City Council Candidate

The Worcester Phoenix
October 22 - 29, 1999

[Features]

Paul P. Clancy Jr.

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 - I oppose any effort to site this program in the residential neighborhoods of the city.
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 - The Commonwealth of Mass. should support the financing of infrastructure improvements as this is being done for Patriot's Stadium.
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 - The Human Rights Commission should be handling any and all complaints of citizens who have human rights issues with the agencies of city government.
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?	Oppose - The Youth Center has received ample support from private funding sources.
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 - I support the efforts to establish an Arts District on Main Street.
6. Do you support or oppose increased funding for park maintenance and for expanding the city's tree-maintenance program?	Support - Many city parks have not deteriorated but have been rehabilitated through CDBG funding. Get out and take a look! I enthusiastically support expanding the city's tree maintenance program.
7. Please rank (1 being the lowest, 5 being a high ranking) the city administration's efforts thus far to revitalize downtown. Please explain.	4 - More attention needs to be paid to eliminating the signage and poor storefronts along Main St.
*8. What is the one* thing that the city administration could do to improve downtown development?**	The development of a signage/awning design program is needed that would assist businesses with creating inviting signage and storefronts.
9. Do you support lower tax rates for business or for homeowners?	I support the lowest residential tax rate.
10. Has the city administration done its best to curb spending?	Yes - The city administration did a very credible job during the most recent budget session to hold the rate of spending at the same ratio tax levy as the previous year.
11. Which of the proposed routes for an airport access road do you support?	None. Current roadways need to be examined to determine how they might handle increased traffic counts.
12. What more can be done to encourage young entrepreneurs to succeed in Worcester?	Market the City!
13. What is your idea of a fun night out in Worcester?	A movie, show, Centrum event, cultural event, etc. and dinner - Shrewsbury Street and Park Ave. are good starting points.
14. Name one of the city's cultural resources that has languished because of poor marketing or leadership.	The city is rich in cultural resources. These enriching items are alive and well in the city.
15. Why should we vote for you?	I work very hard to prepare for council meetings, to respond to constituent calls and concerns, and to develop programs that enhance the quality of life in my district and city.