Supermarkets, Festivals, and the Power of Petitions—The Radio Roundtable Digs In

Photo-Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MASS.- As always, The Radio Roundtable breaks down the most significant local issues of the day. In this case, should Worcester get involved in running a supermarket? The Roundtable examines the pros and cons and discusses the rationale behind the idea. The food deserts that exist in the city and why it is hard for Worcester to attract more supermarkets. They also discuss the recent decision to cancel the Latin American Festival. How much had to do with a fear of ICE, and how much had to do with finances? Petitions – should all petitions to the City Council go through a councilor, or will that have a chilling effect on democracy? Listen in and weigh in Tuesdays from 7-8 a.m.

Radio Roundtable Debates Rent Incentives, Pool Closures, and Worcester’s Political Future

By Hank Stolz | Radio Worcester

Credit: Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MASS.- The Radio Roundtable, featuring Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman, examines a plan proposed by Worcester Mayor Joe Petty and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, which involves offering tax incentives to local landlords to keep their rents below market rate. Wally applauds the idea, but Creamer and Feldman are more skeptical about how much good it will do. Feldman questions the timing and wonders if it is just a feel-good election press release without any real teeth.

A local activist states that the pool at Crompton Park and the Crystal Park Spray Park are not open, and that this issue occurs every year, despite the DPW not being held accountable. The Roundtable discusses if that is a fair statement.

The conversation turns to the effectiveness of our state legislative body now that we have lost the influence of Lt. Gov. Murray, followed by Polito and Senator Chandler. Are they still able to bring home the bacon?

There are social media rumblings about Councilor Moe Bergman running for Mayor. The Roundtable discusses what a potential run could mean.

Radio Roundtable Analyzes City Manager Review, Council Dynamics, and the Real Influence of Local Blogs

By Hank Stolz | Radio Worcester

Photo-Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MASS- The Radio Roundtable, Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer and Randy Feldman look at the city council’s review of the Worcester City Manager. They were not surprised that he received a good review but were a little surprised that some councilors did not push back harder in some areas. Matt Wally commented that he personally feels that Eric Batista is the right CM for the city at this time and that the good review reflected what the majority of the public feels. “On a whole the council identified the strengths of Eric Batista in that he almost acts as a COO…”