WORCESTER—The New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) and its Local 911 chapter have announced their endorsements for Worcester’s 2025 municipal election, backing incumbent Mayor Joe Petty and several city council candidates.
According to NEPBA officials, the endorsements follow an evaluation process that considered candidates’ records on public safety and their engagement with the law enforcement community.
“We assess each candidate’s demonstrated commitment to public safety and their record of supporting the law enforcement community,” said David Ginisi, NEPBA director of external relations. “This includes reviewing their policy positions, legislative history, public statements, and direct engagement with our members.”
Petty said he appreciated the endorsement, noting his past support for community policing and department funding. “I have supported community policing and the bicycle program in the past,” he said. “Policing works best when members of the Police Department know the people in our neighborhoods. I am grateful to NEPBA for their endorsement. I have worked hard to increase public safety in Worcester.”
For the city council races, NEPBA endorsed at-large candidates Kate Toomey, Donna Colorio, Moe Bergman, Gary Rosen and Satya Mitra. District endorsements include Tony Economou for District 1, Candy Mero-Carlson for District 2, Robert Pezzella for District 3, and Jose Rivera for District 5.
Toomey said she was “grateful and honored” to receive the endorsement, adding that she has supported law enforcement and public safety initiatives during her tenure.
“Public safety is a high priority issue,” said Councilor-at-Large Moe Bergman. “The endorsement is a message that I have focused on the right issues and I’m supporting the right organizations that promote safety in the city of Worcester.”
Tom Duffy, president of NEPBA Local 911, said the union’s endorsements reflect its priorities on public safety and its view of local leadership. He expressed concerns about what he described as “anti-police sentiment” in city politics.
“We need leadership that supports public safety,” said Duffy. “For too long, the narrative in this city that defines the relationship between the police and our residents has been hijacked by anti-police activists. These folks, sadly, prioritize their own agenda and political ambitions over a collaboration between police and residents.”
Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, who was mentioned in Duffy’s comments, responded by pointing to her ongoing engagement with police and neighborhood groups. “Worcester has been a very safe city,” she said, “and I give credit for that to the work of the many men and women who serve as police officers and to the collaborative relationships that our police department has been building with our community. Worcester is a stronger and safer city because of these relationships.”
Ginisi said the union places emphasis on candidates who “understand the complexities of modern policing” and “actively support measures that enhance community safety.”
As the Nov. 4 municipal election approaches, NEPBA officials said they hope to encourage voter participation. “Public safety is a shared responsibility, and strong leadership at the local level plays a critical role in building safer communities,” Ginisi said. “We urge residents to learn about the candidates, participate in early voting, and make their voices heard on Election Day.”
Matt Olszewski is a freelance content and news writer based in Boston, MA. In his free time, Matt enjoys running, hiking or skiing. Matt recently graduated with his MPH from Tufts University. He can be reached at mattoskier@gmail.com
