usually also favor incumbents, and often fundraising has little to do with success. This year was an exception,” continued Boatright. “It's possible that had to do with articular issues regarding the schools, but in a low turnout race such as this you can never be certain of that."
Local activist Steve Quist used the election results to continue to bring attention to the “strong mayor movement.”
'Here's the thing -- everyone's excited with Gaffney and Petty -- they're saying the turnout might be better. 20, maybe 28 percent and people are supposed to be thrilled? Just imagine if people had a direct say in the leadership of the city imagine that. If there was real accountability, there would be more marbles on the table," said Quist.
"In the Hoover days, there might have been an appetite for it, maybe under Franny McGrath. But I just don't know if there's traction for the [strong mayor movement] right now," continued Quest. "Under Augustus, he's been going a great job. If he can count on 6-7 votes, they can work to move the city forward."
Everything You Need to Know About the Worcester Election - 2015
Here is the guide to getting to the polls and where to vote.
Take a look at the history of Worcester Mayors and where they go after the office.
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