Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Jose Rivera For District 5 City Councilor

WORCESTER, MA — The municipal election is heating up in Worcester, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the mayoral election, but every district seat is up for grabs.

There are five districts in Worcester.

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

Jose Rivera is running for the District 5 City Councilor position.

Campaign website

www.votejoserivera.com

Age

52

Family

My wife and I are a blended family; we have 5 kids.

Position sought

City Council District 5

Party affiliation

I am an independent/unenrolled.

Educational background

Graduated from South High School 1991.

Are you originally from Worcester?

I moved to Worcester at 16 years old.

What is your occupation?

Assistant Chief Court Officer in Dudley District Court.

Have you previously or currently been elected to an office?

Not yet.

Why are you running for the District 5 City Councilor position?

I am running again because I lost by 168 votes to an incumbent as a first-time candidate in 2023. I am not going to quit on the District 5 residents who believe in me now. They know that I will represent them and the city of Worcester with pride, honor and respect.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is safe streets and sidewalks. For example: I attended a public works meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 24, and a couple of district 5 residents put in a petition to get their street and sidewalks fixed they had great support from their neighbors as well in hopes that they can get the city councilors to prioritize Willard Ave. A street that I learned has been in bad shape for 52 years. How is that possible? I want to allocate more money for streets and sidewalks & I want to propose an increase in street and sidewalk budget. Using free cash and a % of new growth.

What sets you apart from other candidates seeking this position?

The District 5 incumbent and I are quite apart on many issues. I will just name a few that I feel may be important to the voters who have not made up their minds yet. I support public safety and our WPD. I did not sign the defund the police letter. I will support changing the rules that a City Councilor cannot receive taxpayers' money if they decide not to show up to work. The incumbent voted against it. I will not support abolishing single-family zoning. The incumbent feels that it may be controversial, but an idea worth pursuing.

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

I will work toward expanding spring street sweeping to include leaves and branches that were missed in the fall or not picked up at all. Also, I want to make sure there are no major traffic changes until public meetings are held (Mill St).

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

I would like the residents of District 5 to focus on my present willingness to utilize all of my positive traits, which I have used to overcome many obstacles in my life and accomplish all of my successes - in boxing, as a motivational speaker, as a current Assistant Chief Court Officer and as an entrepreneur. My life experiences has taught me to be grateful and to be a person of good character. I will lead with Integrity and transparency. I want the residents in District 5 to know that it will be my honor for me to be their customer service representative.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself?

I am a blessed husband and proud dad of my kids and stepson, and my 4-year-old grandson. The support of my family is greatly appreciated. I am also a proud soccer and dance dad to my oldest daughter, who plays for Clark University, and my youngest daughter, who dances for the Elite competition team.

See Also:

• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Ted Kostas For District 4 City Councilor
• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Owura Sarkodieh For Mayor, City Councilor At-Large
• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Sue Mailman For School Committee At-Large