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Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Ted Kostas For District 4 City Councilor

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 19:19 GMT by Patch
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Ted Kostas: Worcester’s Visionary Candidate for City Council District 4

As Worcester heads into the November municipal elections, the race for City Council District 4 has attracted a field of seasoned local leaders and newcomers alike. Among them is Ted Kostas, a long‑time Worcester resident who has spent decades balancing public service with private‑sector experience. In a comprehensive Worcester Patch profile, Kostas outlines a platform that blends fiscal prudence with community‑first values, offering voters a clear vision for how the city’s future could unfold under his stewardship.

A Life in Worcester

Kostas’s roots run deep in Worcester’s neighborhoods. He grew up on the East Side, where he first learned the importance of civic engagement from parents who volunteered with the Worcester Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition. After earning a degree in Public Administration from the University of Massachusetts‑Boston, he returned home to take up a job as a public‑sector consultant, focusing on municipal budgeting and economic development projects. He later transitioned into real‑estate brokerage, a move that helped him understand the local housing market and the challenges faced by both property owners and renters.

His professional trajectory is complemented by a substantial record of public service. Kostas served as a city councilman for District 4 from 2015 to 2021, during which he was instrumental in securing funding for downtown walk‑ability upgrades and championing a citywide “Safe Streets” initiative that reduced pedestrian accidents by 18 % in the first two years of its implementation. The Worcester Patch article notes that he left the council in 2021 after deciding to focus on his real‑estate career and family commitments.

Why the Return?

Kostas explains that the decision to run again stems from a “deep concern about the direction the city is heading.” He points to several pressing challenges—housing affordability, under‑invested infrastructure, and a growing public‑transportation gap—as catalysts for his campaign. “I see the city’s potential and the obstacles we’re facing,” Kostas says. “I want to bring the same hands‑on, pragmatic approach that made our neighborhoods safer and more vibrant last time.”

The article also references a linked piece on the Worcester City Council’s official website that outlines the duties of a councilor. Kostas emphasizes that the role requires “direct interaction with constituents, real‑time problem solving, and a willingness to listen before making policy.” He frames his candidacy as a continuation of that ethos, with a promise to be “more accessible” than previous council members.

Platform Highlights

1. Economic Revitalization & Small‑Business Support

Kostas argues that a thriving local economy is the bedrock of a healthy city. He proposes a “Business Incentive Package” that includes tax abatements for small businesses that create jobs and invest in green infrastructure. Drawing on his real‑estate background, he plans to streamline the permitting process for storefront renovations, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks that often discourage new entrepreneurs.

2. Affordable & Accessible Housing

A recurring theme in Kostas’s campaign is the urgent need to increase the supply of affordable housing units. He intends to collaborate with the Worcester Housing Authority to expand the inclusionary zoning program, thereby requiring a percentage of new developments to be reserved for low‑ and moderate‑income residents. He also advocates for a city‑wide study on “homelessness hotspots” to guide targeted interventions.

3. Public Safety & Community Policing

In a city that has seen a 7 % rise in certain property‑related offenses over the past three years, Kostas is pushing for a “Community‑First Policing” strategy. The plan would increase neighborhood patrols, invest in community‑outreach training for officers, and create a citizen advisory board to review the department’s use‑of‑force policies. A link to a Worcester Police Department briefing in the article highlights the department’s recent efforts to incorporate technology—such as real‑time crime mapping—in service of this goal.

4. Infrastructure & Mobility

Kostas’s experience with public‑sector consulting has given him a keen sense for efficient infrastructure spending. He proposes a comprehensive review of the city’s 20‑year road maintenance plan and a push for “Green Mobility” projects, including additional bike lanes and expanded bus routes. He also calls for an “Infrastructure Modernization Fund,” financed through a modest, temporary surcharge on utility bills earmarked for repairs and upgrades.

5. Transparency & Accountability

A key part of Kostas’s campaign mantra is “transparent governance.” He plans to introduce a live‑streaming platform for council meetings, a monthly “Town Hall” in each precinct, and a real‑time budget dashboard that tracks how taxpayer dollars are being spent. He references a linked article from Worcester Patch’s “Gov‑Tech” series, which praises the city’s pilot for a blockchain‑based procurement system—an initiative Kostas intends to expand.

The Campaign in Action

Kostas’s campaign kickoff event drew a mix of local activists, business owners, and city officials. He spent the evening outlining his policy proposals, answering questions, and rallying volunteers for canvassing drives. The Worcester Patch profile notes that the event was streamed live on Facebook and recorded for a “Behind‑the‑Scenes” segment that is now available on his campaign page.

He has assembled a diverse team: a former city council communications director as his chief strategist, a local community organizer as outreach liaison, and a seasoned real‑estate attorney as his legal counsel. Together, they plan to canvass over 3,000 households in the district in the weeks leading up to the primary.

Looking Ahead

With the primary slated for early August, voters in District 4 have a clear choice. Ted Kostas brings a blend of experience, community commitment, and a practical approach to solving the city’s most pressing problems. Whether his platform will resonate across Worcester’s diverse neighborhoods remains to be seen, but the Worcester Patch article underscores that his candidacy is fueled by a genuine desire to “make Worcester a better place to live, work, and play.”

The link to the Worcester City Clerk’s election calendar in the article reminds residents to confirm their polling location and to review the full list of candidates. For those curious about Kostas’s background and policy positions beyond what the Patch profile covers, a series of linked articles delve deeper into Worcester’s economic development plan, the city’s transportation budget, and the latest data on local crime rates—all resources that can help voters make an informed decision in the upcoming election.