Worcester’s Billion-Dollar Budget Sparks Debate on the Radio Roundtable

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic-Radio Worcester

Worcester, MA-This week the Radio Roundtable weighs in on the city’s first-ever billion-dollar budget, debating its necessity and where the funds were allocated, particularly towards education, public safety, and public works.

On the budget, Matt Wally said, “So when people complain, ‘A billion dollars, what are we doing?’ I like to ask, ‘Well, what would you like to cut?’ And when I usually do that, there’s a blank face because people have no reason why or no explanation as to what they would like to cut…” and George Russell added, “…the city council can cut the bottom line of the budget, but we don’t have a line item cut. The city council, one of the most frustrating things I dealt with over the 14 years that I was there was that if you have a problem with spending in department A, you can make a motion to cut the whole budget that amount, but you can’t take it out of department A.”

The conversation then shifted to the Green Tech Park development, which was viewed as a major opportunity for economic growth and high-paying jobs and high praise for the WBDC. The panelists also examined the local rental market, noting a recent stabilization in prices after a period of rapid increases.

Finally, they addressed the challenges posed by the closure of Community Health Link (CHL) and the ongoing debate about expanding clinician-based responses to 911 calls involving mental health crises.

Would Speed Cameras Make Worcester Safer?

Aug 11, 2026

Should Massachusetts allow communities to use automated speed cameras? Hank Stolz, Ben White and Radio Worcester callers debate whether the technology could make Worcester streets safer—or open the door to expanded government surveillance.

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

Aug 4, 2026

Hank Stolz, Ben White, George Russell and Randy Feldman debate public safety technology, youth vaping, election reform and Worcester’s historic preservation efforts.

Radio Roundtable: Worcester Civilian Review Board Debate, Police Oversight & City Council Politics

Jul 29, 2026

Should Worcester establish a civilian review board to oversee police conduct? The Radio Roundtable examines City Manager Eric Batista’s decision, the political realities at City Hall, recent police misconduct settlements, and the continuing debate over police accountability.

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

Jul 15, 2026

The Radio Roundtable discusses Worcester tobacco regulations, MBTA rail service, downtown redevelopment, historic diners, and Chandler Street safety.

Radio Roundtable: Worcester Police Lawsuit, Main South, Police Oversight, Worcester Airport, and America’s 250th

Jul 8, 2026

The Radio Roundtable discusses Worcester’s police lawsuit settlement, Main South, homelessness, police oversight, Worcester Airport, and America’s founding during a wide-ranging civic conversation.

LIVE STREAM
Radio Worcester

CONNECT



RADIO WORCESTER STUDIOS

Summit Street (Behind Polar Park)
Worcester, MA 01610.



LISTENER LINE

774-364-8255



MAIN OFFICE

508-793-2982



EMAIL

hank@radioworcester.com