WORCESTER—Edson Montero didn’t come to Worcester looking for a political career. He came looking for a home. And once he found it—after a journey that began in a small rural town on the Dominican Republic–Haiti border—he rooted himself deeply in the fabric of the city.
Now, Montero is running for an at-Large seat on the Worcester City Council, his second campaign after a 2023 bid for District 5. This time, his vision is bigger—but so is the urgency behind it.
“Our current council does not truly reflect the people of Worcester,” Montero told the Worcester Guardian. “…a community facing serious challenges, and in need of strong, authentic representation.”
His story is anything but ordinary: Born in Hondo Valle to two schoolteachers, Montero moved with his family to San Juan de la Maguana in search of better opportunities. In college, he studied journalism and threw himself into student leadership. Before moving to the U.S. in 2006, he worked for a marketing firm, helped bring renewable energy to off-grid communities, and even started a newspaper for his hometown.
Once in Massachusetts, he studied English, met and married his wife, Holly (a Sutton native), and put down roots in Worcester in 2009. They’re now raising four daughters—every one of them enrolled in or graduated from Worcester Public Schools.
Montero’s professional life in the city has been defined by service. He has worked for more than a decade at Community Healthlink, managing food services at the inpatient facility on Jaques Avenue and the Family Health Center on Queen Street. But his focus is far broader than meal planning. He works directly with people facing homelessness, addiction, mental illness, and the daunting task of reintegrating into society.
“This hands-on experience with Worcester’s most vulnerable populations has shaped my strong commitment to dignity, inclusion, and human-centered policy,” he said.
Montero believes Worcester is at a crossroads—a growing city grappling with big questions about housing, equity, and who gets to thrive in its so-called “renaissance.” He’s not afraid to say that the biggest challenge facing the city is division.
The biggest challenge is the division within the city—there are two very different visions for what Worcester should look like and become. We need to find common ground where both sides feel heard, represented, and see meaningful progress toward the changes we want for the city.
His concrete fix? Show up. Consistently.
“One concrete step I would take is to regularly attend and promote neighborhood meetings in the different neighborhoods across the city,” he continued. “These meetings bring residents together to listen, share concerns, and collaborate on solutions. These forums ensure that all voices are part of the conversation and help build trust and understanding across Worcester’s diverse communities. Then take these conversations to the council floor and let them be heard and acted on through policy creation.”
Montero’s platform reflects a holistic approach to public service. He wants to invest in affordable housing, after-school programs, and youth opportunities. He talks passionately about public safety—but insists that safety can’t be achieved without trust. He said he supports a public safety model that’s “transparent, accountable, and rooted in equity,” with more attention on mental health services and crisis response.
And he hasn’t forgotten where he started: working-class jobs, speaking three languages, and learning firsthand the value of financial literacy, mentorship, and accessible city resources.
Montero’s day job may not come with a nameplate, but it’s where he’s already built a constituency—mentoring younger workers, guiding them through tax season, and pushing them to pursue bigger goals.
“I’ve worked closely with families, youth, and local organizations to address real challenges—from education and housing to cultural inclusion and public safety,” Montero said. “I understand how policies affect people’s everyday lives because I’ve lived it and worked alongside those most impacted.”
If elected, Montero plans to keep that same energy. He’ll stay visible in the community, stay active on social media, and—most importantly—stay accessible.
“My goal is not just to inform, but to involve the community in decision-making—because effective leadership begins with listening,” he continued. “I’m committed to being a bridge between the people and City Hall.”
Immigrant rights and public communication are also at the top of his mind. Worcester’s recent handling of federal immigration enforcement drew criticism from some corners, and Montero says it’s time for more transparency—especially in multiple languages—and thoughtful, compassionate policy.
“It’s important that Worcester continues to be a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and heard, regardless of their background or immigration status,” he said.
As for what voters might not know? Despite being soft-spoken and private, Montero has spent years doing the difficult, often invisible work of community care. And he believes that background makes him ready—not just to win votes, but to build lasting change.
“I believe politics has a direct and lasting impact on both our present and future,” he said, “and I’m committed to being a positive force for change.”
This article is part of the Worcester Guardian’s 2025 election coverage. As part of our ongoing series, we are publishing individual candidate profiles and stories related to key issues facing the city ahead of the Nov. 4 municipal election. We have reached out—or are in the process of reaching out—to every candidate running for Worcester City Council and School Committee. If you are a certified candidate and would like to ensure you are included, please contact us at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
