City Council Candidate

The Worcester Phoenix
October 22 - 29, 1999

[Features]

Stephen T. Patton

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 - Needle exchange is designed to curb the spread of HIV that currently is an epidemic in our community. While treatment for this disease has greatly improved, it is still a deadly disease, for many people, at a premature age. I view this as a public health issue.
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 within reason - The city should look to the state and private investors to join us as partners in this endeavor.
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 have attended the Human Rights Commission hearings and followed their proceedings closely. I will support their recommendations and work to make sure that they have the tools to implement them.
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 on a competitive basis - I am a strong supporter of committing municipal funds to positive activities for youth beyond education. I would like to see those funds awarded on a competitive basis.
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 - Yes! I have lived and worked in other communities that successfully went out on the limb to support the arts. Worcester has a vibrant cultural life and is poised to utilize this aspect of our community. Not only do I support public funds to this endeavor; I am willing to commit personal resources of time, talent, and money to this initiative.
6. Do you support or oppose increased funding for park maintenance and for expanding the city's tree-maintenance program?	Support - Strongly! I am chair of this committee and have been a strong supporter/volunteer/contributor to both public and private efforts to move this agenda forward.
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 and striving for a 5! - The newly renovated Union Station, the newly opened and rapidly growing Information Technology Center (NESCOM), the nearly completed Medical Center and the plans for a Year 2000 opening of the Mass College of Pharmacy all bode well for downtown Worcester. The idea of an Arts District adds an exciting anchor to attract additional development.
*8. What is the one* thing that the city administration could do to improve downtown development?**	Worcester has invested in infrastructure improvements and nurturing relationships with the business community. It is now time to attract employers (jobs) and residents to the downtown through a coordinated program designed to support and highlight the recent investments the city has made. I look forward to this challenge.
9. Do you support lower tax rates for business or for homeowners?	The homeowner rate will always be lower. We will work to hold down the rate for both ratepayers; continuing evaluation increases will increase the actual payment amounts until we succeed in expanding the commercial base and increase the percentage of total assessed value in the city.
10. Has the city administration done its best to curb spending?	No - I believe we have made a very good start. While we have not decreased spending in the past year, this was the first year our budget headed in the right direction. In order to achieve real savings, we have to prioritize spending and make critical decisions about how municipal funds are allocated.
11. Which of the proposed routes for an airport access road do you support?	None of the above. I support a thoughtful and comprehensive dialogue about Worcester's transportation needs. The people of District 1 live with a myriad of Band-Aid remedies, which cry for a holistic approach.
12. What more can be done to encourage young entrepreneurs to succeed in Worcester?	Provide an environment that encourages investment and the conduit for effective communication between the source of funds and the entrepreneurs. Develop creative space use that allows for low start up with expansion opportunity.
13. What is your idea of a fun night out in Worcester?	Dinner on Highland St. or West Boylston St. A live performance at Foothills. A concert in a park. Visiting friends who live on a lake or a pond. Live music anywhere. A party to benefit a cultural, social service, educational or healthcare organization - we have a lot of favorites! A Democratic Fundraising event. Visiting the new women in Mechanics Hall!
14. Name one of the city's cultural resources that has languished because of poor marketing or leadership.	GAR Hall is a beautiful building. To provide food for thought, this would be a great home for the Worcester Women's Historical Project. As a newly emerging initiative, they are uncovering significant national history which happened here in Worcester! I will (and have been) encouraging our city government to work collaboratively with our educational, cultural, and women's institutions to celebrate and recognize the significant historical events and personalities.
15. Why should we vote for you?	The next term will require carefully thought out choices with a clear understanding of all the opportunities and an ability to make choices. This requires experience, enthusiasm, knowledge, and a long-term vision. In the past, the voters of District 1 have required this of me and I have filled the need in a quiet and effective manner. I look forward to continuing the leadership in partnership with the citizens of District 1.