WORCESTER — It’s no secret to Massachusetts health officials that the Obama administration based its recent federal health care reform on what has happened in the Bay State.

Massachusetts health reform has been successful in increasing the number of insured residents in the commonwealth, top officials of the state's health care industry agree.

The next major challenge: controlling health care costs.

WORCESTER — Anyone looking for a seat on the School Committee will have to be adept at stretching a dollar or finding new ones as the district tries to serve a challenging student population during tight financial times.

WORCESTER — The 10 candidates for six seats on the School Committee will face off in a debate tonight, the first of four such events leading to the Nov. 8 election. Candidates for mayor and City Council will take part in future debates.

The primary focus of Worcester Mayor Joseph O'Brien's Task Force on Job Growth and Business Retention is seeking ways to improve the city's economic viability. Many constructive proposals were recommended and the mayor should get much credit for his vision, and for understanding that economic growth means a strong commercial industrial tax base that creates jobs, along with a stable mix of residential properties and city services.

The Research Bureau’s recent report, “Questions for the 2011 Candidates for City Council and School Committee in Worcester” offers voters an opportunity to become familiar with key issues faced by city officials. As a means of promoting civic awareness and involvement, the Telegram & Gazette today completes publication of selections from the Bureau’s report.

The Research Bureau’s recent report, “Questions for the 2011 Candidates for City Council and School Committee in Worcester” offers voters an opportunity to become familiar with key issues faced by city officials. As a means of promoting civic awareness and involvement, the Telegram & Gazette today continues publication of the Bureau’s report.

The Research Bureau’s recent report, “Questions for the 2011 Candidates for City Council and School Committee in Worcester” offers voters an opportunity to become familiar with key issues faced by city officials. As a means of promoting civic awareness and involvement, the Telegram & Gazette today continues publication of the Bureau’s report, which may be found in its entirety online at www.wrrb.org.

The Research Bureau’s recent report, “Questions for the 2011 Candidates for City Council and School Committee in Worcester,” offers voters an opportunity to become familiar with key issues faced by city officials. As a means of promoting civic awareness and involvement, the Telegram & Gazette will be publishing the questions and discussion points in a series of articles in this space in the coming days.

WORCESTER — News of the death of the city has been greatly exaggerated.

In fact, the 21st century has been marked by a return to the cities, making them more “vital, relevant and successful than ever,” economist Edward Glaeser said yesterday.