City Council Candidate

The Worcester Phoenix
October 22 - 29, 1999

[Features]

Timothy P. Murray

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 would oppose this proposal being put forth again. I believe it would be beneficial for all of the interested parties to work on the many areas where there is agreement to address the issues of drug addiction and transmission of HIV and AIDS.
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 - I would support making infrastructure improvements provided the city was able to afford such a commitment and a true private/public partnership existed between the city and any baseball ownership entity.
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 believe the recent report by the Human Rights Commission and its recommendations which provides for the commission to monitor the police complaint process and statistics resulting from said complaints is sufficient.
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 would support continued funding of the Youth Center.
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 have always felt that the Main, Madison and Federal Square area was the proper location of the proposed Arts District and I would support infrastructure improvements and possible loan guarantees to support this initiative.
6. Do you support or oppose increased funding for park maintenance and for expanding the city's tree-maintenance program?	Support - The council and administration have increased funding for our parks department and I would support additional funding to the parks department for a tree planting and 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.	3 - We have made strides with the location of colleges to our downtown, the Medical Center, new library, etc. However, we need to do more with our local delegation to ensure Worcester gets full MBTA service ASAP. We also need to aggressively recruit business to our downtown area and make sure Union Station is a success.
*8. What is the one* thing that the city administration could do to improve downtown development?**	Upgrade the Common and City Hall surroundings.
9. Do you support lower tax rates for business or for homeowners?	Business - I supported a lower rate for business this past year as I believe the expansion of business is the key to reducing taxes overall.
10. Has the city administration done its best to curb spending?	No - I believe the administration has made progress but can do better by using technology and job redesign to pare down staffing levels.
11. Which of the proposed routes for an airport access road do you support?	I believe Cambridge Street from Brosnihan Square to Webster Square could be greatly improved. Mass Highway should also explore improvements and upgrades to other existing routes as well.
12. What more can be done to encourage young entrepreneurs to succeed in Worcester?	Create more of a business friendly and "can do" environment both in and out of government.
13. What is your idea of a fun night out in Worcester?	Dinner with friends and family at one of Worcester's many fine restaurants.
14. Name one of the city's cultural resources that has languished because of poor marketing or leadership.	I believe our parks languished for many years but this has begun to dramatically change under the leadership of Parks Commissioner Michael O'Brien and the Parks Commission.
15. Why should we vote for you?	I have been a strong independent voice on the council who has worked constructively with a number of my colleagues to resolve problems, whether it be the city manager's contract or the reorganization of the economic development office, to name a few. I believe this leadership has resulted in a more focused and efficient city government.