WORCESTER—Gary Rosen says he didn’t plan to run for office again. But the tone and direction of the current Worcester City Council pushed him back into the race.
“When I decided not to seek re-election to the Worcester City Council four years ago, I did not envision that the next council would soon become the city’s most divided and least respected council in memory,” Rosen told The Worcester Guardian. “While past city councilors often had healthy disagreements about local issues… no previous councils had as many members who just don’t understand what their role is.”
Rosen, a retired high school chemistry teacher and longtime local elected official, has previously served on the school committee, as a District 5 councilor, and as an at-large councilor. His political career spans decades, and his platform this year brings back some familiar themes: constituent service, quality of life issues, and pragmatic city governance.
Rosen didn’t mince words about the current council environment, particularly the impact of public meetings that have ended in disruptions or walkouts. “A lack of courage and determination is never a good look for a city councilor,” he said. “All councilors need to realize that their role is public service, not self-service.”
If elected, Rosen says his priorities include increasing both home ownership and rental opportunities by making Worcester “the city that builds,” reviewing and updating the city’s Home Rule Charter, cracking down on traffic violations, improving conditions for seniors, and overhauling public transportation. He’s also calling for a review of discretionary city spending with the goal of reducing property taxes.
Asked to identify the city’s most urgent need, Rosen pointed to housing. “Over the next decade, to meet its increasing population, Worcester will need thousands more residential units, both affordable and market rate,” he said. “Unless we greatly increase both… individuals and families will be left out in the cold, literally and figuratively.”
A longtime champion of constituent service, Rosen emphasized his approach to engaging with the public: “Once again, I’ll be ‘everybody’s city councilor.’” He said he plans to attend neighborhood meetings in all five council districts and collaborate with district councilors to address residents’ concerns.
Rosen also highlighted a lesser-known chapter of his service — his controversial comments on the WRTA while on the council. “I said, ‘The WRTA is possibly obsolete.’” That moment, he said, sparked backlash but eventually led to his appointment to the WRTA board, where he rose to chair and supported the now-nation-leading fare-free bus system. “By working cooperatively… I am proud that the WRTA is now the longest-running fare-free regional transit system in the United States.”
On the topic of ICE activity and the city’s role in immigration enforcement, Rosen took a nuanced stance. “As a Worcester city councilor, I won’t show up and interfere when federal, state or local authorities are on scene to possibly make an arrest,” he said. But he added, “I would expect that the officials and officers of the WPD, if called to the scene, would refrain from assisting ICE in detaining or arresting any Worcester residents.”
As for long-term immigration reform, he called for a more functional national approach. “This country needs to establish a clear, fair and workable process for people to come here legally. The USA exists because of immigrants.”
Rosen has deep roots in Worcester, attending public schools and earning degrees from WPI and Worcester State University. “I taught chemistry at the original Doherty Memorial High School, Wachusett Regional and West Boylston Highs,” he said. He’s also hosted local radio and television shows, volunteered at the Worcester Senior Center, and serves on the Board of Health. “I also am the master of ceremonies for the summer concerts of the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra at Institute Park.”
Now older, Rosen addressed the question of age directly. “Hopefully, my common sense, experience and wisdom are strong positives that will contribute greatly in making the next Worcester City Council work for all the people of our fine city.”
Rosen is one of 14 certified candidates for the citywide At-Large race. The general election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 4.
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.
