Vote Medford 2007

Arena: (Q11) Analysis and Action Plan for Medford Parks

Most of our parks are adequately maintained, and support a wide variety of sports and recreational activities, both day and evening. I, for one, am very proud of the work of our parks department which is operating at its lowest staffing levels in our city's history. Vandalism and other crimes are plagues that seem to infect many parks at night, and it is a plague not unique to Medford. Our police patrol and protect as much as they can, but often their efforts are in response to calls after the fact. I would ask the police chief and the courts to consider community service for individuals who vandalize our parks and playgrounds as a deterrent. Neighborhood watch and citizen participation in and around our parks could also deter this type of activity.

Arena: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

I am always impressed when I hear, read or see recycling success stories. I would support a campaign that showcases the many advantages to recycling in our public schools and city owned properties. Certainly a business that uses and converts recycled materials would be a business that I would support. This kind of responsible entity not only benefits our city but it is also environmentally friendly. The proposed wind turbine at the McGlynn Middle School should serve as a model to our young people of the benefits of alternative energy.

Arena: (Q13) Water Department Issues

Clearly a look at a water bill shows that what goes out represents a major portion of our periodic water bills. A second water meter for watering and outside use can alleviate some of the cost for some ratepayers. In addition to replacing our aging water and sewer infrastructure, I support a tiered rate structure. Taking all of this into account, the true rate relief our citizens seek will not be realized until the bonds associated with the construction of the Deer Island sewage treatment plant are paid down.

Arena: (Q14) Medford & Tufts

I believe the relationship between Tufts University and the City of Medford is as close as it has been in our joint history. There is always room for improvement and this starts with keeping the communication lines open, particularly in the neighborhoods that abut the university. Many of us do not realize that the Tufts Medford campus employs more than 2,193 people at a gross annual salary of $126.7 million dollars, of which 377 are Medford residents with a gross annual salary of $19.8 million dollars. This results in a huge economic impact in our community. I would propose a closer partnership between the leadership of Tufts University and the city's administration, requesting input regarding the Green Line expansion as well as the proposed Medford Square revitalization.

Arena: (Q15) Improving and Protecting Open Space in Medford

Medford is a proud host to the many diverse recreational areas along the Mystic River, the Mystic Lakes, and the extensive woodlands which occupy so much of our city. First, if we are truly a tree city, we must resist unnecessary cutting down of trees. Secondly, if we are a city that promotes environmental protection, we must encourage uses and practices that preserve the beauty and naturalness of the public spaces within our city's borders. I look forward to working with local, state, and federal authorities responsible for the preservation of our natural treasures.