Worcester Roundtable: DPW Snowstorm Response & Police Oversight

Worcester Roundtable: DPW Snowstorm Response & Police Oversight

by | Dec 10, 2025 | EDITORIAL

Radio Roundtable: Worcester Snowstorm Response, Police Oversight & Affordability

 

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Submitted

WORCESTER, MA-The latest episode of The Radio Roundtable brought together panelists Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman, alongside host Hank Stolz and political analyst Ben White, for a wide-ranging discussion on some of Worcester’s most urgent issues.

Evaluating DPW Response to First Snowstorm

With the city’s first snowstorm behind us, the Roundtable assessed the performance of the new Department of Public Works (DPW) commissioner. The general consensus: a sufficient overall effort, particularly given the complicated mix of snow, rain, and freezing conditions. However, panelists also pointed to obstacles such as staffing shortages and ongoing challenges in maintaining timely street clearing throughout Worcester’s neighborhoods.

Calls for Stronger Oversight of Worcester Police

A significant portion of the conversation focused on police oversight within the Worcester Police Department (WPD). The panelists examined the roles of the City Manager, Police Chief, City Council, and oversight committees, questioning whether the current system provides the independent review residents expect. They underscored the need for:

  • More transparency in civilian complaint handling

  • Clearer accountability structures

  • Independent evaluation of incidents and police conduct

The takeaway: many believe Worcester’s oversight model must evolve to maintain trust and credibility in public safety institutions.

Affordability: The Crisis Affecting Everyone

The Roundtable closed with an urgent conversation about affordability, a theme increasingly at the forefront of public concern. Panelists pointed to:

  • A deep housing shortage

  • High utility costs

  • Financial pressure on working families

Potential solutions discussed included rent stabilization, expanded vocational training, statewide policy reform, and significant investments in new housing that could ease the burden for residents.

5K for Good Unites Three Worcester Nonprofits

Sep 14, 2026

Reliant Foundation, Abby’s House, and Veterans Inc. have joined forces for the third annual 5K for Good series. Three fall races will support essential programs serving people throughout Worcester County.

Why Primary Voters Don’t Represent the Broader Electorate

Sep 2, 2026

Clark University Professor Robert Boatright joins Radio Worcester to explain why primary voters tend to be older, wealthier and more ideological than the broader electorate—and why common election reforms have done little to close the gap.

Mary Keefe–Ron Waddell Worcester Debate

Aug 28, 2026

Watch the 15th Worcester District Democratic primary debate between incumbent State Rep. Mary Keefe and challenger Ron Waddell, presented by Radio Worcester.

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Worcester Roundtable: DPW Snowstorm Response & Police Oversight

Worcester City Council Recount Offers Clarity, Raises New Political Questions

by | Nov 26, 2025 | EDITORIAL

Worcester City Council Recount Confirms Results, Sparks Debate on Future Political Landscape

 

By-Hank Stolz

Photo- Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MA-The radio roundtable discussion focused primarily on the recent Worcester City Council at-large recount. The three guests, Randy Feldman, Matt Wally, and Guillermo Creamer, who all participated in the recount in different capacities, shared their firsthand experiences. They universally praised the City Clerk’s office for running an exceptionally efficient, transparent, and accurate process, which ultimately reaffirmed the initial machine-counted results. As Feldman said “But this is the knowledge that we now have that we didn’t have pre the recount. The computers are fantastic and they work great. So if you think you’re going to get something very different from the computers, you’re probably wrong.” The conversation then shifted to an analysis of the ballots, revealing insights into non-ideological voting patterns, the effectiveness of “bullet voting,” and demographic influences. As Creamer said  “… the voters of Worcester are such unicorns. There were so many ballots that to me, I was like, this doesn’t make sense… it’s very hard to truly understand what the Worcester voter is thinking.”  The panelists also analyzed the composition of the incoming city council, speculating on its future political dynamics, particularly the role of Councilor Christian King and the potential for a wide-open mayoral race in two years. Wally said if incumbent Mayor Joe Petty doesn’t run again  “You might probably see the individual to run who may not have any prior political experience, or maybe someone who’s serving in a state rep or a state senate seat would want that position as well.” The discussion concluded by touching on city council public comment rules and a controversial school volunteer policy. 

 

Research Bureau Report, Polar Park Finances, and Worcester’s Heated Council Races

Oct 21, 2025

The Radio Roundtable tackled three major local issues this week: a new Worcester Regional Research Bureau report recommending a civilian police review board, concerns over the Polar Park financing shortfall, and the increasingly personal tone of Worcester’s city council district races. Panelists debated transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the evolving nature of local politics heading into election season.

Worcester Roundtable Divided on Drones and Homeless Civil Commitments; District 2 Mailer Sparks Debate

Oct 7, 2025

This week on the Radio Worcester Roundtable, hosts Hank Stolz and Matt Wally see benefits to expanded drone use, while Ben, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman remain skeptical about cost and effectiveness. The group also discusses involuntary civil commitments for homeless individuals—a measure gaining traction with federal support—and weighs in on a controversial mailer from incumbent District 2 City Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson’s campaign.

Worcester Council’s ICE Vote and Drone Proposal Raise Questions on Policy, Politics, and Privacy

Oct 3, 2025

On Talk of the Commonwealth, Tom Marino of ThisWeekInWorcester.com and Mark Henderson of The016.com examined two major issues before the Worcester City Council. The council voted 8–2 to bar police from entering a task force agreement with ICE, sparking debate over whether it was a principled, preemptive policy decision or election-year theater. They also discussed a proposal to use drones as “first responders” for 911 calls, raising concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and high costs. Marino argued that Worcester’s costly experience with ShotSpotter should guide caution with new policing technologies, stressing the need for independent data and accountability.

District 2 Candidate Rob Bilotta Joins Roundtable on Worcester Issues

Sep 30, 2025

District 2 candidate Rob Bilotta joined Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman on the Radio Worcester Roundtable to discuss endorsements, Worcester’s walkability, the fare-free WRTA, housing affordability, and the importance of civility in city politics.

Spike in Worcester Citizen Petition Denials Raises Concerns Over Accessibility and Transparency

Sep 26, 2025

On The Rundown, Tom Marino revealed that Worcester denied 133 citizen petitions in just eight months of 2024—more than double the total from the prior two-and-a-half years. Marino argued the city solicitor is using weak legal justifications to shield the City Council from politically uncomfortable issues. Mark Henderson countered that the City Clerk was following council directives, while also noting that increased citizen activism has complicated petition rules. Both agreed controversial past petitions, including one tied to Israel and Gaza, set precedents that now shape the process.

How Worcester’s Contested District Races Could Shape City Council and Community Identity

Sep 25, 2025

The Radio Roundtable dives into Worcester’s upcoming election, focusing on five hotly contested district races and their potential to sway At-Large City Council contests. The panel also unpacks how Worcester is defining its own identity through sports, festivals, and culture, and highlights Holy Cross student Bryce Maloney’s op-ed on town-gown relations.

Worcester Roundtable Breaks Down Preliminary Election Results and Proposals

Sep 9, 2025

On The Talk of the Commonwealth Roundtable, Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman joined Hank Stolz and “Big” Ben to unpack Worcester’s preliminary election results. The group highlighted strong showings for centrist incumbents, debated Donna Colorio’s future, and examined proposals on taxes and fire safety that could shape the campaign ahead.

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Roundtable-ICE recruiting at the College of the Holy Cross

Roundtable-ICE recruiting at the College of the Holy Cross

by | Nov 19, 2025 | EDITORIAL

Roundtable-ICE recruiting at the College of the Holy Cross

By-Hank Stolz

Photo- Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MA– The Radio Roundtable welcomed back former Worcester City Councilor Gary Rosen, joining Hank Stolz and “Big” Ben White along with Guillermo Creamer and Randy Feldman, filling in while Matt Wally is away this week. Rosen’s return sparked a lively discussion on several major issues facing Worcester and the region.

The panel first tackled the protest and community pushback surrounding ICE recruiting at the College of the Holy Cross. Rosen argued that the college, as an institution of higher learning, should have the autonomy to allow Homeland Security — “which is much more than just ICE,” he emphasized — to meet with students who may be interested in federal service.
Guillermo Creamer strongly disagreed, calling the decision “tone deaf,” especially at a Jesuit institution during a period of national concern over immigration enforcement practices.

Next, the group examined a new study suggesting a rise in violence in Worcester Public Schools, including an increase in assaults on teachers. Feldman and Creamer agreed that more comprehensive data is needed before drawing conclusions. Rosen, however, believes the findings are concerning enough to revisit the idea of bringing School Resource Officers back into Worcester schools.

The conversation wrapped with a discussion of a New York Times analysis that placed the recent loss of District 5 City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj into a broader national trend of setbacks for progressive candidates. The panel debated how much of that dynamic was at play locally and whether Worcester voters are signaling a shift in political priorities.

Research Bureau Report, Polar Park Finances, and Worcester’s Heated Council Races

Oct 21, 2025

The Radio Roundtable tackled three major local issues this week: a new Worcester Regional Research Bureau report recommending a civilian police review board, concerns over the Polar Park financing shortfall, and the increasingly personal tone of Worcester’s city council district races. Panelists debated transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the evolving nature of local politics heading into election season.

Worcester Roundtable Divided on Drones and Homeless Civil Commitments; District 2 Mailer Sparks Debate

Oct 7, 2025

This week on the Radio Worcester Roundtable, hosts Hank Stolz and Matt Wally see benefits to expanded drone use, while Ben, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman remain skeptical about cost and effectiveness. The group also discusses involuntary civil commitments for homeless individuals—a measure gaining traction with federal support—and weighs in on a controversial mailer from incumbent District 2 City Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson’s campaign.

Worcester Council’s ICE Vote and Drone Proposal Raise Questions on Policy, Politics, and Privacy

Oct 3, 2025

On Talk of the Commonwealth, Tom Marino of ThisWeekInWorcester.com and Mark Henderson of The016.com examined two major issues before the Worcester City Council. The council voted 8–2 to bar police from entering a task force agreement with ICE, sparking debate over whether it was a principled, preemptive policy decision or election-year theater. They also discussed a proposal to use drones as “first responders” for 911 calls, raising concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and high costs. Marino argued that Worcester’s costly experience with ShotSpotter should guide caution with new policing technologies, stressing the need for independent data and accountability.

District 2 Candidate Rob Bilotta Joins Roundtable on Worcester Issues

Sep 30, 2025

District 2 candidate Rob Bilotta joined Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman on the Radio Worcester Roundtable to discuss endorsements, Worcester’s walkability, the fare-free WRTA, housing affordability, and the importance of civility in city politics.

Spike in Worcester Citizen Petition Denials Raises Concerns Over Accessibility and Transparency

Sep 26, 2025

On The Rundown, Tom Marino revealed that Worcester denied 133 citizen petitions in just eight months of 2024—more than double the total from the prior two-and-a-half years. Marino argued the city solicitor is using weak legal justifications to shield the City Council from politically uncomfortable issues. Mark Henderson countered that the City Clerk was following council directives, while also noting that increased citizen activism has complicated petition rules. Both agreed controversial past petitions, including one tied to Israel and Gaza, set precedents that now shape the process.

How Worcester’s Contested District Races Could Shape City Council and Community Identity

Sep 25, 2025

The Radio Roundtable dives into Worcester’s upcoming election, focusing on five hotly contested district races and their potential to sway At-Large City Council contests. The panel also unpacks how Worcester is defining its own identity through sports, festivals, and culture, and highlights Holy Cross student Bryce Maloney’s op-ed on town-gown relations.

Worcester Roundtable Breaks Down Preliminary Election Results and Proposals

Sep 9, 2025

On The Talk of the Commonwealth Roundtable, Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman joined Hank Stolz and “Big” Ben to unpack Worcester’s preliminary election results. The group highlighted strong showings for centrist incumbents, debated Donna Colorio’s future, and examined proposals on taxes and fire safety that could shape the campaign ahead.

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Worcester At-Large Race Comes Down to 23 Votes; ICE Arrest Sparks Debate

Worcester At-Large Race Comes Down to 23 Votes; ICE Arrest Sparks Debate

by | Nov 13, 2025 | EDITORIAL, WEEKLY RUNDOWN

Worcester At-Large Race Comes Down to 23 Votes; ICE Arrest Sparks Debate

By-Hank Stolz

Photo- Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MA– Mark and Tom join Hank and Ben to talk about the extremely close result in the Worcester City Council at-large race, where only 23 votes separated the sixth and final elected candidate from the seventh-place finisher. They debated the merits, cost (over a hundred thousand for a hand recount), and political ramifications of a potential recount, with some arguing the cost was insignificant compared to other city expenses and that criticism of the recount was a form of selective outrage. The second topic was the recent arrest of a Fitchburg woman by ICE, which made national news. The conversation covered the details of her case, the divided public reaction to ICE’s tactics, and a broader argument that the Massachusetts state government was complicit in aiding federal immigration enforcement.

Media ethics, Worcester politics, and local news changes

Apr 19, 2026

Hank Stolz speaks with Mark Henderson of the016.com about the Dianna Russini controversy, Worcester’s chicken ordinance debate, John Fresolo’s driveway confrontation, and changes in the city’s local media scene.

Charter Reform, Snowstorm Response, and Spencer Shooting | The Rundown

Feb 4, 2026

On this episode of The Rundown, Hank and Ben are joined by Tom Marino and Mark Henderson for a wide-ranging discussion on Worcester City Councilor Gary Rosen’s push to review the city charter, the city’s handling of a major snowstorm, and a developing fatal shooting in the town of Spencer.

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Roundtable-ICE recruiting at the College of the Holy Cross

Post-Election Reflections: Worcester City Council Faces a New Political Landscape

by | Nov 12, 2025 | EDITORIAL

Post-Election Reflections: Worcester City Council Faces New Political Balance

By-Hank Stolz

Photo- Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MA– A week after Worcester’s municipal election, Hank Stolz, “Big” Ben White, and Randy Feldman shared their takeaways from the results and what they might mean for the city’s political direction.

There was particular surprise at the margin of victory in District 5, where Jose Rivera was elected. The panel agreed that, fair or not, the narrative of too much drama on the City Council appeared to resonate with voters. That perception, they suggested, may have fueled a desire for a return to collaboration and focus on local issues that directly impact residents.

While the new council may not be viewed as overtly “progressive,” it is expected to feature a wide range of perspectives. Feldman noted that this could foster robust debate while still reflecting the city’s diverse political temperament.

The discussion also turned to school committee member Sue Mailman, who some see as the spiritual successor to Etel Haxhiaj, carrying forward many of the same priorities and viewpoints into Worcester’s ongoing civic conversation.

As the new council prepares to convene, the hope among voters — and the analysts — is clear: less division, more progress, and renewed attention to the issues that matter most to Worcester’s neighborhoods.

Research Bureau Report, Polar Park Finances, and Worcester’s Heated Council Races

Oct 21, 2025

The Radio Roundtable tackled three major local issues this week: a new Worcester Regional Research Bureau report recommending a civilian police review board, concerns over the Polar Park financing shortfall, and the increasingly personal tone of Worcester’s city council district races. Panelists debated transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the evolving nature of local politics heading into election season.

Worcester Roundtable Divided on Drones and Homeless Civil Commitments; District 2 Mailer Sparks Debate

Oct 7, 2025

This week on the Radio Worcester Roundtable, hosts Hank Stolz and Matt Wally see benefits to expanded drone use, while Ben, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman remain skeptical about cost and effectiveness. The group also discusses involuntary civil commitments for homeless individuals—a measure gaining traction with federal support—and weighs in on a controversial mailer from incumbent District 2 City Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson’s campaign.

Worcester Council’s ICE Vote and Drone Proposal Raise Questions on Policy, Politics, and Privacy

Oct 3, 2025

On Talk of the Commonwealth, Tom Marino of ThisWeekInWorcester.com and Mark Henderson of The016.com examined two major issues before the Worcester City Council. The council voted 8–2 to bar police from entering a task force agreement with ICE, sparking debate over whether it was a principled, preemptive policy decision or election-year theater. They also discussed a proposal to use drones as “first responders” for 911 calls, raising concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and high costs. Marino argued that Worcester’s costly experience with ShotSpotter should guide caution with new policing technologies, stressing the need for independent data and accountability.

District 2 Candidate Rob Bilotta Joins Roundtable on Worcester Issues

Sep 30, 2025

District 2 candidate Rob Bilotta joined Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman on the Radio Worcester Roundtable to discuss endorsements, Worcester’s walkability, the fare-free WRTA, housing affordability, and the importance of civility in city politics.

Spike in Worcester Citizen Petition Denials Raises Concerns Over Accessibility and Transparency

Sep 26, 2025

On The Rundown, Tom Marino revealed that Worcester denied 133 citizen petitions in just eight months of 2024—more than double the total from the prior two-and-a-half years. Marino argued the city solicitor is using weak legal justifications to shield the City Council from politically uncomfortable issues. Mark Henderson countered that the City Clerk was following council directives, while also noting that increased citizen activism has complicated petition rules. Both agreed controversial past petitions, including one tied to Israel and Gaza, set precedents that now shape the process.

How Worcester’s Contested District Races Could Shape City Council and Community Identity

Sep 25, 2025

The Radio Roundtable dives into Worcester’s upcoming election, focusing on five hotly contested district races and their potential to sway At-Large City Council contests. The panel also unpacks how Worcester is defining its own identity through sports, festivals, and culture, and highlights Holy Cross student Bryce Maloney’s op-ed on town-gown relations.

Worcester Roundtable Breaks Down Preliminary Election Results and Proposals

Sep 9, 2025

On The Talk of the Commonwealth Roundtable, Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman joined Hank Stolz and “Big” Ben to unpack Worcester’s preliminary election results. The group highlighted strong showings for centrist incumbents, debated Donna Colorio’s future, and examined proposals on taxes and fire safety that could shape the campaign ahead.

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Election Reflections and Supreme Court Signals

Election Reflections and Supreme Court Signals

by | Nov 7, 2025 | EDITORIAL

Election Reflections and Supreme Court Signals

By-Hank Stolz

Photo- radio worcester

WORCESTER, MA-In this episode, Hank Stolz, Ben White, Robert Amorello, and Randy Feldman dissect the recent Tuesday election results that saw Democrats celebrating a strong performance nationwide. The group offered contrasting interpretations: Amorello described the results as “preseason,” suggesting both parties have valuable lessons to learn before the 2026 midterms, while Feldman characterized it as “a monumental statement against Trumpism.”

The panel also examined a key demographic shift—the Hispanic vote swinging back toward Democrats—highlighting its potential to reshape the 2026 electoral landscape.

The conversation then turned to the Supreme Court’s hearing on President Trump’s tariff policies. Both Amorello and Feldman noted that the justices’ line of questioning suggested a readiness to limit presidential use of emergency powers, with the conservative-majority court appearing inclined to rule against Trump’s broad interpretation of executive authority.

Research Bureau Report, Polar Park Finances, and Worcester’s Heated Council Races

Oct 21, 2025

The Radio Roundtable tackled three major local issues this week: a new Worcester Regional Research Bureau report recommending a civilian police review board, concerns over the Polar Park financing shortfall, and the increasingly personal tone of Worcester’s city council district races. Panelists debated transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the evolving nature of local politics heading into election season.

Worcester Roundtable Divided on Drones and Homeless Civil Commitments; District 2 Mailer Sparks Debate

Oct 7, 2025

This week on the Radio Worcester Roundtable, hosts Hank Stolz and Matt Wally see benefits to expanded drone use, while Ben, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman remain skeptical about cost and effectiveness. The group also discusses involuntary civil commitments for homeless individuals—a measure gaining traction with federal support—and weighs in on a controversial mailer from incumbent District 2 City Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson’s campaign.

Worcester Council’s ICE Vote and Drone Proposal Raise Questions on Policy, Politics, and Privacy

Oct 3, 2025

On Talk of the Commonwealth, Tom Marino of ThisWeekInWorcester.com and Mark Henderson of The016.com examined two major issues before the Worcester City Council. The council voted 8–2 to bar police from entering a task force agreement with ICE, sparking debate over whether it was a principled, preemptive policy decision or election-year theater. They also discussed a proposal to use drones as “first responders” for 911 calls, raising concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and high costs. Marino argued that Worcester’s costly experience with ShotSpotter should guide caution with new policing technologies, stressing the need for independent data and accountability.

District 2 Candidate Rob Bilotta Joins Roundtable on Worcester Issues

Sep 30, 2025

District 2 candidate Rob Bilotta joined Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman on the Radio Worcester Roundtable to discuss endorsements, Worcester’s walkability, the fare-free WRTA, housing affordability, and the importance of civility in city politics.

Spike in Worcester Citizen Petition Denials Raises Concerns Over Accessibility and Transparency

Sep 26, 2025

On The Rundown, Tom Marino revealed that Worcester denied 133 citizen petitions in just eight months of 2024—more than double the total from the prior two-and-a-half years. Marino argued the city solicitor is using weak legal justifications to shield the City Council from politically uncomfortable issues. Mark Henderson countered that the City Clerk was following council directives, while also noting that increased citizen activism has complicated petition rules. Both agreed controversial past petitions, including one tied to Israel and Gaza, set precedents that now shape the process.

How Worcester’s Contested District Races Could Shape City Council and Community Identity

Sep 25, 2025

The Radio Roundtable dives into Worcester’s upcoming election, focusing on five hotly contested district races and their potential to sway At-Large City Council contests. The panel also unpacks how Worcester is defining its own identity through sports, festivals, and culture, and highlights Holy Cross student Bryce Maloney’s op-ed on town-gown relations.

Worcester Roundtable Breaks Down Preliminary Election Results and Proposals

Sep 9, 2025

On The Talk of the Commonwealth Roundtable, Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman joined Hank Stolz and “Big” Ben to unpack Worcester’s preliminary election results. The group highlighted strong showings for centrist incumbents, debated Donna Colorio’s future, and examined proposals on taxes and fire safety that could shape the campaign ahead.

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RADIO WORCESTER STUDIOS

Summit Street (Behind Polar Park)
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hank@radioworcester.com