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EDUCATION
As someone who has gone through higher education and served as a substitute teacher in Worcester Public Schools, I’ve seen both the promise in our students and the gaps holding them back. Addressing Worcester’s declining education standards requires bold, community-driven steps:
- Invest in Teachers – Support recruitment and retention by offering competitive pay, mentoring, and professional development. Great schools start with strong, supported educators.
- Modernize Learning – Expand access to STEM, arts, and vocational programs so every student—not just a few—can see a pathway to success, whether it’s college or a career.
- Smaller Class Sizes & Resources – Advocate for reducing overcrowding and making sure classrooms are equipped with modern tools, technology, and materials.
- Wraparound Support – Strengthen partnerships for mental health, tutoring, and after-school programs, recognizing that students can’t learn if their basic needs aren’t met.
- Parent & Community Engagement – Bring families into the conversation, especially immigrant and underrepresented communities, so schools reflect the voices of the people they serve.
Worcester deserves schools where every child can thrive, and that starts with treating education not as an expense, but as an investment in our city’s future.
SAFER STREETS
- Public safety is one of the most basic responsibilities of city leadership. But I believe true safety comes from more than just policing—it comes from trust, prevention, and strong communities.
- As mayor, I’ll work to strengthen community policing so officers know the neighborhoods they serve and residents feel comfortable turning to them. I’ll also invest in prevention—programs for our youth, mentorship, and job opportunities that give people alternatives to violence.
- At the same time, we have to address the root causes that make our streets unsafe. That means tackling homelessness, expanding mental health and addiction services, and making sure no one falls through the cracks.
- And let’s not forget the basics: better street lighting, fixing sidewalks, and traffic calming in our neighborhoods all make people feel safer.
- My vision is a Worcester where families feel secure walking to the park, young people feel they have a future, and law enforcement is a partner with the community. Safety isn’t about fear—it’s about trust, opportunity, and belonging.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND NEIGHBORHOOD ACQUAINTANCE PROGRAMS
- I believe public safety works best when law enforcement and residents know and trust each other. That’s why I’ll focus on strengthening community policing—making sure officers are assigned to neighborhoods long enough to build real relationships with the people they serve. When neighbors know the officers by name, it builds trust and makes crime prevention more effective.
- I’ll also expand neighborhood acquaintance programs—things like community meetings, youth mentorship partnerships, and resident-led safety walks. These initiatives create opportunities for residents and officers to work together, not against each other.
- At the same time, I’ll ensure our police department is equipped with training in de-escalation, cultural competency, and mental health response, so encounters are safe, fair, and respectful.
The bottom line is: Worcester deserves both safety and trust. My plan is to make law enforcement a true partner to the community, not just a presence in it.
SMALL-SCALE BUSINESSES
As a small-scale businessman myself, I know firsthand the challenges Worcester’s entrepreneurs face—rising rents, limited access to capital, and red tape that slows down growth. My plan is to make Worcester a city where small businesses can thrive, not just survive.
- Access to Capital – Partner with local banks and credit unions to expand microloan and grant programs so small businesses, especially minority- and immigrant-owned ones, have the funding they need to start and grow.
- Cutting Red Tape – Streamline licensing and permitting so opening or expanding a business in Worcester doesn’t take months of delays and frustration.
- Fair Commercial Rents – Explore incentives for landlords who support small businesses with fair leases, and promote city programs that help businesses find affordable spaces.
- Buy Local Worcester – Launch a campaign encouraging residents and city departments to spend locally, keeping dollars circulating within our neighborhoods.
- Training & Mentorship – Create workshops and mentorship networks connecting small business owners with experienced professionals to build skills in marketing, finance, and digital tools.
- Neighborhood Business Hubs – Invest in developing vibrant commercial corridors outside of downtown, so every neighborhood has thriving local shops and services.
Worcester’s small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy and our communities. Supporting them means more jobs, stronger neighborhoods, and a city that grows from the ground up—not just from the top down.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
As a father of three teenagers, I know that Worcester’s young people need more than just classrooms—they need opportunities, guidance, and hope. My plan for youth empowerment focuses on three key areas:
- Opportunities for Growth – Expand after-school programs, internships, and summer jobs so our youth gain real-world experience and stay engaged in positive activities.
- Safe Spaces & Mentorship – Invest in community centers, sports, arts, and mentorship programs that give young people places to belong and role models to look up to.
- Youth Voice in Leadership – Create a Worcester Youth Advisory Council that gives teens a direct seat at the table with city leadership, so policies reflect their needs and ideas.
When we invest in our young people, we’re not just keeping them safe and engaged today—we’re preparing the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to take Worcester forward.
MUSIC AND THE ARTS
Worcester’s young people have incredible talent, but too often they lack the resources and platforms to develop it. Music and the arts aren’t just hobbies—they’re tools for empowerment, healing, and even career opportunities. My plan would focus on:
- Expand Arts & Music Programs – Strengthen school and after-school programs so students have regular access to instruments, studios, and creative spaces.
- Youth Arts Grants – Provide small grants and scholarships to young artists and musicians to help them record, perform, or showcase their work.
- Community Arts Hubs – Partner with local organizations to create spaces where youth can explore music, visual arts, and performance in safe, supportive environments.
- Mentorship & Career Pathways – Connect youth with local artists, musicians, and cultural organizations for mentorship, internships, and exposure to creative career options.
- Citywide Youth Showcases – Host annual festivals and showcases where Worcester’s young talent can perform, exhibit, and gain recognition.
By investing in youth creativity, we’re not just nurturing future artists—we’re building pride, confidence, and a stronger cultural identity for Worcester.
CULTURAL PRESERVATION
Worcester’s cultural identity is one of its greatest strengths—shaped by generations of immigrants, artists, faith communities, and grassroots traditions. Preserving it means making sure the city grows without losing its soul. Here’s how I would approach it:
- Support Local Arts & Culture – Increase funding and visibility for local artists, festivals, and cultural events that showcase Worcester’s diversity.
- Protect Cultural Spaces – Work to preserve historic sites, community gathering places, and ethnic business corridors that give our neighborhoods character.
- Celebrate Diversity – Partner with cultural organizations to create citywide events that honor Worcester’s immigrant heritage and multicultural communities.
- Youth Engagement in Culture – Expand programs in schools and community centers that connect young people to music, dance, art, and storytelling from Worcester’s many traditions.
- Economic Support for Cultural Businesses – Provide grants, training, and promotion for small businesses tied to food, art, and culture so they remain cornerstones of our city’s identity.
For me, preserving Worcester’s cultural identity isn’t just about memory—it’s about making sure every community sees itself in the city’s future.
DECONGESTION
Traffic congestion around Kelley Square and the I-290 ramps is one of Worcester’s most pressing headaches. To fix it, I’d focus on smart, practical solutions instead of quick patches:
- Smarter Traffic Flow – Work with MassDOT to upgrade traffic light timing and ramp signals so cars move more smoothly during peak hours.
- Public Transit Options – Expand WRTA routes and frequency in that corridor, so more commuters can choose reliable transit instead of adding to the bottleneck.
- Pedestrian & Bike Safety – Kelley Square is a major crossing area; improving crosswalks, bike lanes, and signage will reduce accidents and keep traffic moving.
- Better Road Design – Push for long-term redesigns that improve on the “peanut” layout, including clearer lane markings and dedicated turn lanes.
- Neighborhood Input – Any solution has to include local businesses and residents, since they deal with the congestion every day.
My goal is to make Kelley Square and the I-290 ramp not just less congested, but safer and friendlier for drivers, walkers, and businesses alike.
WORCESTER’S AGING POPULATION
Worcester’s aging population is one of our greatest assets—our seniors built this city, and they deserve to age with dignity, safety, and opportunity. My plan would focus on care, connection, and community:
- Affordable Housing & Aging in Place – Expand senior housing options and support home modification programs so older residents can stay safely in their homes and neighborhoods.
- Accessible Healthcare & Transportation – Strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers and expand WRTA senior transit services so no elder is cut off from medical care or social activities.
- Combat Isolation – Invest in senior centers, intergenerational programs, and neighborhood outreach to ensure our elders remain socially connected and active.
- Financial Security & Resources – Provide guidance on accessing state and federal benefits, and expand local assistance with utilities, food security, and prescription costs.
- Respect & Inclusion – Create advisory councils of older residents so their voices help shape city policies, not just about seniors but about Worcester’s future.
Our seniors should never feel like an afterthought—they should feel like the backbone of the community they helped build. Worcester must honor them not only with words, but with action.
IMMIGRATION CHALLENGES
Immigration is central to Worcester’s story—our city has always grown stronger because of the people who chose to make it home. But I also know many immigrant families face real challenges: housing, language barriers, jobs, and navigating city services. My approach would be to make Worcester a welcoming city where immigrants can thrive, not just survive:
- Access to Services – Expand translation and interpretation in schools, city offices, and healthcare so language is never a barrier.
- Housing & Jobs – Prioritize affordable housing development and workforce training programs that connect immigrants with stable jobs and career pathways.
- Small Business Support – Create targeted grants, mentorship, and training for immigrant entrepreneurs, since many open the small businesses that keep our neighborhoods alive.
- Civic Engagement – Build programs to help new Americans understand their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to participate in civic life.
- Partnerships – Work with local nonprofits, faith groups, and community organizations that already support immigrant communities, so resources reach families quickly and effectively.
Immigrants are not a challenge to overcome—they’re part of Worcester’s strength. If we support them, we’re investing in the city’s future.
IMMIGRATION RAIDS
I would protect residents’ civil rights, limit local law-enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement except when required by law, and build city services so immigrant families know their rights and can get legal help quickly.
Here’s a clear, campaign-ready plan I’d pursue as mayor — practical, lawful, and focused on trust and accountability:
1 — Enforce and strengthen the city’s existing local immigration protocol
Require Worcester departments and the Worcester Police Department to follow the City’s published Local Immigration Response Policy and Executive Order (no enforcement solely for immigration status; warrant requirements for any federal actions on city property). I’d make adherence a citywide requirement with regular audits and public reporting.
2 — Ensure police act only within the law (warrants & constitutional protections)
Insist WPD only assist ICE when there is a valid warrant or a clear legal obligation — not on civil detainers or requests that go beyond Massachusetts and constitutional limits. I will work with the police chief to train officers on what they may and may not do, and require bodycam/transparency when federal agents operate in the city. (State guidance affirms local law enforcement cannot be compelled to carry out routine federal civil immigration enforcement.)
3 — Rapid legal & community support for impacted families
Create and fund a city-run “Immigrant Legal & Rights Hotline” and rapid-response legal partnership (nonprofits, legal aid) so residents visited by ICE know their rights, obtain counsel quickly, and can document incidents. I’ll prioritize multilingual outreach so people can access help without fear.
4 — Accountability & independent review after any federal operation
If ICE or federal partners conduct an operation inside Worcester, require a public, independent after-action review: timeline of events, whether warrants were presented, what role local officers played, and recommendations to prevent unlawful or harmful practices. Recent raids and enforcement surges have raised community anxiety — we owe transparency.
5 — Proactive prevention: community trust & services
Strengthen immigrant-focused city services (translation/interpretation in schools and city offices, know-your-rights education, worker-protection outreach) so immigrants are less vulnerable and more able to participate in civic life without fear. Partner with community organizations already trusted by residents.
6 — Coordinate with state leadership and AG’s office
Work closely with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office and state officials to ensure Worcester’s practices align with state guidance and legal protections, and to advocate for policies that protect due process and public safety.
What I won’t do
I will not direct city employees to obstruct lawful federal action or encourage illegal resistance. My plan balances protecting residents’ constitutional rights and public safety while ensuring the city does not become an arm of federal civil-immigration enforcement.
MAKING WORCESTER GREEN
Worcester has the chance to be a statewide leader in green energy—but only if we act boldly now. My plan is about saving residents money, cutting emissions, and building a sustainable local economy:
- Clean Energy Transition – Expand solar on schools, municipal buildings, and parking lots to lower city energy costs and push us toward carbon neutrality.
- Support for Residents & Businesses – Launch incentives and partnerships to help homeowners, landlords, and small businesses access solar, heat pumps, and energy efficiency upgrades—especially in low-income neighborhoods.
- Green Jobs Pipeline – Partner with Worcester’s colleges, trade schools, and unions to train young people and displaced workers for careers in renewable energy, retrofitting, and sustainable construction.
- Electric Transit & Vehicles – Advocate for more electric buses for WRTA and increase EV charging stations across the city, making cleaner transportation accessible and convenient.
- Climate Resilience – Invest in green infrastructure like tree planting, rain gardens, and better stormwater systems to protect neighborhoods from flooding and extreme heat.
For me, green energy isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s an economic opportunity and a justice issue. Worcester families should save on utility bills, our kids should breathe cleaner air, and our city should be ready for the future.