Vote Medford 2007

Burke: (Q1) Affordable Housing

As part of the re-use of our schools, we have incorporated an affordability component to each sale. Also, the Rivers Edge project, through Medford's Home funds, will provide affordable housing units. We are also investigating "Inclusionary Housing" ordinance to ensure that all future development will include a set affordability component.

Burke: (Q2) Making Medford Safe for Pedestrians & Cyclists

With new construction, it is easy to integrate bike lanes. See Rivers Edge for an example of how it is done. However, with our old narrow streets, it gets more and more difficult. For starters, crosswalks need to be repainted as needed, not at set times of the year. Secondly, the city needs to invest in the crosswalk signs that we see in other communities. There are several locations in our city where these are warranted. These signs are highly visible thus promoting safety. People need to be able to feel safe in our crosswalks. I also feel very comfortable in installing video cameras in our city to catch the scofflaws and to aid in the deterrence of crime in our neighborhoods.

Burke: (Q3) Encouraging Diversity in Medford City Government

I can speak from experience regarding this issue. When I ran for city council, there were seven men representing our city. At the time I felt it lacked the "voice" of a woman, a mother, a small business owner. That is why I decided to run for the council. I continue to offer a unique voice of a mature, experienced woman. In order to make change, you need to be willing to get in the ring. I certainly would offer my insights to anyone interested in pursuing this arena. However, I do not feel that any class of our population is under served when it comes to community issues. The council as a body, since my membership, has been open, inclusionary and sensitive to the needs of all its citizens.

Burke: (Q4) Candidate Action Plan for Green Line Extension

I know that there is still so much information to be garnered in order to take a strong position either way. I submitted my concerns regarding the extension to the state and look forward to the environmental study to be conducted. Likewise, more up to date information needs to be provided about the potential ridership etc. Also, we must pay attention to the citizens that will abut this rail line and how it affects their quality of life. Pursuant to my record, I will study all aspects/positions and render an educated, informed decision when appropriate.

Burke: (Q5) Priorities for Medford Square Revitalization

The three elements of the master plan that I feel are of the utmost is

• the revising of our zoning ordinances to coincide with the wants and desires of Medford Square. I have sent a paper to our sub-committee on zoning to work concurrently with the "Medford Square Revitalization Committee" in this regard.
• A survey of the property lines must be completed in order to submit the city owned parcels out for bid.
• Mandatory that a portion of the space be put aside for artist use and display (an amendment offered to the master plan by me). I will not support the public bid unless this is a component to it.

Burke: (Q6) South Medford

This question seems to isolate South Medford from the remainder of our city. We have sidewalk and road issues throughout our community. We attempt to address them as funding becomes available. A city wide capital Master Plan needs to be developed by the administration in order for a list of needs to be compiled along with the ranking by need. Then a transparency will exist and you can hold your elected officials to a higher levels when benchmarks are not met. In regards to the Kennedy-Lincoln complex, the City Council recently voted to accept the developers proposal allowing the city to initiate a purchase and sale agreement.

Burke: (Q7) Investing in Medford's Historical Resources

The City Council has authorized the funding of millions of dollars for the Brooks Estate to date via our Community Block Grant Allotment. These are funds that could have been used for other purposes. However, the council has been a strong advocate for this historic preservation project that is controlled by the Medford- Brooks Estate Land Trust. This facility could offer the function space that Medford so desperately needs. Once a comprehensive Master Plan to complete this process is submitted by the Trust, which will include capital costs and a business plan, we will be better able to gage the funding opportunities available.

It is also important to incorporate Medford's history in our public school education plan. If we demonstrate the importance of our history to our children, they will in turn feel and connection and an interest in preserving it further.

Burke: (Q8) Arts & Culture for Medford Revitalization

At this point I would like to elaborate on one of the bullets of Question 5. I feel that artist studios will be a key component to Medford Square's revitalization. I offered a resolution to the master plan, after speaking with members of the artist community, to incorporate this element into the master plan. I feel strongly that this center should be in the center of our city in Medford Square. The importance of this location can and will contribute to the cities culture and history. Along with this, artist lofts are part of the re-use of the Kennedy Lincoln site in South Medford (question 6).

Burke: (Q9) Budget Transparency

For the record, this city councilor voted against the budget this year because we did not have an opportunity to sit down with the Superintendent or members of the School Committee prior to its passage. Unfortunately, Mass General Law sets the date by which the administration has to provide a budget to be June 10, 2007. Therefore, we cannot mandate receiving it any sooner. Likewise, the Local Aid numbers are generally not available until that time (or later). I would like to see the administration begin the budget process earlier by using the current year local aid number and completing the school budget prior to the date that the city budget is submitted to the council. Also, an overview should be provided to highlight the variances from the current year budget and key items in the proposed budget. It would also be helpful if the auditor could offer additional information throughout the year such as a variance report by month. I have requested this each and every year around January. To date, this office has been unable to provide these auditing tools to the council. Lastly, the Independent audit report needs to be completed in a more timely manner. This and the constructive service commentary need to be furnished to the public.

Burke: (Q10) GIC for Municipal Employees' Health Insurance?

I was very excited when Gov. Deval Patrick put forth the Municipal Partnership Plan. Unfortunately, all of the components have not been approved by the legislature. One of the areas approved was the offering of the state employee Group Insurance plan to municipalities. This was approved with the caveat that 70 % of unions endorse the city's inclusion in the plan. For the record, I do not participate in the city's plan but am a member of the state's plan through my husband's employment. Therefore, I know first hand what a great plan it is. I believe that in the current budgetary environment, the city needs to investigate any and all means available to it in order to maintain services to the community. I would hope that the unions attempt to balance the budgetary concerns of our city while maintaining a high, if not higher standard of health services for its membership when contemplating its involvement.