City Council Candidate

The Worcester Phoenix
October 22 - 29, 1999

[Features]

Mike C. Perotto

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
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?	I would consider more funding for infrastructure improvements for the Worcester 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?	I would like to know the cost of the project before I make my decision.
6. Do you support or oppose increased funding for park maintenance and for expanding the city's tree-maintenance program?	Support
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 - The city has done a good job with the mega projects, I believe we can do a better job with attracting small business downtown.
*8. What is the one* thing that the city administration could do to improve downtown development?**	The city administration could improve downtown development by increased marketing activities promoting downtown.
9. Do you support lower tax rates for business or for homeowners?	I support lower rates for both homeowners and business owners.
10. Has the city administration done its best to curb spending?	I believe the city administration has done a good job in working with the city council to curb spending.
11. Which of the proposed routes for an airport access road do you support?	The council is in the deliberation process on this issue and I have not made my decision on the access road at this time.
12. What more can be done to encourage young entrepreneurs to succeed in Worcester?	I think the city could do a better job of educating young entrepreneurs on what the city has to offer for starting a new business in the city of Worcester. A good example, the recent announcement of the "Infoteck" project taking places downtown. The increased "banding" is producing more new business in downtown.
13. What is your idea of a fun night out in Worcester?	A concert either at Institute Park or East Park followed by dinner on Shrewsbury Street.
14. Name one of the city's cultural resources that has languished because of poor marketing or leadership.	Worcester Memorial Auditorium
15. Why should we vote for you?	I'm dependable, educated, experienced, friendly, and I love the City of Worcester.