City Council Candidate

The Worcester Phoenix
October 22 - 29, 1999

[Features]

Joseph M. Petty

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 oppose the proposed needle exchange program because the data provided was inconsistent relative to the effects of a needle exchange program in terms of its effectiveness. Further, impact on the neighborhood in which this type of program is implemented is of particular concern.
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?	Depends - This question does not lend itself to response in the abstract. Generally speaking, I support the prospect of a minor league baseball franchise in the city. However, I do not think it prudent to approach the matter with the "field of dreams" approach. The funding for a stadium and the requisite infrastructure improvements should not rest squarely on the existing City of Worcester tax base.
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 am opposed to an independent civilian review board. There is evidence that these boards either have not worked as well or no better than an internal affairs component. Further, although we strive for perfection, in comparison to other departments, the Worcester Police Department is far above the mid-line. We should be mindful to give praise when due and it is.
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?	Oppose - The Youth Center would lose its autonomy if it were dependent upon the city for its subsistence.
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 support the Arts District, however funding will have to be creative. Where prudent and possible financial accommodations should be made to assist in the development of an Arts District. We must not lose sight, however, of the fact that we are struggling to provide essential services to our residents (individual and business). For many years Worcester has sustained dwindling tax revenues.
6. Do you support or oppose increased funding for park maintenance and for expanding the city's tree-maintenance program?	Support - Since becoming a city councilor the city has increased its spending on our parks. I have also co-sponsored a tree maintenance program for the city.
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 of Worcester has developed plans, along with the city council's 5-step plan for the revitalization downtown. The chief development officer has formed a consensus with downtown business people, city administration, and elected state and local officials. It is now time to implement those items.
*8. What is the one* thing that the city administration could do to improve downtown development?**	The city needs to attract market rate housing in the downtown area.
9. Do you support lower tax rates for business or for homeowners?	BOTH
10. Has the city administration done its best to curb spending?	I believe that we are on the way. Beginning with the fiscal 2000 budget the city manager, under an order which was filed by me and passed by the council, is constrained to increase spending.
11. Which of the proposed routes for an airport access road do you support?	It is too early to make a hard and fast statement on this issue.
12. What more can be done to encourage young entrepreneurs to succeed in Worcester?	Who says that entrepreneurs need to be young. I would not discriminate against anyone. America probably has more start up businesses than anyplace in the world. The key can be keeping them. Worcester has a number of resources upon which an entrepreneur may draw, including but not limited to location, libraries and colleges. At times image is everything, I wish everyone would see Worcester the way I see Worcester.
13. What is your idea of a fun night out in Worcester?	As the parents of three children, most of our free time is geared to family oriented activities. Some of these events include the summer theater at East Park, concerts at both Institute and Elm Park. On a rare night out alone with my wife, Gayle, we enjoy dinner at one of the city's fine restaurants.
14. Name one of the city's cultural resources that has languished because of poor marketing or leadership.	Rather than naming one that has suffered, I find that I can not name one that has reached its full potential.
15. Why should we vote for you?	I care about the City of Worcester and I am ready and willing to listen to the concerns of the residents of the city with the purpose of making our home the best it can be.