QUINCY — The Quincy Mayoral Race consists of candidates, incumbent Paul Worley and Manny Rodriguez. Both candidates were given the same deadline and set of questions, that they answered as follows.

Q: Data Centers and food processing are the two major industries that we see in Quincy. What diversification of the city’s economy would you like to see and how would you go about making that happen?

Worley: I would like to see all types of businesses come to Quincy. Motels, fruit and vegetable processors, industries, retail stores like Target, and various types of sit-down restaurants. We will continue working with the Port District, Chamber of Commerce, along with the School, Hospital, and Fire Districts to make Quincy an inviting place to attract businesses for our citizens to enjoy.

Rodriguez: Diversification of the Economy Quincy’s economy has long relied on agriculture and industry, but we need growth that also supports small businesses, downtown vitality, and tourism. The city budget dedicates $87,000 to tourism and $20,000 to the Chamber, but we must go further. As Mayor, I’ll push for investments in small business development, bilingual workforce training, and partnerships with schools for trades and tech education. This not only diversifies our economy but ensures that local families, not just outside companies, share in Quincy’s growth.

Q: What should the city do to address the growing demands on its housing market?

Worley: The city will continue working with contractors and developers to expedite projects and make sure codes and regulations are followed. We will also continue our funding to Serve Quincy to help with rental assistance up to 3 months for people in need. We will also in the near future be giving funds to the Catholic Charities to help them keep their costs down in their facilities.

Rodriguez: Housing Market Housing affordability is one of Quincy’s biggest challenges. Families are feeling squeezed as prices rise, with many homes out of reach. The city budget sets aside just $175,000 in affordable housing support, out of $115 million. That’s a start, but not enough. As Mayor, I’ll prioritize partnerships with nonprofits, developers, and state/federal programs to bring more affordable housing online. I’ll also advocate for mixed-use developments downtown that add housing while revitalizing our core. Our goal should be a Quincy where teachers, farmworkers, and seniors can all afford to live, not just tech workers.

Q: The Complete Streets program was adopted at a recent council meeting alongside multiple projects to repair and improve roads around the city. What are some other infrastructure projects that you would like to implement in the future?

Worley: The Complete Streets program allows us to apply for Federal and State funding for streets and infrastructure. I want to see Well 3 refurbished and the new reservoir (tank) finished. We are out for bids now. We also need to upgrade our Municipal waste treatment plant so we can meet our future demands.

Rodriguez: Infrastructure Projects The city has committed millions to road work through Complete Streets and construction reserves. But residents want more than just wider roads, they want safe sidewalks, bike paths, and reliable crossings. The 2025 budget includes $200,000 for sidewalk improvements and $25,000 for storm drains, but that’s only a start. As Mayor, I’ll prioritize filling sidewalk gaps near schools, improving safety along SR 28, and addressing railroad crossings so students and families can move safely across town. I’ll also explore community transit options for seniors and youth and expand free public Wi-Fi in common areas like parks and downtown so families can stay connected. Quincy is a thriving city, and we should be investing in infrastructure that fixes what’s broken while also building opportunities for the future.

Q: What will you do to support important community events like Farmer Consumer Awareness Day and the Dru Gimlin tournament?

Worley: Personally, I have donated money and Labor to both FCAD and the Dru Gimlin Tournament. As Mayor, I have always made sure the entire staff helps in any way they can, from the bleachers to street closures, extra Police presence, garbage containers and clean up.

Rodriguez: Supporting Community Events Community pride runs deep in Quincy, and events like Farmer Consumer Awareness Day and the Dru Gimlin Tournament bring us together. The city budget sets aside $14,000 for tourism activities and $12,000 for summer movie nights and concerts. As Mayor, I’ll strengthen partnerships with local organizers, ensure events get the logistical support they need, and expand outreach so all of Quincy, Anglo and Latino families alike, feels welcome. Events aren’t just entertainment, they build our shared identity and show pride in Quincy.

Q: What are the two largest challenges facing Quincy and how do you feel they should be addressed?

Worley: Two of the biggest problems are growth and aging infrastructure. The growth is great, but sometimes it can make things difficult to plan. It causes things to be accelerated. We have a six-year and a 20-year plan. We update both every year. We have some things being pulled off the 20-year because we already had to do it due to a new business or development. Some of the infrastructure has to be replaced or updated, and the developer pays their share. However, we pay for our share too. That is where the problem is. We can put in for grants and low-interest loans every other year. However, we are competing with every other city and town applying for the funding. Most Cities and Towns have the same infrastructure problems. We will continue to prioritize our projects and maintain the quality of service the city provides daily to all its citizens.

Rodriguez: Challenges Facing Quincy Two of Quincy’s biggest challenges are affordable housing and communication. Families are being priced out, with homes often exceeding $600,000, while the city only allocates $175,000 toward affordability. This must be scaled up with stronger partnerships and smart growth policies. The second challenge is communication and representation. Many residents, especially Spanish-speakers, feel left out of decisions. Yet the city budget has no plan for real multilingual outreach or a community calendar. As Mayor, I’ll prioritize transparency, inclusive leadership, and practical steps, like bilingual updates and neighborhood forums, to ensure every voice is heard.