Vote Medford 2007

Camuso: (Q1) Affordable Housing

We need to ensure that builders include low income housing in the mix of all city based residential development. As a Councilor I have strongly advocated for this initiative while selling the old schools to developers. Affordable housing is a valuable resource for the entire community. It is necessary to breakdown the preconceived stereotypes that people have about affordable housing through community presentations regarding the benefits of this type of development. We must actively make known to builders and contractors information that can encourage their investment in affordable housing. We can also encourage the rehab of our current housing stock with tax incentives. It is important to show the community that there are many people who could benefit from this type of housing. Affordable housing is a necessary component to the maintaining the character and integrity of our community. I have also made a recommendation to the Office of Community development to look into promoting our city to the developers of assisted living facilities for senior citizens.

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

We need to study all of our major intersections across the city so that we can consider modifications to signage and other safety measures. We also need to have more traffic enforcement personnel on the street to provide control and supervision at peak periods. We must work more closely with state agencies to acquire funding for capital modifications that may be desirable based upon our assessment of existing and emerging conditions. We should convene meetings with community members who are opting for alternative modes of transportation so that we can plan together the best ways to provide safety. I have already initiated “senior citizen safety zones” in and around senior housing. Other similar measures are possible based upon knowledgeable input from those who are most directly affected by these conditions.

Camuso: (Q3) Encouraging Diversity in Medford City Government

Medford has been fortunate over the years to have significant contributions made by individuals who have come from our diverse community. Leaders like Madelyn Dugger Andrews, George White, Ken Holmes, and Carol Sharpton have served with distinction. We must encourage others to begin the process by becoming involved in city boards, commissions, and advisory committees so that they gain the widespread exposure for their good works and the confidence to run for office. Medford’s demographics are very different today than they were a decade ago. We need to encourage our new residents to take an active role. I believe that a more diversified group is possible and that it will happen in the near future.

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

There are many benefits if it happens. However, there are many facts that must be determined before such an extension takes place. We must pin down parking, traffic, and cost considerations among other concerns. My role over the next two years will be to bring this issue to the forefront for a determinative discussion on the merits with all stakeholders involved. We want the upside value of what the Green Line can bring to the City, but want to ensure that the quality of life and logistical considerations are fully explored before we go forward. We also want to achieve a community consensus so that any decision moves us forward in a unified way.

Camuso: (Q5) Priorities for Medford Square Revitalization

We want to make sure that the Medford Square masterplan can deliver several very critical ingredients. They include the following: adequate parking; walkability; accessibility to destinations of importance; sufficient interesting restaurants; integration of cultural, historical and artistic locations and options including Chevalier; stores and services that can attract revenue and economic opportunity to our city.

Camuso: (Q6) South Medford

The Lincoln Kennedy School has been sold. The proposed complex will bring additional parking for residents and business. Some of the revenue generated by this new development should go to the revitalization of the South Medford infrastructure. The developer will also pay linkage fees that will be used to directly improve the quality of life in the neighborhood.

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

Medford has many historical assets. We should convene all the stakeholders together with the Historical Commission to design a plan that could generate new resources and energy for the optimum development of our historical assets. If such a plan emerged, I would support a bond issue that would promote tourism and preservation. We are well situated to the Boston area and the right strategy and investment could yield significant benefit.

Camuso: (Q8) Arts & Culture for Medford Revitalization

We have many great opportunities to develop our artistic community. We have Springstep and Chevalier as possible anchor locations. I supported an earlier attempt to establish an art studio at the Swan School. We also should be talking with Tufts University on this matter. They could be a great help to our efforts. Art and cultural events make a significant contribution to the quality of life in a community. They also can be a powerful economic engine as well. I am encouraged by recent activities of our Arts Council and believe that we are seeing a growing demand for this type of investment. I will be a supportive leader for a community that blends the arts with the development of local business and educational opportunities.

Camuso: (Q9) Budget Transparency

The City has done well despite severe cutbacks in State aid to municipalities. Medford has remained stable while many other communities have had to cut essential services and ask for tax overrides. As a councilor I stay in touch with the Superintendent of Schools and School Committee Members regarding that budget. The school budget did not incorporate any big changes this year and the Superintendent came before The Medford City Council to discuss it in detail after it was approved unanimously by the School Committee. The Council receives the school budget book, which details all proposed expenditures. I encourage interested citizens to attend our meetings and those of the School Committee. Both bodies are constantly referencing budget matters throughout the year. Budget should not be thought of as a once a year event. The biggest issue on finance affecting cities and towns is to regain a fair share of state aid. Medford and many other communities has lost millions in state aid since Fiscal 2003 when the State cut back to solve their own problems. Medford has been very creative in keeping programs and services in place. We would opt have to resort to one time measures with a more stable contribution from the state.

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

GIC sounds like a good idea but I would want to see specific estimates for Medford before committing to such a plan. I am not enrolled in the City of Medford’s insurance plan. The entire area of health insurance needs to be reviewed as costs are going to impact any plan whether it is state or local. The long term requires a complete reassessment of healthcare insurance and of healthcare costs.