Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Jermoh Kamara For City Councilor At-Large

WORCESTER, MA — The municipal election is heating up in Worcester, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Worcester Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Jermoh Kamara is running for a City Councilor at-large seat in Worcester.

Campaign website

www.jermohforworcester.com

Age

32

Position sought

Worcester City Council At-Large

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Educational background

South High - class of 2011

Provide College, class of 2015

New York Medical College, class of 2018

Are you originally from Worcester?

I was born in West Africa Liberia and when I was 11 years old, my family came to Worcester, fleeing war in Liberia. Worcester has been my home since 2004 when I arrived here.

What is your occupation?

I currently teach at Anna Maria College. President of Massachusetts Organization of African Descentants, small business owner.

Have you previously or currently been elected to an office?

Yes, Worcester School Committee

Why are you running for the Councilor at-large seat?

I’m running for Worcester City Council At-Large because I believe Worcester deserves leadership that listens, takes action, and delivers results.

As a former School Committee Member, nonprofit leader, and small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our families face from housing insecurity to rising costs of living and limited access to opportunity. My campaign is about building a Worcester where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive.

I’m running to champion housing affordability, expand access to education and workforce development, improve public safety and transportation, and ensure seniors can age with dignity in their homes. Worcester is growing, but that growth must work for everyone not just a few.

I’m ready to bring experience, integrity, and action-oriented leadership to City Hall to move Worcester forward, together.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Housing Insecurity and High Standard of Living

Far too many families in Worcester are struggling to afford rent, buy their first home, or keep up with rising utility costs. As City Councilor At-Large, I intend to tackle this by redirecting our city’s resources toward supporting residents not just out-of-town developers.

That means investing in first-time homebuyer programs, rent stabilization initiatives, and affordable housing options that allow working families and seniors to stay in their homes. It also means expanding property tax work-off programs, offering heat and energy assistance, and making it easier for homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units to support loved ones.

In addition, I’ll fight to hold utilities like Spectrum and National Grid accountable for unfair rate hikes and push for fair, transparent pricing that reduces household burdens.

My goal is simple to ensure that Worcester remains a city where everyone, from young families to lifelong residents, can afford to live, work, and retire with dignity.

What sets you apart from other candidates seeking this position?

I’m not just talking about change I’ve delivered it. As a former Worcester School Committee member, I voted to raise educator salaries, secured better contracts for school nurses, and made Worcester more competitive with surrounding districts. As a nonprofit founder, I’ve created opportunities for youth through STEM and life skills programs, helping prepare the next generation for success. As a teacher and small business owner, I understand both the challenges families face and the importance of supporting local entrepreneurship to keep our economy strong.

My leadership is built on action, collaboration, and accountability. I show up whether it’s standing with striking nurses on the picket line, working with local unions to pass the Responsible Development Ordinance, or advocating for safer, cleaner, and more connected neighborhoods.

I represent a new generation of leadership one that listens, leads with empathy, and fights for equity, housing affordability, and opportunity for all Worcester residents. I’m running to ensure our city’s progress reaches every family, every neighborhood, and every voice that’s too often left out of the conversation.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

In addition to housing affordability and the high cost of living, my campaign will also focus on education, public safety, and economic opportunity because these issues are deeply connected to Worcester’s long-term success.

First, I’ll continue to fight for stronger education and workforce development. Every student deserves access to quality schools that prepare them for the jobs of the future. That’s why I’m committed to expanding vocational training, investing in STEM education, and creating stronger partnerships between schools and local businesses to open real career pathways for young people.

Second, I will prioritize public safety and community well-being. That means improving pedestrian safety, strengthening relationships between law enforcement and residents, and ensuring every neighborhood has the lighting, signage, and infrastructure needed to keep families safe.

Finally, I’ll work to support local businesses and economic growth by cutting unnecessary red tape, offering technical assistance, and ensuring city contracts and incentives benefit Worcester-based workers and entrepreneurs not just outside developers.

At the heart of my campaign is a simple goal: to build a cleaner, safer, fairer, and more connected Worcester where everyone from our seniors to our students can thrive.

How does your experience prepare you for success in this position?

As a former Worcester School Committee Member, I made decisions that directly impacted families and educators, including voting to raise educator salaries and ensure livable wages for support staff. This experience taught me how to manage budgets responsibly, build consensus, and deliver results that improve people’s daily lives.

As a nonprofit leader and founder, I’ve created programs that empower young people through STEM and life skills education helping bridge the gap between education and opportunity. Through my nonprofit work I also provide avenues for entrepreneurs through education and providing seed funding to help them start, expand, or sustain their business ventures. I understand how to identify needs in our community, develop solutions, and bring people together to make them happen.

As a small business owner and teacher, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of strong local economies, workforce development, and equitable access to opportunity. I know what it takes to navigate city systems, advocate for fairness, and help others succeed.

Altogether, my background reflects the kind of practical leadership and community-driven experience Worcester needs someone who listens, collaborates, and takes action to move our city forward.

See Other Candidate Profiles:

• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Jessica Pepple For City Councilor At-Large
• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Cayden Davis For City Councilor At-Large
• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Owura Sarkodieh For Mayor, City Councilor At-Large