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.