City Council Candidate

The Worcester Phoenix
October 22 - 29, 1999

[Features]

Stephen G. Abraham

Questions	Answers
1. Last year, the city council rejected a comprehensive needle-exchange program that was to be based in clinics and tied to rehabilitation. Should this proposal be put forth again, would you support or oppose?	Oppose - Although the proposal sounds good in theory, we need an overall program that works in practice and does not perpetuate the problem.
2. A minor league baseball league has been proposed for Worcester and a special task force is currently considering different sites within the city to construct a stadium. Would you support or oppose public financing for infrastructure improvements?	Support - Before public funds are committed, private investment and an agreed upon arrangement between the private and public sector is necessary. If done right, I believe this could be a great asset to the city's development.
3. In the past year, the internal-affairs process within the Worcester Police Department has been scrutinized both by the press and by certain members of the council. A number of city groups called for an independent civilian review board to be formed. Do you support or oppose such a board?	Oppose - I do not believe this is necessary at this time. The Human Rights Commission does not believe it is necessary.
4. The Worcester Youth Center provides services and programs for Worcester's most troubled youth. Currently, the city has only provided a small one-time grant to the center. Do you support or oppose increased city funding for the Youth Center?	Support - I believe that the city should support programs that benefit our youth.
5. This year, Mayor Raymond Mariano and Arts Worcester proposed the development of an Arts District on Main Street from Federal Square to Hammond Street. The project will likely require public money for infrastructure improvements and development costs. Do you support or oppose city funding for this project?	Support - The benefits far outweigh the negatives especially since the cost of it is relatively inexpensive.
6. Do you support or oppose increased funding for park maintenance and for expanding the city's tree-maintenance program?	Support - I believe that increased funding for park maintenance, park expansion, preserving open space and expanding the tree maintenance program should be one of the city's priorities.
7. Please rank (1 being the lowest, 5 being a high ranking) the city administration's efforts thus far to revitalize downtown. Please explain.	3 - I am sure the effort is there, but the results have not come to fruition. I believe we need to work harder, bring business and housing to downtown Worcester and bring the courthouse to Main Street.
*8. What is the one* thing that the city administration could do to improve downtown development?**	I believe we need to connect the ongoing projects in downtown so that they become interdependent. Better planning is necessary, and taking advantage of the new courthouse location is significant.
9. Do you support lower tax rates for business or for homeowners?	I believe we do need to decrease the disparity between residential and business rates, make it affordable for homeowners and attractive for businesses.
10. Has the city administration done its best to curb spending?	No - We need to prioritize our spending better without minimizing essential services and hurting our infrastructure.
11. Which of the proposed routes for an airport access road do you support?	I am opposed to any access road that destroys neighborhoods, especially since there is no evidence that it would improve the airport. We need a viable and vibrant airport. We can use a shuttle service from Union Station. The plan proposed by ROAR makes sense.
12. What more can be done to encourage young entrepreneurs to succeed in Worcester?	We need to make start-ups easier, make the permit process easier, give tax incentives to new businesses, and provide educational workshops for start-up businesses.
13. What is your idea of a fun night out in Worcester?	I enjoy going to my children's' games. I enjoy going out to dinner with my wife, friends and children.
14. Name one of the city's cultural resources that has languished because of poor marketing or leadership.	I do not think there is one in particular. I believe, however, that Worcester can and should do more to market our city and our cultural resources.
15. Why should we vote for you?	I believe that I would be a strong, reasonable and effective voice for the people of District 5. I believe that District 5 deserves an independent yet reasonable voice on the city council that will be open-minded but principled in his beliefs.