Jose's PRIORITIES as your District 5 city councilor
Public Safety
Jose will not support efforts to defund the police. He believes in accountability at all levels of government and was in favor of the body camera program now in place. Jose will advocate for increased patrols where residents and businesses feel they are needed, and he will also work to build bridges and improve trust between law enforcement and the community they serve.
Housing
The city has a housing crisis. Rivera will work with the city administration to encourage more affordable housing, believing we need to reach dep into our toolbox and find the tools to address it. Criticizing each other will not help. Believing every Worcester resident is owed nothing less, Rivera will work with the city’s state and federal delegation to get the funding and policies needed to try and guarantee every resident has a place to call home.
Homelessness
Rivera does not believe shelters are the solution to homelessness. The city is fortunate to have providers who have stepped up to help the rising number of unhoused individuals in Worcester, but Rivera believes more permanent, supportive housing is needed. Rivera believes the discussion about housing, and how everyone should have a roof over their heads, must include the city’s homeless. He would support a comprehensive, community-driven plan that helps to erase the stigma attached to the homeless community, while ensuring they receive the wraparound services they need.
Youth Activities
As a former world-class athlete who spent many days at the Boys & Girls Club, Jose knows the value of youth sports and the impact a great coach or mentor can have on children. He will work with youth leagues in District 5 to help ensure they remain viable options for any sports- or activity-minded youth. He will champion after-school youth activities, knowing they also help keep children safe as they are occupied in healthy endeavors.
Jobs
Whether talking about our youth or adult populations, Rivera believes good-paying, sustainable jobs are among the best antidote to idle hands and minds. He believe that means creating an atmosphere that recognizes the challenges local business owners faced during COVID and provides the guidance and tools that will allow them to hire and maintain employees. Rivera will work to build on the good work being done by the city’s Office of Economic Development and community partners to support existing businesses and encourage new, smart investment in business opportunities.
Business
Many businesses are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jose feels we need to expand the business base to create more revenue for the city and district.
Safe Streets
Jose will always push for safer streets and sidewalks throughout District 5, so you and your children can cross the road without fear. Jose will look to build on measures already in place and work in partnership with the newly-established Department of Transportation and Mobility to proactively – not reactively – address road safety. He believes in investing in modernized road and crosswalk safety controls, clearly delineated driving lanes, repainted crosswalks where they have faded, and other street and sidewalk safety measures.
Taxes
Rivera’s goal is to help make this city livable and affordable for residents and businesses alike. Rivera looks forward to working closely with residential and business leaders, along with our city administration, to get it done.
