Who Runs Worcester? 

“The council’s ultimate authority is a ‘nuclear’ option… in practice, the manager defines the playing field.” — Randy Feldman

By-Hank Stolz

Worcester, MA-The Radio Worcester Radio Round table discussion covered three main topics. It began with an in-depth analysis of the Worcester Human Rights Commission’s role and effectiveness following the abrupt resignation of its chair, Guillermo Creamer. The panelists debated the commission’s historical loss of power and its current frustrations with the city manager’s authority.

Randy Feldman on the core frustration of serving on the commission: “Do you really want to serve if you don’t have any real power? That’s what it really comes down to… you don’t have any authority to make any real change. And if that’s the case, do people want to continue to be civically engaged in that way with the city or are there other avenues of civic engagement that would lead to greater change that make more sense?”

George Russell on it not being personal, it’s how it’s set up in the Charter. “Under our plan of government, under the city of Worcester’s plan of government, the city manager has complete control over all the operations of city government… And if the administration had a different way of looking at something, under the plan of government, they have every right in the world to do what they want to do.”

The conversation then broadened to discuss the widespread budget challenges facing Massachusetts municipalities, using Lexington and Boston as examples, and explored contributing factors like rising costs, Proposition 2.5, and state aid.

Finally, the discussion focused on Worcester-specific economic policies, particularly the impact of the dual tax rate on attracting commercial development like hotels, which could bring larger sporting events, like the men’s NCAA Tournament to the DCU Center.

Matt Wally; on the economic impact of the dual tax rate: “If you look at the numbers, Worcester hotel developers will be paying almost twice as much as they would if they built a hotel in one of the surrounding communities.”