by Grace Ross

Worcester is a city rich in so many ways! Worcester was home to the case that prompted Massachusetts to outlaw slavery before any other state. Worcester hosted the first women’s rights convention. Our forebears refused to enforce immoral fugitive slave laws.

As an immigrant City, we have layers and layers of wonderful cultures and peoples. Worcester’s days are filled with numerous activities, festivals and opportunities for exploration (if only we all knew about them before hand instead of reading about them in the paper the day after). And we are honored by the ongoing presence of the First peoples as well.
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Dear friends,

In June, a letter to Worcester Magazine labeled me anti-Semitic; I was profoundly disturbed by this serious allegation. Please forgive the time taken to find the right response. (I address elsewhere the confusion about my foreign policy positions).

I am deeply committed to backing the Jewish community against discrimination or exclusion in Worcester to the best of my ability, like all the communities of our wonderfully culturally and spiritually rich City.

Not being raised Jewish, my grasp of anti-Semitism is inherently somewhat limited. I was however raised in New York amid a strong Jewish community. My family took explicit actions against anti-Semitic discrimination and instilled great respect for Jewish traditions.

Jewish values around justice, righteousness and atonement heavily influenced me. I still learn and am nourished by Passover and Yom Kippur observances and increase my understanding of Jewish life.

Whether supporting my co-workers’ right to various religious holidays, joining celebrations or publicly denouncing anti-Semitic graffiti and other outrages, I always strive to serve and lead. Well-being and respect for those of us who are Jewish remains central to me as does the well-being of every person: no one is expendable on my watch.

L’Shana Tova,

Grace C Ross, City Council Candidate

The Central Massachusetts AFL-CIO endorsed Grace Ross for City Councilor at-large Thursday night, September 20th at their endorsement meeting.

Ross spoke of years of union support work as an over ten year member of the Massachusetts Jobs with Justice Executive Committee and growing up to stories from her father from the musician’s union and McCarthy-ism.

“It was a slam dunk,” according to one of the union members as Grace Ross left the front of the room. Grace Ross also received the endorsement of the Turnpike and Tunnel Workers Union, Teamster Local 127 whom she had spoken out for during the gubernatorial race.

“I know that the vote and organizing help from the workers of this City made a difference September 11. I continue to speak strongly for the need for respecting wages and OSHA protections and the increase in wages that unions bring to the whole work force in our City,” explained Grace Ross, “And of course, support is coming from all directions, we have word that an endorsement from one of the really big environmental groups is on its way!”

As blogged by Worcester Magazine:

Earlier this morning, Grace Ross announced in front of City Hall that she was out of the mayoral campaign.

“I am going to put myself in the best position I believe I can make the greatest contribution from,” Ross said. “That is NOT for now the Mayor.”

Thanks for voting for Grace Ross! She came in 6th in the preliminary election, and got the most votes of any non-incumbent candidate.

Please don’t forget to vote in the general election November 6.

There’s now a page of quotes about Grace Ross from those who live and work in Worcester. Check ‘em out!