Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Ted Kostas For District 4 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.

Ted Kostas is running for the District 4 City Councilor position.

Campaign website

https://tedkostasdistrict4.com

Age

65

Family

Married with one daughter

Position sought

District 4 Worcester City Council

Party affiliation

Republican

Educational background

Doherty Memorial High School, attended Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester State University and Quinebaug Valley Community College

Are you originally from Worcester?

Yes, born and raised in District 4

What is your occupation?

Program coordinator at Open Sky Community Services

Have you previously or currently been elected to an office?

No

Why are you running for the District 4 City Councilor position?

I want to share with you why I have chosen to run again. In 2023, I stepped forward with a vision for our community. I addressed the pressing issues that were impacting our neighborhoods and our families. Yet, here we are today, and I cannot ignore that many of those same issues remain unresolved. This is unacceptable. It is not just about policies or platforms. It is about the people who live in this district. It is about the families who deserve safe streets and affordable housing. It is about our children who should have access to quality education and recreational spaces. I am running because I believe we can do better. During my previous campaign, I listened to your concerns. I heard your stories and I felt your frustrations. I saw the passion in your eyes for a community that thrives. I believe that our neighborhood is full of potential waiting to be unlocked. But it requires leadership that is committed to action, not just words. I want to fight for you and with you. I want to ensure that your voices are not only heard but also acted upon. I am running to bring accountability back to our local government. Together, we can turn our shared vision into reality. Together, we can ensure that the issues that matter most to us are finally addressed. I am asking for your support once again. Let us work hand in hand to create a District 4 that we can all be proud of. Thank you for your time and your trust. Let's make this happen.

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

With over 40 years of experience in owning businesses in food service, real estate and development, I have witnessed firsthand how lack of housing can stifle growth and prosperity. I understand the complexities of this issue and the importance of finding a solution that benefits everyone. I intend to take decisive action. First, I will engage with developers and investors who are eager to invest in our community. Together, we will create innovative housing solutions that cater to a range of incomes. We will prioritize affordability and accessibility to ensure that no family is left behind. Second, I will advocate for smart zoning policies that allow for the construction of diverse housing options. We need to think beyond traditional single-family homes. We must welcome multifamily units and cooperative housing that can accommodate our growing population. Finally, I will work tirelessly to secure funding and grants that can help us build more homes. I will partner with local organizations to ensure that our initiatives align with the needs of our community.

What sets you apart from other candidates seeking this position?

What sets me apart from others seeking this position is not just my extensive experience in various businesses, but my unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and fostering innovation. Throughout my career, I have faced challenges that demanded relentless drive and commitment. I have navigated complex situations where many would have backed down. Instead, I have pushed forward, always striving for excellence and setting high expectations for myself and my team. This determination is not just about achieving goals; it means being forthcoming and transparent in all my dealings. I believe that open communication is the foundation of trust, and I am committed to building that trust within our community. What makes me different is my ability to listen and respond to the needs of those I serve. I understand the importance of being approachable and relatable. I am here to represent you, to ensure your voices are heard, and your concerns are addressed. I believe in collaboration, and I will work tirelessly to bring our community together, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. In this campaign, I do not just promise change. I promise a relentless pursuit of progress, a commitment to breaking down the barriers that hold us back, and a drive to create a brighter future for all of us.

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

We need to address the burdensome property taxes that weigh heavily on our residents and small businesses. I am committed to lowering both residential and commercial property taxes. We need to create an environment where our businesses can thrive, and our families can afford to stay in their homes. Another critical issue is the alarming rise in crime. Our neighborhoods deserve to be safe and secure. We must support our Worcester Police Department in their efforts to combat crime and the influx of lethal drugs that threaten our community. Together, we will implement strategies to tackle these challenges head-on. Equally pressing is the condition of our roads. We cannot allow potholes and crumbling infrastructure to be the norm. I will prioritize desperately improving and repairing our roads throughout the city. This is not only about safety but also about enhancing our quality of life. Fiscal responsibility is paramount. I will advocate for a balanced approach to budgeting that ensures we allocate resources effectively while still investing in our future. We cannot forget those among us who are struggling. I intend to work closely with city, state and federal agencies to provide shelters and services for our homeless population. We must also ensure that medical and mental health services are accessible to all.

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

Those experiences taught me how to listen, analyze complex data, and build coalitions across diverse perspectives. I bring not only practical know-how but the intelligence to diagnose problems quickly and the creativity to design lasting solutions. I approach every challenge with relentless energy—early mornings spent reviewing budgets, late nights meeting with residents to hear your concerns. I am dedicated to this community’s success and motivated by one simple truth: when our town thrives, every family benefits.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself?

I live here, I work here, and I raised my family here. Every block, every corner of our community shapes who we are—and I am committed to making it stronger. I believe that with hard work, dedication, and a clear vision, all of our aspirations can be achieved. Too often, common sense is drowned out by empty promises. Too often, real leadership is replaced by politics as usual. I’m running to change that. As your neighbor and your advocate, I will put practical solutions first: safer streets, better schools, and support for our local businesses. Together, we will restore accountability, rebuild trust, and bring back the honest, effective leadership District 4 and the City of Worcester deserves.

See Also:

• Worcester Preliminary Election Results: Here's Who Advanced To November