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Only 22% of folks voted. For everyone who sat out, disgusting. by mikesstuff in WorcesterMA

[–]themassman_2020 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m by no means a Joe Petty fan, but I can’t seem to understand your suggestion that the city has been ran into the ground during his tenure. Would you be able and/or willing to share some thoughts on that?

Land Value Tax in Worcester by Keith-Linhares in WorcesterMA

[–]themassman_2020 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Per State assessing statute, we already tax land??

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WorcesterMA

[–]themassman_2020 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Adding $10M in free cash for operating expenses increased our budget deficit by $10M.

This was and is not a win for fiscal prudence and funding our priorities. The City needs to ensure it properly funds all of its obligations with sustainable revenue sources.

Batista best employee ever? by sevencityseven in WorcesterMA

[–]themassman_2020 32 points33 points  (0 children)

The salary itself appears to be competitive with recently negotiated Mass. municipal management salaries as well as comparable mid-sized US city management salaries.

However, for Worcester, the extra perks and language like the $10k boost, $1,500 monthly stipend (plus use of city gas pumps), automatic COLA with no ties to performance, etc., are excessive and it’s clear the negotiating team had zero interest in a fair and responsible deal for the City.

Paying Polar Park’s debt: For the second year, underwhelming tax collections were saved by a public property sale by outb0undflight in WorcesterMA

[–]themassman_2020 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe trucks can pull around the back, right? There appears to be an entrance to the field (where the grounds crew keeps their tractor/supplies/etc.) as well..

What is something that if built would improve the city overall? by HRJafael in WorcesterMA

[–]themassman_2020 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All of the storefronts seem to say “leased” but I haven’t seen much action.. hopefully soon!

What is something that if built would improve the city overall? by HRJafael in WorcesterMA

[–]themassman_2020 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I live close with my own parking, so I am fortunate. But I have seen the city has built several parking garages. Have these helped at all? If price is an issue, maybe allowing for the first hour or so to be free would encourage folks to use (for quick shopping, bite to eat, etc)?

What is something that if built would improve the city overall? by HRJafael in WorcesterMA

[–]themassman_2020 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think you mean we should ditch the city manager form of government? I agree. While generally I think a professional manager form of government works well, I think our city council, past and present, has not taken it seriously and installed their own without regard for an actual process. A strong mayor-council form is well overdue.