Matt Wally

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Committed to our community. Committed to you.

Serving in public office is an honor like no other. During my two terms as your District 5 City Councilor, I have often leaned on the Jesuit principles instilled in me while a student at Holy Cross.  The tenant, “women and men for and with others,” has guided me and served as a reminder that the true value of an elected official is to serve others. 

There is no greater feeling than solving a problem for someone in need and the focus on constituent services has been my favorite aspect of being a District Councilor.  While some solutions come quickly, others take time and effort from multiple stakeholders.  But in every instance, I have learned that the most important action I can take is to listen without judgement and understand the significance of a problem for that individual regardless of how big or small. 

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In addition to problem solving, I have also relished my role in helping to secure needed funding for District 5, especially for our recreational areas. Among the improvements I’ve helped bring forth: a new rectangular playing field at Farber Field, the new basketball courts and upgrades to the walking trail at Hadwen Park, accessible beach access and an accessible kayak and canoe launch at Binienda Beach at Coes Pond, and a new playground surface at May Street School. I am equally proud to have pushed for a conservation restriction for the parkland atop Newton Hill and to have facilitated better management and maintenance of the Hadwen Arboretum in concert with professors and students from Clark University. 

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In my two terms, I have been proactive in taking leadership positions on many issues that would impact not only the district, but the city as a whole. These issues include:

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●     expanding the cities streetscape policy to neighborhoods outside of the downtown business district in order to improve roadway aesthetics and increase pedestrian safety; 

●     providing tax relief to Worcester’s small businesses; 

●     developing a municipal owned broadband network to provide equitable internet connection to all of Worcester’s residents;

●     updating Worcester’s Tree Policy in order to properly manage the removal, planting and maintenance of public trees;

●     developing a rental registry to help provide safer housing opportunities for Worcester residents. 

I have been truly honored to serve as the District 5 City Councilor and have learned and grown as a public servant with your help. After discussions with my family, friends, and campaign supporters, I have decided to pursue an At-Large City Councilor position during the 2021 election cycle. An at-large position will allow me to continue to serve the city of Worcester and further advocate for city wide issues that I am truly passionate about, including: equitable internet access, small business support, and the development of pedestrian friendly street design. 

I look forward to continuing to serve the constituents of District 5 and discussing issues impacting the entire city during the next campaign.

Sincerely,

Matt Wally  

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Worcester Election Countdown is co-hosted by Gary Vecchio and Gary Rosen.
The Worcester municipal election is happening this year, and the Garys want you to know the candidates and their platform before you vote in November.

Click below to watch Matt's interview:
Meet Matt Wally, candidate for City Council At-Large.
 

Talk of the Commonwealth with Hank Stolz on Radio Worcester hosted Matt to discuss his run for City Council At-Large.

Click here to listen to the interview.
 

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Focus for District 5: 

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Public Safety Initiatives That Protect Our Neighborhoods

I will work to maintain high levels of police coverage in the neighborhoods during the day and at night to deter and stop crime.

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As the Chair of the Traffic and Parking Committee I have advocated for an increase in traffic safety measures to ensure neighborhoods are safe for pedestrians, school children, and bicyclists.

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Public Park Improvements

Since my time as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission I have seen the positive impact beautiful, well-maintained parks have on our neighborhoods.  During my time on the Council I have secured funding for a rectangular playing field at Farber Field and for improvements to Hadwen Park, and for the necessary ongoing maintenance to protect these assets.

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Fiscally Responsible Renovation / Replacement of Doherty and South High Schools

School construction is managed by the City before a completed building is turned over to the School Department.  As a councilor I will work to ensure accountability for any future construction work on Doherty and South High Schools is completed on time and on budget. I also believe it is vital to finance these schools through a pre-construction school stabilization fund. 

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Practical Experience with City Planning

• Master’s Degree in Community Development & Planning

• Former Instructor at Clark University in Community Development Finance

• Former Executive Director of Worcester Community Housing Resources  

• Current Government & Community Affairs VP for a local bank with a focus on
  neighborhood reinvestment

• Former Member of The Parks & Recreation Commission

Committed to the Worcester Community

• Director, Greater Worcester Community Foundation

• Trustee Associate, Nativity School of Worcester

• Steering Committee Member, Worcester Tree Initiative

• Vice President, Quinsigamond Community College Foundation

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Worcester Educated

The son of Worcester Public School educators, Matt has always placed a high value on education.
His own educational path highlights the very best of Worcester’s schools and universities:

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• K-12 Worcester Public Schools

• Undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross

• Graduate degree in Community Development & Planning from Clark University 

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