WORCESTER—District 2 City Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson says her motivation for seeking another term comes down to unfinished business—keeping Worcester affordable, improving infrastructure and maintaining the strong neighborhood focus she’s built her tenure around.
“We still have so much to do—fixing our roads, making Worcester more affordable, and strengthening public safety,” Mero-Carlson told The Worcester Guardian. “Worcester has changed dramatically since I was first elected, and District 2 is at a point where the type of leadership representing you on the Council truly matters.”
Mero-Carlson, who grew up in Worcester and has lived in District 2 for more than five decades, was first elected in 2015 after a long career with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Since retiring, she’s served full-time on the council, where she’s been known for her focus on neighborhood improvements, parks and pedestrian safety.
Cleaning up Indian Lake, she said, stands out as one of her proudest accomplishments. “The lake was in rough shape, overgrown with weeds and in need of attention, and I fought side by side with neighbors to get it cleaned up,” she said. “It’s a true example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together.”
Her list of other achievements includes implementing a college tax proposal, creating a senior work-off program that allowed 20 residents to save money on their property taxes, and fighting to block a billboard developer from building near residential areas. She also points to pedestrian safety improvements along corridors such as Belmont Street, Shrewsbury Street, Lake Avenue and Lincoln Street as part of her ongoing push for safer streets.
As chair of the council’s Public Service and Transportation Committee, Mero-Carlson has also been involved in maintaining a fare-free WRTA system, supporting inclusionary zoning for affordable and accessible housing, and helping secure funding for parks and playgrounds throughout the district.
When it comes to Worcester’s rapid development — especially around Shrewsbury Street and the Canal District — Mero-Carlson said her approach is about balancing growth with preservation. She cited her involvement in negotiations around the housing project at The Row on Shrewsbury Street, which impacted Mount Carmel Apartments, Leo’s Ristorante, and the Joe DiMaggio Little League field.
“I fought to make sure Mount Carmel residents weren’t displaced, Leo’s kept its parking, and the Little League got a brand-new field at East Park,” she said. “That’s how you balance growth with protecting what makes our neighborhoods special.”
Looking ahead, Mero-Carlson said her top priorities are “fighting for our neighborhoods, securing additional funding to fix our roads, implementing a master plan to ensure our colleges pay their fair share of taxes, and investing in public safety resources.”
She also emphasized accessibility as a key part of her leadership style. “I’m out in the community every day — at neighborhood meetings, local events, or simply talking to residents where they live,” she said. “People know they can reach me directly — and that I’ll follow up.”
Asked how she’s grown as a councilor over her time in office, Mero-Carlson said, “I’ve learned that results come from listening first and then acting. The best ideas often come from the people living the issues every day.”
In the wake of recent immigration enforcement activity in Worcester, she said clear communication and compassion are essential. “People need to know what’s happening and that their city is looking out for them,” she said. “We can’t have people afraid to call for help or engage with city services. I support the city manager and police chief’s plan implemented following the incident, but there’s always room to improve communication and transparency.”
For Mero-Carlson, her campaign is rooted in her lifelong ties to the city. “I come from a working-class Worcester family and have spent my life fighting for working people,” she said. “My focus has always been on standing up for our neighborhoods and the families who make this city work.”
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.
