“Worcester got hooked!” People tell me when I travel about the city. “When will the city council return to city business?” I was hit by a ton of responses from members over the past week. Because I was one of only two votes to make Worcester a “sanctuary city” for transgender and gender divers people. The comments were overwhelmingly supportive, encouraging and very grateful to me for being a “voice of common sense.”
This decision was not made lightly. I spent hours listening to passionate stories from members of the LGBTQ community. They are actually victims, but they are not victims of the policy that our cities lack, but victims of the agenda that divides our communities and tries to use these residents as pawns. Something has become clear.
My vote for the “sanctuary” resolution may define part of my tenure, but I know it was cast for the greatest benefit of the whole community and I am prepared to stand up to it It's done.
The proposed sanctuary resolution would have been symbolic and would not have provided any additional protection beyond what was already in place. The term “sanctuary” has used such things provocatively to earn both national and international headlines. But it also puts critical federal funds at risk for the vital services of our city.
One in five Worcester people (19.8%) live in poverty and rely on federal funding programs that provide essential housing, food and healthcare support. Since someone has been selected to represent all the residents of Worcester, I have to put these basic needs into iconic gestures.
Residents have repeatedly expressed to me that the council will focus on specific issues such as fixing potholes, maintaining parks, strengthening public safety, managing taxes and improving schools. These are the responsibility to focus on improving the daily lives of everyone in Worcester.
My vote for the “sanctuary” resolution may define part of my tenure, but I support it, knowing it was cast for the greatest benefit of the community as a whole. Ready to do so. I aim to continue to focus on practical and meaningful governance to ensure that Worcester is a prosperous and inclusive city for everyone who calls it home.
