Worcesteria today

TECHNICALLY, IT IS TAX SEASON: It’s April, which means it’s time for city councilors to start hinting at what side of the dual tax rate line they’re on. Last December, when the tax levies for 2010 were set, many councilors criticized the political body for making springtime promises regarding how they would vote the following winter. But history seems to be repeating itself, as a couple of councilors have now hinted which way they’ll vote next time. While discussing using money from the sale of the airport in conjunction with street, sidewalk and school repair, Councilor At-Large Mike Germain bluntly said “It may be time to have the honest, straight-forward discussion about whether or not we’re going to hit the tax levy or not. I think it’s time that we have the courage to stand up and say let’s do it.” Germain went on to say that if there’s a way to demonstrate to tax payers that there will be an “ROI” (Return on Investment) then some will agree that the money would be well spent on streets and sidewalks or more police officers. After his speech, Mayor Joe O’Brien added a quick “Well said, Councilor Germain,” before deferring the floor to district 3 Councilor Paul Clancy, who started his speech by distancing himself from the idea with a “Yeah, says you, Mr. Mayor. Not me.”