NEW: Rep. Binienda of Worcester Will Not Seek Re-Election

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

GoLocalWorcester Politics Team

Rep. John Binienda (Dist. 17, Worcester) has served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 1986.

Representative John J. Binienda (D-Worcester) has announced that he will not seek another term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives after 28 years in office. The longtime Worcester Democrat will leave the House when his latest two-year term concludes at the end of the year.

“I’d run for 10 more terms if I could, but I need to put my health first and the time commitment that being a legislator demands will make that more difficult,” said Binienda, who made his decision not to run for another term due to complications with diabetes. “It’s been quite a ride. I am proud of my record and I know I’ve made a difference in many people’s lives. That is what public service is all about. You can’t ask for much more than that.”

Giving Thanks

“From the bottom of my heart, I just want to say thank you to every single resident of Leicester, Rochdale, Cherry Valley, Ward 7, and precincts 2, 3, and 4 of Ward 8 of the City of Worcester. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers,” said Binienda. “I absolutely love serving in the legislature. The 17thWorcester District is in my blood; I know the people, the business owners, every sidewalk and street sign, and families going back generations. I am a proud son of Worcester and it has been an absolute privilege to represent the people of this district in Boston. I am forever-grateful for their support over the past 28 years.

Public Service

Elected in 1986 after teaching in the Leicester public schools for 18 years, Binienda has been an advocate for education, veteran affairs, and the elderly throughout his legislative tenure.

During his time in office, Binienda helped to secure $11.5 million for early education providers and programs in the FY 14 budget; worked to pass the “Merit Bill,” which expanded tax breaks for veterans; pushed to enact laws that would increase protection for police officers while on the job; and has helped secure funding for local Councils on Aging, senior pharmacy programs, and passing senior circuit tax break legislation.

Related Slideshow: 9 Challenges Facing Worcester’s New City Manager

Now the Edward Augustus is serving as City Manager for Worcester, GoLocal reached out to the city's leaders to find out what they believe are the biggest challenges Augustus will face in his new role.

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Keep Forward Momentum

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

“Priority One: Keep up the momentum.

Two: Work with the mayor on creating a task force for the north end of Main Street.

Three: Insure that we keep our school renovation plan on track.”

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Economic Development

Councilor Anthony Economou:

“Economic development is huge. We have a lot going on, and we have to keep the momentum up,” Economou said. “Make sure we don't miss a beat. You don't want to lose a period of nine months and not have forward progress.”

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Financial Management

Roberta Schaefer, former president of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau:

Schaefer said continuing the sound financial management of former City Manager Michael O'Brien was the greatest task for Augustus. But in addition to financial questions, she called for Augustus to “follow the lead of Michael O'Brien, to make sure he represents all the interests of the city, as the CEO of the city.

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Business Climate

Tim Murray, president and chief executive officer of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce:

In addition to budgeting and economic development, Murray pointed to fostering the business climate in the city. “Try to make Worcester as business-friendly a place as possible,” he said. Whether through permitting, customer service, or other incentive, “whatever we can do to make the city a supportive (place for business).”

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Budget Concerns

Christopher Pinto, member of the Worcester Republican City Committee:

“Can he really do pension reform? Can he spare the taxpayers from more abusive taxes?” asked Pinto, who wonders what Augustus will do about the Responsible Employer Ordinance and how the new city manager will make appointments to boards and commissions.

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Capital Improvements

Councilor Frederick Rushton:

Rushton said the number one challenge Augustus will face is following through toward new buildings and/or renovations to area high schools in need of capital improvements.

"Second," he said, “is completing CitySquare.”

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Public Safety

Councilor Sarai Rivera:

Rivera points to economic development, neighborhood development, and continuing to support public safety and public service, as well as “working with private and labor to support the (Responsible Employer Ordinance) and look into an apprentice program.”

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Neighborhood Development

Councilor George Russell:

“It's not necessarily 'A, B, and C,' it's more what you want to see overall,” Russell said. “For me, it's more neighborhood orientation.”

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Collective Bargaining

Councilor Anthony Economou:

Economou also cited the upcoming task of collective bargaining with union city workers. “One of the challenges will be the contracts,” Economou said. “I imagine it's on his radar, to get those discussions going.”