City Council Candidate

The Worcester Phoenix
October 22 - 29, 1999

[Features]

Wayne A. Griffin

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 - Put forth to debate to see any trends or new treatment programs, but I have voted against it twice in the past.
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
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
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
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
6. Do you support or oppose increased funding for park maintenance and for expanding the city's tree-maintenance program?	Support - In the past as city councilor I wanted a line item FOR trees. Sale of land in Shrewsbury should be used for our urban forest.
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 - We can always do better. Everett Shaw should move to Worcester within thirty days or be let go. He has had plenty of time and plenty of excuses.
*8. What is the one* thing that the city administration could do to improve downtown development?**	Better advertising of TIF program.
9. Do you support lower tax rates for business or for homeowners?	Both - Through economic development and expansion of the base.
10. Has the city administration done its best to curb spending?	No - Expenditures for fire department and a fire truck that was too big and expensive.
11. Which of the proposed routes for an airport access road do you support?	Cambridge Street to Main Street, then Goddard Drive.
12. What more can be done to encourage young entrepreneurs to succeed in Worcester?	)Better OPCD development and outreach.
13. What is your idea of a fun night out in Worcester?	Dinner with my wife and also an IceCats game with my kids.
14. Name one of the city's cultural resources that has languished because of poor marketing or leadership.	Roger's Kennedy monument
15. Why should we vote for you?	Experience and reputation of getting the job done.