City Council District 1 candidate 'Jenny' Pacillo wants to be strong advocate, ensure residents supported
WORCESTER - Jennifer Pacillo and David Peterson are vying for the City Council District 1 seat made vacant after incumbent Sean M. Rose decided he would not seek reelection.
Recently, Pacillo shared why she is running and why she is the best person for the job.
Jennifer "Jenny" Pacillo
Age: 41
Education: Bachelor of arts in history from Worcester State University; master of arts in teaching and master of public administration, both from Clark University
Occupation: Editor at Pulse Magazine and CM Pride
Why are you running?
Pacillo said she is running for City Council District 1 because she is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those in her community.
“I grew more involved in the community when my partner Nate and I bought a home in Burncoat and started a family,” the mother of three young children said. “I want to be a strong advocate for the values that matter most to us, ensuring that our children have the best opportunities and residents have the support they need.”
Pacillo said she looks forward to building partnerships that benefit residents and small businesses with the many dedicated people throughout Worcester that work tirelessly to improve the city. “District one’s neighborhoods are vibrant and diverse,” Pacillo said. “As your next counselor, I will be a voice for every resident, whether you live on the West Side, in Burncoat or on Lincoln Street.”
Important issues
Pacillo said her top three priorities are quality of life, responsive constituent services and city planning.
“I will fight for better quality city services like snow removal, litter removal and crosswalk and road repair,” Pacillo said. “Constituent services are a top priority for me. You’ll always have my number and I’ll always pick up the phone and be your advocate.”
Pacillo said her economic development priorities revolve around fostering a thriving and inclusive community that includes spearheading the Greendale revitalization and propelling development of the new Burncoat High School.
“I believe that economic growth should be synonymous with community advancement and this means sustainable development that is resilient to climate change, fair living wages for workers and workforce development initiatives,” she said.
What makes you the best person for the job?
Pacillo said she will be a committed public servant who puts the needs of the community first, with a keen eye to strategic city-wide planning including a dual tax rate that saves homeowners money.
“I led the charge for greater engagement and transparency in City Council meetings when I worked to ensure remote participation as a permanent option for municipal meetings,” Pacillo said. “A blended civic future is the start to breaking down barriers and making our local government more accessible.”
Pacillo said she believes in promoting open communication and accountability to ensure that the community is informed and involved in the decisions that affect them directly.
“My extensive knowledge of local issues will allow me to make educated decisions that positively impact the city, while my dedicated and persistent approach guarantees a relentless pursuit of initiatives that will enhance the well-being of Worcester and its residents,” she said.
What makes you different from your opponent?
“My journey has been rooted in hard work and compassion, from waitressing my way through college to starting a family and understanding the struggles of the middle working class firsthand,” Pacillo said. “I have been showing up and getting involved in the community for years, from Human Rights Commission listening sessions, Worcester Now Next events to registering new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies with the League of Women Voters.”
Pacillo points out that she spent two years studying policy, leadership and best practices in Clark University’s master of public administration senior leadership program.
As a mom, she said she is able to handle various challenges with patience and compassion and has proven her commitment to fostering a harmonious and thriving environment for all residents.
“My experiences have shaped my understanding of the everyday struggles faced by both my family and our community members, and my academic endeavors have equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to enact meaningful change,” Pacillo said. “I will be dedicated to utilizing my empathy, expertise and unwavering commitment to create a better future for all in district one and the entire city of Worcester.”
District 1 generally includes the following neighborhoods: Salisbury Street, Westwood Hills, Assumption University, Hancock Hill, Grove Street, Holden Street, Indian Hill, Indian Lake, Greendale, the Summit, Quinsigamond Community College, Upper Burncoat, Clark Street, Lincoln Village, Great Brook Valley, Curtis Apartments, Montvale and Massachusetts Avenue Local Historic districts, Hammond Heights, Bancroft Tower, Winter Heights and Richmond/Flagg.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: City Council District 1 candidate 'Jenny' Pacillo wants to be advocate
