Shift Across America

Kate Toomey – City Councilor, Worcester MA

Age
51

Political affiliation
Democrat

Religion
Roman Catholic

Job/Title/Role in Community
City Councilor @ Large – Worcester, MA
Mother, Wife…all of the above.

My role is as an advocate for our city and for the people who live here and work here.

What is your relationship with the Local Indie Community
I’ve been a member of Worcester Local First…there’s nothing that will better improve the economy than supporting that which is local.

If your local indie community was an Animal, what would it be and why?
I would have to categorize it as a horse. A horse can transport you, a horse can do work and it’s a solid steady companion.

Which local biz would you and your community miss most if it were gone. Why?
This is the toughest question you’ve asked. We’re very diverse in Worcester culturally, diversity and in the business community as well. I couldn’t pick one over the other.

What one piece of advice from your organizing can you share with the other people and organizations who will see this?
Don’t be afraid to tell others. Sometimes I think that’s the biggest hurdle, sometimes we think that everyone knows, they must know. I’ve found that people don’t know, as much as something may have been advertised, as much as you think that everyone around you knows.

Be persistent with your message and use every medium you can.


If you had a message to deliver to all the other organizations and people who are part of this movement, what would it be?
The importance of supporting local business is more important to your well being than what you realize. The health of your community demands it.