10 Questions For George Russell, 2023 Worcester Council Incumbent

WORCESTER, MA — For the first time in years, every single city council election in Worcester in 2023 is competitive, meaning every incumbent (or multiple incumbents in the case of the at-large race) is facing a challenger.

Voters in Worcester will go to the polls Nov. 7 to elect the next slate of councilors for the coming two-year term. To help voters make their decisions, Worcester Patch sent 10 questions to each candidate running for city council this year, including both incumbents and challengers. We'll publish them ahead of Election Day as candidates return them.

District 3 incumbent George Russell is running for his seventh term as a councilor in 2023. Russell first won the seat in 2011 after nearly 20 years under Paul P. Clancy Jr. This year, Russell will face his first challenger since 2017. Here's how he answered our candidate questionnaire:

What is the main job of a city councilor in Worcester?

As District City Councilor I see my role is a voice of the people from our area. A big part of my role as a District Councilor is helping residents and businesses with Constituent Services.

The council in 2022 began a national search for a new city manager, but then stopped to hire Eric Batista. What are your thoughts on the city manager hiring process both recently and in general?

I have been through a national search that resulted in the hiring of Ed Augustus who did not even fill out an application and his work as city manager transformed Worcester. I attempted to give City Manager Batista a 2-year contract from the beginning so he could focus on his job from day one.

If you could pick three goals for Batista to work toward in the coming council term, what would they be?

The CM has a lot more than 3 goals from me. Of course, issues around Public Safety, Housing and efficient delivery of services would be included.

This summer, Batista told councilors he was declining to act on an order they voted affirmatively on (crisis pregnancy centers). Do you think that’s an appropriate response, why or why not?

I supported the original request and still believe that any healthcare service that is advertised including abortion services should be provided by those advertising. I understand the city manager's hesitance because the legal advice he received. I certainly prefer the final report on the issue laying out the options and reasons why the city manager thought it was not a good idea to pass it as originally proposed. I voted to send it to committee and voted against the file, which means I did not want that conversation to stop. I think it could have been done in a way to stand up in court.

Some city council subcommittees meet infrequently, sometimes only a few times a year. Do you think subcommittees should have a fixed schedule so they have a minimum number of meetings per year?

I chair the Public Works Committee and that is one of the more active committees. I do not believe that committees should just meet to meet or have a mandated schedule. Chairpersons should, however, hold meeting on items that their colleagues request and not intentionally hold items on pending lists.

Serious allegations about the conduct of the former police chief were recently made public in news reports. Do you think councilors should have an oversight role when serious allegations are made against city employees?

Our City Charter (Law) that sets up our City Government specifically says that if Councilors interfere with personnel issues we may be removed from office. That does not mean that we cannot review how the CM controls all City Employees as part of his evaluation or set general nonspecific personnel policy.

Councilors can use personal privilege to hold items before a meeting, delaying action for a week or longer. Do you think councilors should disclose why they’re holding items before doing so, why or why not?

No I do not support any change in city council rules regarding personal privilege.

There are many large, blighted parcels around Worcester, with the former Big D supermarket perhaps the most recognizable. Would you support a new tax on blighted parcels to ensure property owners don’t let them sit for long periods?

That’s illegal. Taxes are based on value and use. State law would have to change to allow such extra taxes. The code department and the economic development team should be front and center assisting with marketing and use ideas and make sure properties are secure and not unsightly.

What’s one thing you think you want to achieve as a city councilor if elected?

I want to finish my work advocating for upgrades at Worcester East Middle School including window replacements and HP upgrades. I also want to explore the possibility of providing City trash pick up without a bag fee.

More profiles in this series:

• Worcester 2023 Council Candidate Johanna Hampton-Dance: 10 Questions