“Council issues going forward include: exploring the elimination of the trash bag fee; turning the TIF policy into an ordinance with job training and an apprenticeship program; continuing work on housing issues to create more units and advocate for higher thresholds for state and federal housing assistance programs so more residents can get help.”
WORCESTER – As the Worcester municipal election day gets closer, the Worcester Guardian reached out to candidates in contested races. Asking each a set of questions, the Guardian will publish these responses as voting day (Nov. 7) approaches.
Incumbent George Russell is running for District 3 city councilor as a democrat.
Russell, husband, dad to an adult daughter and home owner, is a Grafton Hill small business person, owner of George Russell Realty for more than 30 years, and a state-approved real estate instructor. He is also former chairman of the Worcester Planning Board, past president of Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association, and former Democratic State Committee member. Russell is also chief sponsor on the city council of the Clean City 311 smartphone app, the outside dining ordinance, TIF policy, and the Home Rule Law assisting elderly property owners on private streets.
The following are Russell’s responses to the Guardian’s questionnaire:
What inspired you to run (again), and what makes you the right person for the job?
The satisfaction in cutting red tape for businesses and residents though constituent service work as the district councilor. Love of the city and ability to make a difference in residents’ quality of life.
There is much unfinished work in the upcoming term to be completed: pushing over the finish line major capital improvements in district schools and parks including a window replacement request at East Middle and finishing the park upgrades at Blithewood, Mulcahy and Vernon Parks.
Council issues going forward include: exploring the elimination of the trash bag fee; turning the TIF policy into an ordinance with job training and an apprenticeship program; continuing work on housing issues to create more units and advocate for higher thresholds for state and federal housing assistance programs so more residents can get help.
What are, or should be, the city council’s top priorities?
Public safety, jobs, government efficiency and good management, reasonable taxes and water sewer rates.
What’s the most negative impression of Worcester (whether real or imagined), and how do you think this can be remedied?
Worcester has made great strides in recent years. We have a great reputation in the region. As a city councilor over the past five years, I take great pride in playing a role in that changed attitude in Worcester and toward Worcester. Your question is asking to look for a negative–that, in itself, says Worcester is on the right track if we have to search for a negative. There will always be something wrong, and more that can be done on many different issues. We should roll up our sleeves and get to work together as a community by communicating and with the presence of a strong team.
Do you think the city is responding appropriately to immigration to Worcester? Is the city meeting the needs of the influx of refugees?
Judging by the national news, I would expect this to be more challenging going forward. The city manager’s team will stay on it and address as needed. I will support those efforts and do anything I can to assist and welcome any new residents.
Now that we’re several seasons in, what are your thoughts on the city’s investment in Polar Park? Good or bad for the city?
Great for the city! However, the city manager needs to provide more direction to the Ballpark Commission and make sure they meet more and provide regular financial reports as promised so it continues to be paid for by generating revenue near and in the park itself.
What’s the best place for breakfast or lunch in the city?
Roadrunner on Hamilton Street, Pepe’s on Shrewsbury Street or El Basha for lunch. Helen’s Bakery on Greenwood Street or Cranberries on Massasoit Road has great breakfast.
What’s the last concert you attended?
I’m not a real big music fan. Pre-Covid, I saw the Ghanaian star Shatta Wale at the Hanover Theater.
Comments? Tips? News? Contact Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
