Mary Keefe Makes Her Case for Reelection in Worcester’s 15th District

Keefe Talks Education Funding, Housing and Wages

“And I challenge anybody to say that they’ve called my office and not gotten a response.”

Editors Note – Radio Worcester interviews candidates from across the political spectrum to help voters hear directly from those seeking public office.

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic- Radio Worcester/Photo Submitted

Questions, Concerns, Opinions?

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WORCESTER, MA- State Representative Mary Keefe (D) discusses her 12-year tenure representing the 15th Worcester District and why she is running for reelection.

Asked about her time in the legislature, she points to major accomplishments including the Student Opportunity Act, which brought $100 million to Worcester over seven years, and criminal justice reform that reduced the Massachusetts’ prison population.

Worcester’s Transformation and Housing Challenges

Keefe addresses Worcester’s transformation, particularly downtown development and housing challenges, advocating for fair wages and neighborhood-level housing improvements.

She discusses the school-to-prison pipeline, the 30% rule for property renovation incentives, “The 30% rule is based on a threshold. So, if you had a three-decker and you’re going to put new porches on and you’re going to renovate one of the apartments to make it come up to what it should be, if you reach 30% of your assessed value of your property, all these other codes kick in that really become a detriment to you moving forward.

Massachusetts’ Minimum Wage

And minimum wage increases, “Even in our fight for the $15 minimum wage, which I was a big part of, it was exciting. That’s not a livable wage when you look at affordability right now. $15 an hour isn’t where it’s at. And even at the time we were talking about really livable wage would be more like 22.”

also she says, “I think that’s going to be some work that will happen in the upcoming session. I know folks, Raise Up Massachusetts is talking about it again. Is it time to revisit the minimum wage?

Constituent Services and Campaign Criticism

Responding to campaign criticism about visibility, Keefe emphasizes constituent service responsiveness and the importance of legislative experience.

“And I challenge anybody to say that they’ve called my office and not gotten a response. One of the first things and foremost things that we do is respond to our constituents and their needs and to be able to help them cut through red tape that government kind of presents along the way.”

The Legislative Audit Controversy

She addressed the controversy over the audit, “Well, it’s a complicated issue, right? And I think what we’ve learned through this process is more about our own constitution and our three branches of government, what their roles are, and that one really can’t supersede the other.”

Ron Waddell Says Worcester’s 15th District Needs More Visible Representation and New Leadership

Affordability Remains His Top Priority

“There was a young man in my office just the other day, 21 years old, and he’s got a high school diploma, yet can’t read or write. We’ve got only 28% of Worcester kids in third grade reading at the third grade reading level.”

Editors Note – Radio Worcester interviews candidates from across the political spectrum to help voters hear directly from those seeking public office.

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic- Radio Worcester/Photo Submitted

Questions, Concerns, Opinions?

TEXT US! >> 774-364-8255

WORCESTER, Mass. — Democratic candidate Ron Waddell says voters in Massachusetts’ 15th Worcester District deserve a state representative who is more visible in the community and more consistently present at the State House.

Appearing on Radio Worcester, Waddell outlined his campaign priorities while explaining why he decided to challenge incumbent State Representative Mary Keefe in the Democratic primary.

Waddell argued that constituents have not received enough direct engagement from their current representative.

“The incumbent has missed almost 20% of the votes. And so you’re not in the district, you’re out of office, and because of that, you’re out of touch.”

Throughout the conversation, Waddell discussed affordability, housing, education, homelessness, transportation, workforce development, and public safety as some of the district’s most pressing concerns.

Affordability Remains His Top Priority

Waddell said making Massachusetts more affordable requires addressing several issues simultaneously rather than focusing on a single solution.

His priorities include:

• Increasing housing development
• Supporting fair wages
• Improving transportation options
• Expanding access to affordable childcare

He argued that reducing financial pressure on working families requires coordinated action across multiple policy areas.

Public Safety Requires Both Enforcement and Prevention

On crime and public safety, Waddell rejected the idea that communities must choose between policing and prevention programs.

Instead, he advocated for a balanced strategy that supports law enforcement while investing in community violence intervention efforts designed to prevent crime before it occurs.

He said successful public safety policies require collaboration among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and neighborhood leaders.

Homelessness Requires a Comprehensive Response

Waddell described homelessness as one of Worcester’s most complex challenges.

Rather than focusing exclusively on housing, he said long-term solutions must also address:

• Behavioral health
• Workforce development
• Public safety
• Affordable housing
• Cross-sector collaboration

According to Waddell, lasting progress will require multiple organizations working together instead of isolated efforts.

Education Funding and Literacy Need Long-Term Solutions

Education was another major focus of the conversation.

Waddell argued that Massachusetts must move beyond temporary funding fixes and pursue structural reforms to ensure schools receive adequate long-term support.

He expressed particular concern about literacy rates among Worcester students.

“There was a young man in my office just the other day, 21 years old, and he’s got a high school diploma, yet can’t read or write. We’ve got only 28% of Worcester kids in third grade reading at the third grade reading level.”

He said improving literacy outcomes should be a central priority for state policymakers.

A New Generation of Leadership

Waddell described himself as someone who can bridge generations while bringing fresh perspectives to Beacon Hill.

He said effective leadership also means preparing future leaders.

“There’s no success without a successor… It’s time to pass the baton on to the next generation. There’s new ideas. There’s new things that we need to think about.”

He believes Worcester faces increasingly complex challenges that require innovative approaches and a willingness to rethink traditional solutions.

Looking Ahead to the Democratic Primary

As the campaign continues, Waddell says he intends to focus on meeting voters throughout the district and discussing issues affecting everyday residents, including affordability, education, housing, transportation, and public safety.

The interview offered listeners an opportunity to hear directly from the candidate about both his policy priorities and the reasons he believes the 15th Worcester District is ready for new representation.

Why Seth Moulton Says Massachusetts Needs a New Senator

Moulton Calls for Democratic Change in Challenge to Ed Markey

“There comes a time to pass the torch to the next generation. And when things just aren’t working, well, there’s never been a better time than now.”

By-Hank Stolz
Photo – Submitted

WORCESTER, MA-Congressman Seth Moulton joined Hank Stolz on Radio Worcester to discuss his campaign for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, where he is challenging incumbent Senator Ed Markey in the September 1 primary.

Moulton framed his campaign around generational leadership, arguing that the Democratic Party needs a new approach to address economic concerns and compete more effectively against Republicans.

“There comes a time to pass the torch to the next generation. And when things just aren’t working, well, there’s never been a better time than now.”

He said voters cannot afford to wait another six years for changes in leadership.

A Different Vision for East-West Rail

Transportation emerged as one of Moulton’s signature policy differences with Senator Markey.

Moulton advocated for high-speed rail connecting Springfield and Boston, arguing that existing proposals rely on outdated infrastructure.

“Senator Markey’s plan for East-West Rail is based on a century-old model with trains that will actually run slower than they did in the 1950s.”

He said Massachusetts should pursue modern high-speed rail that would better connect western and eastern parts of the Commonwealth while strengthening the state’s economy.

Haitian Temporary Protected Status

Moulton also discussed the uncertainty surrounding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants, an issue with significant implications for Worcester’s Haitian community.

He highlighted legislation he has introduced, the TPS Relief Act, which would require the Supreme Court to rule on TPS-related disputes instead of allowing administrative decisions to remain in effect without judicial review.

“My bill would say, no, it is the court’s decision. You have to make a call. You can’t just let Trump get away with this.”

Democratic Party Leadership

Moulton argued that Democrats need a new strategy in Washington and criticized what he described as an ineffective political playbook under Senate Democratic leadership.

He said one of his first actions if elected would be to oppose Senator Chuck Schumer for Senate Democratic leader.

“The very first vote I’ll take when I get to the United States Senate is not for Schumer. I’m going to vote against him.”

While acknowledging his experience in Congress and as a Marine Corps veteran, Moulton said he views himself as an outsider to the Democratic establishment, offering voters an experienced alternative focused on reform.

Massachusetts Democrats will choose their nominee in the September 1 primary.

Mike Minogue Outlines His Vision for Massachusetts Governor: Accountability, Affordability, and Public Safety

Republican Candidate Mike Minogue Promotes “AAOK” Plan for Massachusetts

“I will be Massachusetts, Mike. I will only do what’s in the best interest of our citizens, our entrepreneurs, and our businesses.”
— Mike Minogue

By-Hank Stolz

Graphic – Radio Worcester

Worcester, MA- Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue joined Radio Worcester to discuss his campaign for governor, recent endorsements, and what he believes are the most pressing challenges facing Massachusetts.

Speaking with Radio Worcester host Hank Stolz, Minogue said his campaign is focused on addressing affordability concerns, improving government accountability, and strengthening public safety across the Commonwealth.

Minogue highlighted his endorsement by the Massachusetts Republican State Convention and support from the Republican National Committee. He argued that Massachusetts has become increasingly difficult for residents and businesses due to rising costs, taxation, and regulatory burdens.

“The state is becoming unlivable,” Minogue said, contending that government spending, taxes, and regulations are driving residents and businesses to seek opportunities elsewhere.

A central component of Minogue’s platform is what he calls the AAOK Plan, which stands for Accountability, Affordability, and keeping communities safe.

Under the accountability portion of the plan, Minogue said he would pursue audits and increased oversight of state government operations. On affordability, he emphasized lowering taxes and reducing energy costs to help families and businesses. He also stressed the importance of enforcing laws and supporting public safety efforts in communities across Massachusetts.

Education was another major focus of the conversation.

Minogue advocated for Massachusetts to participate in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, which he said would provide educational grants and expand options for families seeking alternatives within the educational system. He argued that parents should have greater influence over educational decisions affecting their children.

The Republican candidate also described himself as a political outsider whose business experience would bring a different perspective to state government.

Drawing on his background as a chief executive officer, Minogue said he believes his experience leading organizations and managing budgets positions him to address challenges facing the Commonwealth without being tied to the existing political establishment.

“I will be Massachusetts, Mike,” Minogue told Radio Worcester. “I will only do what’s in the best interest of our citizens, our entrepreneurs, and our businesses.”

As the 2026 gubernatorial campaign continues to take shape, Minogue said his focus remains on creating a more affordable and accountable state government while supporting economic growth and public safety.