Radio Roundtable: ShotSpotter, Youth Vaping, Open Primaries and Preserving Worcester’s History

“So the claim that it’s racist in nature comes from the claim of over-policing in minority or poorer neighborhoods.”

Graphic – Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MA-This edition of the Radio Roundtable brings together Hank Stolz, Ben White, George Russell and Randy Feldman for a wide-ranging discussion on some of the biggest civic issues facing Worcester and Massachusetts.

The panel examines public safety technology, youth vaping prevention, election reform and the importance of preserving Worcester’s historic buildings.

Cambridge Reinstates ShotSpotter

The discussion begins with the Cambridge City Council’s decision to reactivate the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system following the death of a city employee. The panel explores whether the technology improves public safety while also addressing long-standing concerns about surveillance, over-policing and racial equity.

ShotSpotter is also used in Worcester.

Randy Feldman says criticism of the technology often centers less on the system itself than on where it is deployed.

“So the claim that it’s racist in nature comes from the claim of over-policing in minority or poorer neighborhoods.”

Feldman compared American policing with approaches used in parts of Europe, arguing that successful policing depends on strong relationships between officers and the communities they serve.

“In Europe, they do policing very differently than we do it in America… They have many more police on the street, especially where there’s areas of high crime. However, they do what Worcester’s trying to move even more to than it had in the past. They moved to community policing.”

The panel weighs the balance between using technology to respond quickly to violent crime while ensuring that public safety tools are deployed fairly and transparently.

Youth Tobacco and Vaping Prevention

The conversation then turns to youth nicotine use after Worcester City Councilor Gary Rosen asked what more the city could do to keep young people away from tobacco products and vaping.

The panel discusses the distinction between the roles of the Worcester City Council and the Worcester Board of Health.

George Russell notes that the Board of Health—not the City Council—has primary regulatory authority over local tobacco regulations.

“The Worcester City Council doesn’t have any authority over it… the Worcester City Council delegated… that power to the Board of Health.”

The discussion explores how local government, schools, parents and public health officials can work together to reduce youth nicotine addiction.

Question 3: Should Massachusetts End Party Primaries?

The panel also analyzes Massachusetts Ballot Question 3, which would replace the state’s traditional party primary system with a single open primary in which all candidates compete together before advancing to the general election.

Supporters argue the proposal could encourage greater political competition and provide voters with more choices. Opponents question whether it would improve representation or simply reshape campaign strategy.

Feldman supports the proposal.

“In Massachusetts, we have the least competitive primaries in the nation.”

The panel debates whether an open-primary system would create more competitive elections, encourage moderate candidates or alter the political landscape in Massachusetts.

Saving Worcester’s Historic Buildings

The roundtable concludes with a discussion about historic preservation in Worcester, focusing on endangered landmarks including the Cow Tavern and the former Notre Dame Church.

The panel explores the ongoing tension between redevelopment, private property rights and preserving the city’s architectural heritage.

Ben White argues that protecting historic buildings is about preserving Worcester’s identity.

“Great cities have great history. And that comes from buildings, which is architecture, which is built by people, which reflects who we are and where we came from.”

The conversation examines how communities decide which buildings should be preserved and how those decisions shape a city’s future.

Listen to the full Radio Roundtable on Radio Worcester for thoughtful discussion and local perspectives on the issues affecting Worcester and Massachusetts.

Radio Roundtable Examines Worcester’s Civilian Review Board Debate

“This is a city council that does not want to have a citizen review board for the Worcester Police Department. The votes aren’t there, so it’s not going to happen.”

By-Editorial Staff
Graphic – Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MA-This episode of the Radio Roundtable examines Worcester City Manager Eric Batista’s decision not to recommend a civilian review board for police oversight.

Panelists Hank Stolz, Ben White, George Russell, and Randy Feldman,look at the politics surrounding the decision and ponder what the board would look like if it did go ahead. “This is a city council that does not want to have a citizen review board for the Worcester Police Department. The votes aren’t there, so it’s not going to happen.” said Stolz in arguing that regardless of what the City Manager put forward you’re not going to see a Civilian Review Board. George Russell noted “This council is a very conservative council. It made a real move to the right.” He also noted that “The reason why this was held was so that they could talk about it for a month… the progressives that want to use it as an issue to try and turn that council around.”

The discussion addresses the role of independent oversight in police accountability, and recent police misconduct settlements. With Randy Feldman noting a recent settlement by the city to twelve individuals who had brought suit in the wake of a George Floyd protest in Worcester, “You don’t give away $825,000 as go away money. You give that away when you believe that there is going to be evidence that there was misconduct”

The panel also examines the political composition of the current city council, the tactics used by both supporters and opponents of the review board, and whether existing city administration oversight provides adequate checks on police conduct.

Radio Roundtable: Worcester Tobacco Rules, Express Rail, Downtown Mall, Historic Diners & Chandler Street Roundabouts

“The idea behind these road redesigns is that you create the infrastructure that doesn’t allow you to speed. So you don’t even need the enforcement.” — Ben White

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic – Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MA-This week on the Radio Roundtable, Hank Stolz, Ben White, George Russell, and Randy Feldman discuss the Worcester Board of Health’s approval of updated tobacco regulations aimed at reducing youth vaping and nicotine addiction while balancing concerns from the local business community.

The panel also examines the ongoing challenges facing regional rail service and the need for faster, more reliable Worcester-to-Boston express trains. They discuss the continued struggles of the downtown Worcester Mall following a lightning-caused fire and the business closures that followed, as well as the cultural significance of Worcester’s historic diners, highlighted by the Boulevard Diner’s 90th anniversary celebration.

The conversation wraps up with a neighborhood meeting about proposed double roundabouts at Chandler Street and May Street near Worcester State University, a project intended to reduce speeding and improve pedestrian safety. “The idea behind these road redesigns is that you create the infrastructure that doesn’t allow you to speed. So you don’t even need the enforcement,” says Ben White.

The panel also explores the tension between progressive public health initiatives and economic concerns. Discussing the Board of Health’s new tobacco regulations, George Russell remarked, “Let’s be honest. I mean, the bottom line is that if they are banning outright tobacco in Worcester or any kind of tobacco, people are just going to go over the line and get it someplace else.”

Randy Feldman offered a different perspective, saying, “Commerce and capitalism have to take a backseat sometimes when the scientific evidence is overwhelming that something is bad for people.”

Radio Roundtable: History, Public Safety, Main South, and Worcester’s Future

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this edition of the Radio Roundtable begins with a personal reflection before turning to some of Worcester’s most pressing civic issues.

By-Radio Worcester Staff
Graphic – Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MA-Host Hank Stolz is joined by George Russell and Randy Feldman for a wide-ranging discussion covering history, policing, neighborhood development, homelessness, airport leadership, and government accountability.

A Fourth of July Journey Through American History

The program opens with Randy Feldman recounting a memorable road trip through historic America leading up to Independence Day.

After visiting several significant Revolutionary-era landmarks, Feldman spent July 4 in Colonial Williamsburg, describing how standing in one of the nation’s most historic settings provided a deeper appreciation for America’s founding and its continuing democratic experiment.

The conversation serves as a reminder that understanding history often provides valuable perspective for today’s political and civic debates.

Worcester Settles Lawsuit Over 2020 George Floyd Protest

The discussion shifts to the city’s settlement of a lawsuit involving the Worcester Police Department and the June 2020 demonstrations following the murder of George Floyd.

Panelists explore the difficult balance between protecting First Amendment rights while maintaining public safety during rapidly evolving demonstrations.

The conversation considers the challenges police officers faced during a highly emotional and chaotic evening while also examining the legal protections afforded to peaceful protesters.

Main South: Opportunity and Ongoing Challenges

The Roundtable examines changes taking place in Worcester’s Main South neighborhood.

The panel highlights the growth of immigrant-owned businesses and entrepreneurial investment while also discussing persistent concerns surrounding homelessness, addiction, and public safety.

Rather than viewing the neighborhood through a single lens, the discussion acknowledges both the economic progress and the social challenges that continue to shape the area.

Homelessness Requires More Than Local Solutions

A caller argues that homelessness should not become solely Worcester’s responsibility.

The panel discusses how the city has become a regional center for social services and explores whether additional state involvement is needed to better distribute housing, treatment, and support services across Massachusetts.

Debate Over Police Oversight

Another topic focuses on the proposed Worcester Police Oversight Commission.

Panelists disagree over whether a local civilian review board is necessary given the authority already exercised by Massachusetts’ Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission.

The discussion weighs questions of transparency, accountability, public confidence, and potential duplication of oversight responsibilities.

Worcester Regional Airport Leadership Changes

The program concludes with discussion of the retirement of Worcester Regional Airport Director Andy Davis.

While acknowledging recent infrastructure improvements and increased investment at the airport, the panel questions whether Worcester Regional Airport is realizing its full potential as an economic asset for Central Massachusetts.

The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges facing the airport as new leadership prepares to take over.

Radio Roundtable: Worcester City Manager Review, Election Reform, and a Changing Political Landscape

George Russell and Randy Feldman join Hank Stolz and “Big” Ben to discuss City Hall accountability, voting reforms, cannabis law, and shifting political dynamics in Worcester.

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic – Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MA-How effective is Worcester’s annual review of the city manager, and does the process still accomplish its intended purpose?

Those questions led this edition of the Radio Roundtable as Hank Stolz and “Big” Ben welcomed George Russell and Randy Feldman for a wide-ranging discussion on city government, election reform, and Massachusetts politics.

The panel began by examining Worcester’s annual city manager evaluation, a process required under the city’s charter that serves as the City Council’s formal performance review of the city’s chief executive.

George Russell noted that the evaluation process became more consistent after the adoption of a standardized review form several years ago.

“The evaluation form has helped standardize the process,” Russell explained, making it easier for councilors to assess the city manager using the same criteria each year.

While panelists agreed that current City Manager Eric Batista is generally well regarded, they questioned whether the annual review has gradually become more ceremonial than evaluative. The discussion noted that large numbers of city employees often attend the meeting to demonstrate support, creating an atmosphere that can make candid criticism more challenging.

The conversation then shifted to several statewide policy issues, including whether Massachusetts could realistically revisit its voter-approved cannabis legalization law. Panelists discussed the legal and political hurdles involved in changing policies that have already been approved by voters.

Election reform was another major topic. The group explored proposals such as a nonpartisan “jungle primary,” in which all candidates compete in a single primary regardless of party affiliation, as well as ranked choice voting, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Rather than advocating for a particular approach, the discussion focused on how different electoral systems could influence campaigning, voter participation, and representation.

The episode concluded with an examination of Worcester’s evolving political landscape. Russell suggested that today’s political debates are increasingly occurring within the Democratic Party rather than between Democrats and Republicans.

“The council has moved to the right quite a bit and there are people there that may be Democrats and may be independents, but they are very conservative,” Russell said.

The panel explored how those ideological differences have shaped discussions on housing, public safety, economic development, and city governance, illustrating how local politics often reflect a more nuanced spectrum than traditional party labels alone.