FAQ’S

What did Worcester Mayor Joe Petty say about the snowstorm response?

Mayor Petty defended the city’s response to the recent snowstorm, thanking the Worcester Department of Public Works and private contractors for working extended hours to clear streets. He acknowledged the difficulty of the conditions and said crews worked for more than thirty consecutive hours.

How is Worcester addressing safety during extreme cold?

The mayor urged residents to check on neighbors during periods of extreme cold and highlighted the role of volunteers who helped operate the city’s overflow homeless shelter to protect vulnerable residents.

What was Mayor Petty’s reaction to the killing of Alex Pretti?

Mayor Petty strongly condemned the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, calling the incident disheartening and saying there was no justification for the shooting. He contrasted the incident with the training and community-focused policing approach used by the Worcester Police Department.

What did the mayor say about the Worcester Police Department and protests?

Petty defended the Worcester Police Department’s handling of a protest on Eureka Street last May, stating that the department’s de-escalation policies were appropriate and have since been adopted by other municipalities.

Why did Mayor Petty refuse to call for charges against Etel Haxhiaj to be dropped?

Mayor Petty declined a request from School Committee member Sue Mailman to publicly call for charges against Etel Haxhiaj to be dropped. His decision was later criticized by Tom Marino and Mark Henderson during a segment of The Rundown on Talk of the Commonwealth.

Why is this discussion significant for Worcester residents?

The conversation touched on several issues central to Worcester residents, including public safety during severe weather, policing practices, accountability, and the role of city leadership in responding to both local and national events.