City Councilor-at-Large Frederick C. Rushton, who came within 117 votes of becoming mayor in 2007 and was widely speculated to be making another bid for the office in this years municipal election, will not be running for mayor after all.
Mr. Rushton announced last night he will only seek re-election to his at-large seat on the City Council, putting to rest any talk of another political showdown in November between Mr. Rushton and the incumbent, Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes.
After much contemplation, he said, these unprecedented times in the citys history made him question what political position would enable him to most effectively achieve the results he wants for Worcester.
I first ran five years ago, motivated by an idea that I might play a small part in transforming Worcester from its industrial past to its cutting-edge future, Mr. Rushton said in a statement. That fundamental notion still burns deep. Thats why Im running for re-election as a city councilor at-large
Over the coming months I will battle to protect our schools, stimulate the economy, make for a healthier environment and provide a more power and direct contact with City Hall, he added. My ideas will be a mix of progressive and older ideas, ranging from advocating to change the educational funding formula, cutting costs at City Hall, improving efficiencies through programs like 311, and formulating a method to achieve a single tax rate to lower business and residential property taxes.
As a city councilor, Mr. Rushton said, he will continue to speak out when he feels the city government and administration can be more responsive, open and compassionate.
By dispelling speculation now about his mayoral intentions, Mr. Rushton said, he will be able to accomplish more for the city in the long run, rather than having his actions viewed as having political motives.
Certainly we have a number of challenges ahead, but I am confident our inner compasses will guide us to meet those challenges, he said.