508 #161: Issues 1.0

508 is a show about Worcester.

Here’s what we have of the 1.0 list of “what do you want the candidates to be discussing as they compete for votes in this year’s election?” (Thanks, Jay Rosen). We’ll be fleshing out the questions in the coming weeks, and redrafting the list once a month till the election. We’re trying to keep the questions/framing to 50 words or less.

  1. What’s your position on school privitization?
  2. City departments, particularly the police department, have information that can help the public make good decisions about running the city. That information is hard to access, some would say impossible. What would you do to change that?
  3. What is local government’s role in regulating the day-to-day lives of citizens? Is there a limit?
  4. What’s your personal vision for the city of Worcester?
  5. Sustainability (we’re hashing this one out on Google+). [23:30]
  6. Something about the relationship between the City Council and City Manager. (We’re hashing this one out on Facebook.)
  7. Why do you oppose neighborhood councils? (Or, what is your position on neighborhood councils?)
  8. Where should the city draw the line in taking responsibility for development? Where should the city draw the line when selling off existing assets? How should the city of Worcester be making its money? What is the correct tax rate for Worcester homeowners?

Also: Nice feature in Womag.

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You can watch 508 Fridays at 7pm on WCCA TV13.



3 thoughts on “508 #161: Issues 1.0”

  1. I think the bench press question is unfair unless there is actually a bench to press at the time of questioning. Don’t tell me how much you can bench, prove it!

  2. – How would you make Worcester a more bike/pedestrian-friendly city?

    – What is your stance on the proposed backyard chicken ordinance?

    – What are your views on the CSX expansion plan?

  3. Worcester bears a disproportionately high social services burden compared to other cities in towns in Worcester county. Within Worcester, certain neighborhoods bear a disproportionate burden. This causes real harm to the people who need those services. It also keeps businesses and middle class professionals from moving to and staying in Worcester.

    Past attempts to solve this problem have been one-sided and ineffective, simply cutting programs and services within Worcester and causing harm to those who need the services.

    How would you encourage the more affluent to take on their fair share of the social services including homeless shelters, section 8 housing, and rehabilitation programs?

    Many community activists believe poverty adds character to the city and its neighborhoods. They fight to bring more social services to neighborhoods with an already disproportionate burden while fighting against gentrification. Do you believe that gentrification is a positive or a negative?

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