Vote Medford 2007

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

Enforcement! We need to have a greater presence to rid the parks of this vandalism and destruction of public property. We should be promoting community watch groups to take ownership of our public spaces. Likewise, expand our adopt a site to include our parks. We also need to acknowledge that we do not have local activities for our kids. I'm not talking about organized sports but private enterprise offering things like bowling, movies, rock climbing etc. It would be a win-win for the business person and the city as we have a captive audience. For those entrepreneurs out there, look at this overlooked market segment.

Burke: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

I just recently offered a resolution requesting our environmental agent to work with the head of the Medford Housing Authority to develop a plan for recycling in our senior/affordable housing units. I also believe that recycling should be offered to the business community. It presently is not. However, a plan must be put in place that provides for an organized pick up of the recyclable materials.

Burke: (Q13) Water Department Issues

The council has been a strong voice in the calling for an independent audit of the Water enterprise account and the implementation of a second meter and tiered rate structure for commercial vs. residential. We have had numerous meetings with department heads and continue to publicly discuss these issues. The city has hired a new engineer who is paying close attention to these issues. We will continue to urge the Water and Sewer Commission, who is responsible for the rates, to entertain all of the suggestions we have offered.

Burke: (Q14) Medford & Tufts

I believe that Medford continues to shy away from being a "university town" and does not utilize all of the resources that Tufts could offer. I had suggested that a representative from Tufts be on the Medford Square Revitalization Committee (Mrs. Bacow perhaps) which was "taken under advisement" by the Mayor. Medford has provided great services to this institution (new boat house site at Rivers Edge) However, I feel that Tufts does not offer the transparency that we have asked for in how it allocates its "resources" to Medford's children that are admitted to this institution. I requested some 6 months ago a listing of the number of students from MHS that applied to Tufts, the number admitted, the number accepted and the scholarship offered by Tufts to those admitted. We have yet to receive this report by the University. Tufts was just listed in the Boston Business Journal (9/21/07) as having the 6th largest college endowment in the state of $1.5 billion.

I suggest a more open communication be explored by Tufts University and the City Council and School system regarding Medford students and provide advice and guidance regarding admittance to this prestigious institution.

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

The mentioned parcels are under the jurisdiction of the State Dept. of Conservation and Recreation. Again, many community groups have stood tall in organizing clean up events and interest in our public open space. We also have mandates for public service from our high school and middle school kids. Many kids would like to get involved if they are provided information regarding the issues plaguing these open spaces