City Council Candidate

The Worcester Phoenix
October 22 - 29, 1999

[Features]

Stacey DeBoise Luster

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?	Support - Yes, I support the Harm and Risk Reduction model presented to the city council. I would vote again in support of the plan. I look forward to the city council coming to the defense of public health and moving aggressively to reduce the spread of AIDS and HIV in Worcester.
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?	The Worcester tax levy can't fund any additional major capital projects. I would, however, support creative funding strategies which could possibly include relatively minimal public financing for a baseball stadium. Therefore, I am not able to support or oppose a public financing scheme with an undetermined/ unspecified [plan].
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?	Support - I support the Human Rights Commission recommendation that they receive complaints of police misconduct and provide oversight of the internal affairs process. As a preliminary measure and in combination with a realistic plan of implementation, the Human Rights Commission recommendations could provide an alternative to a "civilian review board."
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 will continue to advocate for funding for the Youth Center through grants administered through the City of Worcester OPCD.
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 would enthusiastically support funds for the Arts District through grants administered through the City of Worcester OPCD.
6. Do you support or oppose increased funding for park maintenance and for expanding the city's tree-maintenance program?	Support - I look forward to supporting the Park Commissioner's five-year forestry proposal.
7. Please rank (1 being the lowest, 5 being a high ranking) the city administration's efforts thus far to revitalize downtown. Please explain.	Worcester's downtown needs people in order to be vibrant with thriving businesses on Main Street. The Worcester lunch rush is not enough to feed a business. Worcester needs to expand its 2^nd and 3^rd shift manufacturer opportunities in the downtown. I am proud to have played a leadership role in formulating a vision for downtown, which would bring retailers, restaurants and entertainment onto the Common in good weather and for ice-skating on the Common in the winter.
*8. What is the one* thing that the city administration could do to improve downtown development?**	I am not convinced that any one initiative, in and of itself, could improve downtown development. I am optimistic that implementing the "Vision for downtown" and promoting 2^nd and 3^rd shift manufacturing jobs in the area will improve overall downtown development.
9. Do you support lower tax rates for business or for homeowners?	I support lower tax rates for all Worcester taxpayers, while maintaining high quality city services. I also support measures to reduce the disparity between the commercial and industrial tax rate in Worcester and the rates of surrounding towns. This disparity has deterred growth and threatens to erode the city's essential commercial and industrial tax base.
10. Has the city administration done its best to curb spending?	There is still room for the city administration to improve fiscal restraint. However, the administration has been fairly responsive to demands to curb spending. I successfully led an effort to reduce the capital equipment.
11. Which of the proposed routes for an airport access road do you support?	I am awaiting the information being gathered from the public hearings of the airport summit prior to finalizing my position.
12. What more can be done to encourage young entrepreneurs to succeed in Worcester?	Success breeds success. I would love to help create networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs and professionals in Worcester. I would encourage the Worcester Chamber of Commerce to support a young entrepreneurs section. Similarly to the young lawyer's section of Bar Associations, a young entrepreneur section of the chamber could spur business alliances.
13. What is your idea of a fun night out in Worcester?	A fun night out in Worcester would involve an Italian dining experience on Shrewsbury Street. I love to select from one of the several fabulous establishments for dinner and then choose yet another Italian café for coffee and dessert. For a really fun night in Worcester, I would also need a time machine so I could burn off more calories dancing at Cahoots at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
14. Name one of the city's cultural resources that has languished because of poor marketing or leadership.	I prefer to keep it positive.
15. Why should we vote for you?	Vote for Stacey DeBoise Luster because I am honest, fair, compassionate, smart and I have the courage to fight for Worcester.