A lift for democracy in Worcester
We see it every year: veteran public officials running unopposed for re-election, which can mean one of two things: Either they're doing a fabulous job for their constituents, or there's a pervasive sense of apathy that keeps worthy candidates who might challenge them on the sidelines.
So, it was a pleasant surprise when 16 candidates emerged for the six at-large seats on the Worcester City Council, as well as four people who filled out their papers for the open District 2 seat. That means a preliminary election, scheduled for Sept. 8, will actually mean something when voters pare the at-large field to 12 and the District 2 field to two.
Our hope is that more candidates will mean more attention to the races, and a lengthier conversation between the candidates and the voters on important issues facing the city. There is no greater enemy to enlightened public policy than voter apathy. Let's hope that the large field turns into a larger voter turnout. There is plenty at stake in Worcester for the business community. The city's still disparate property tax rates, downtown and neighborhood development, and growing the business tax base are all critical to its economic future. A broader pool of candidates is a good start.
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