Worcester Candidate Profile: Jesse Gibson For City Council

WORCESTER, MA — With the Worcester preliminary out of the way, the city's at-large candidate pool shrunk from 15 to 13. The field of 13 candidates will battle it out in the polls in November when just six spots will remain. Worcester's general election will be Nov. 5.

Worcester Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Jesse Gibson is running for at-large City Councilor in Worcester. Gibson works as a General Overseer for Throne of Grace Ministries, the Executive Director of Project Rebuild Groups and as a Preventive Health Outreach Educator, among other things. Gibson and his wife have three children.

Are you running for office in Worcester? Contact Samantha Mercado at samantha.mercado@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Worcester Patch.

Previously on Patch: Worcester Preliminary Has Small Turnout, Familiar Faces Advance

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The people: This have to do with the devise population of Worcester, which includes the Youth and Elder population etc. What I am going to do is to work harder to allocate funds to aid and enable different youth programs to give the youth the services they need for better opportunity. Making sure that the elderly population get their fair share in the community. Partnering with DPH and DHA for the wellbeing of the elderly.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The quality of life experiences that I have had, from childhood up until present, including traveling around the world and working with people from different background. My ability to understand people with in hardships; and understanding people who are going through hardship from different cultural background. Most especially immigrants population from difference spectrum life. Not just understand diversity, but working with diverse community. With my problem solving skills.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Since this it is not between two individual, but group of candidates, officeholder, and those of us that seeking these offices. I want people to know that we can do better with empowerment. Empowering everyone by working with the city's diversity and inclusion advisory committee to ensure that all Worcester's dwellers, which comprises the immigrants and underrepresented communities to have their voices heard. I will Work harder so that they are giving the fair treatment and every opportunities in our community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

“PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST”

Safety & Investment in our youth
1. I will support efforts to allocate funds to aid and enable after school programming focused on positive youth development and skill-building.

2. I will support efforts to educate our youth and young adult on the dangers of drinking and the use of illicit drug. Also supporting programs to help those under addiction

B. Elderly populations
1. I will work to improve the wellbeing of our elderly population. Partnering with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and other organizations to improve housing and prevent elderly abuse.

2. I will promote our senior center, raising awareness throughout immigrant communities.

C. School system
• I will maintain an open relationship with Worcester Public schools superintendent and the Teacher’s Union (EAW). Together, we will work to mitigate challenges and provide more resources for schools.
Security:
I will work closely with the chief of Police and Worcester Police Department strengthening relationship throughout the immigrant community and the community at large.
EMPOWERMENT
• I will collaborate with the city’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee to ensure all immigrant and underrepresented communities have their voices heard by local government

• I will support efforts to effectively disseminate relevant information and resources to the disenfranchised communities often overlooked.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I got the education, even though it is personal, but it is the vehicle that will enable to handle this job. I serve as co-chair for the Citizens Advisory Council, that recruit volunteers for the 29 boards of commission for the city of Worcester, for many years. I serve as member of Worcester’s Coalition Against Bias and Hate. and member of Worcester Clergy/Police Community Partnership. (WCPCP). Making Worcester a peaceful place.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Don't give up, on anyone, no matter what.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am compassionate, I listen to people. I like to be held accountable. I am the servant of the people.