In tough fiscal times like these we can do things the same old way, or we can use this challenge as a call for reform in government. For example, I have supported the redirection of over $50M from employee health care expenses to direct City services such as education and public safety. I have also helped save the taxpayers and the City of Worcester over $1M on its energy bills.
I have been a vocal leader in the fight against the Asian Longhorned Beetle. I stood up and challenged the USDA’s clear cutting approach to eradicate the beetle which has resulted in saving thousands of non-infested trees, and positively changing the way the program is operated. In addition, I have secured funding for a huge tree replanting effort this fall, while also working as a Steering Committee member of the Worcester Tree Initiative.
I support leasing city assets such as parking garages and meters to provide funding to resurface our streets and sidewalks in need.
I helped make PILOT a reality, as we now have money from colleges going towards the library and parks every year.
I am a hardworking and active city councilor. I regularly attend neighborhood meetings and meet with residents of District 1 on a regular basis. I return all constituent phone calls and work with them to solve their issues.
Key Accomplishments on the City Council:
- Voted for the lowest residential tax rate to keep property taxes as low as possible for homeowners.
- Supported the redirection of over $50M from employee health care expenses to direct City services such as education and public safety, and reduced the pension liability by $120M.
- Saved the taxpayers and the City of Worcester over $1M on its energy bills by working with World Energy, a local company.
- Saved Shore Park from being closed, and made improvements to the facility such as tearing down the barbed wire fence surrounding it.
- Negotiated a deal for the city to buy the triangle of land containing the World War II memorial in the Indian Hill/Ararat St. neighborhood to preserve it as park land forever, and make sure it is properly maintained.
- Attends neighborhood crime watch groups regularly throughout the district.
- Voted to increase the lifeline rate for eligible elderly ratepayers to reduce their water/sewer bills.
- Voted to increase the property tax exemption for eligible elderly homeowners.
- Secured additional funding to resurface streets and sidewalks throughout the district.
- Helped launch a new office for a Fortune 100 company in Worcester which continues to create new jobs.
- Working to get a new state of the art park funded at Indian Hill.
- Worked to get lights installed at the Joe Schwartz Little League baseball field.
- Worked to make improvements to Duffy Field.
- Worked with the Worcester College Consortium to form an online internship program for area college students and businesses.
- Worked to get the tennis court done over at Morgan Park.
- Doing unprecedented work as Chair of the Traffic and Parking committee to move petitions more rapidly through the committee in order to enhance the quality of life throughout Worcester.
- Returns all constituent phone calls in a timely manner, and work with them to solve their issues. I also hold office hours for anyone interested in meeting with me.