Vote Medford 2007

Chamberlain: (Q1) Affordable Housing

Some cities and towns are now demanding a moratorium on affordable housing units in their communities, concerns have been raised of over building and now with the housing slow down and economic conditions of the upcoming year 2008 careful consideration should be made when allowing new unit building. Existing housing must be made affordable simply by allowing homeowners relief from property taxes, and the new idea in Medford of the consumption billing of water use, as well as non predatory mortgage from the private sector and home buying options from such agencies as FHA and HUD.

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

A review of work assignments and staff structure at the public works department may be needed to help streamline response to work requested by citizens of Medford as well as capital projects involving safety issues. Supervision of quality work procedures are needed to complete work on time and on budget. As to bike lanes more studies as to the cost of creating lane and marking changes would be needed before any proposal would go forward. There are also many opportunities for off street biking that can be pursued.

Chamberlain: (Q3) Encouraging Diversity in Medford City Government

I would personally encourage any person or group to organize their own committee or interest group and to get involved in their community to voice concerns that they have or wish to promote. Also to encourage people of these groups to run for office and campaign to be have their issues heard in the election process.

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

As a whole, I would support any efforts to modernize mass transit modes of transportation to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution. As a representative of the people of Medford I would have to insist that any major project of this type must have the city of Medford’s approval, and it must be in the best interest of Medford. As well as financially beneficial to the city with relief from the state. Although the project appears to a good idea, we must remember that the MBTA is running huge financial deficits and faces a number of challenges in the years to come. Recently the green line extension project was put off for years as to its completion date. The Conservation Law Foundation has begun the process to challenge this in the form of a lawsuit, as it did earlier in the process, and the city of Somerville is considering joining the suit. Many more questions remain as to how to proceed on this project and I believe that citizens of Medford deserve a full and fair input as to the plans that will affect our community.

Chamberlain: (Q5) Priorities for Medford Square Revitalization

Nothing excites me personally more than the master plan for Medford Square. The plan maps out a complete examination of the properties that the city owns and offers unlimited sources for ideas that could be presented. For instance I believe that Medford Square can have an element of a water front by clearing an area south of Clipper ship

Drive to expose the mystic river and incorporate a waterfront promenade as exampled by he one in New London Ct. and a plan to expand a connector to the Mystic river reservation to the south allowing biking and walking from the Medford square area all the way to the southern most part of Medford. Also my idea to bring a premier business such as whole foods, now taking over wild harvest in Medford to a parcel in Medford square. Think of the many other types of vibrant business projects that would be attracted, restaurants, and art gallery’s etc. that the whole foods would attract. I also would be a supporter of developing parking facilities, however I firmly believe they should be underground to preserve the landscape of Medford square.

Chamberlain: (Q6) South Medford

As stated earlier in question two, proper supervision and implementation of staff create performance that gets the job done. Response to the concerns of citizens who raise questions in their neighborhoods must be addressed. I also believe that former John F. Kennedy school ahs been acquired by Tufts University, despite some apprehension I believe It may improve the property and the area. But expansion of the university must be met by the university helping its neighbors in every way it can.

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

I believe the city should consider forming an historical commission, and appoint knowledgeable citizens of Medford who would make recommendations for preservation projects and ideas that would showcase Medford’s history. Particularly, Medford’s history of shipbuilding, and how this fact of history can be promoted and preserved and showcased.

Chamberlain: (Q8) Arts & Culture for Medford Revitalization

I believe that the art community of Medford is large and vibrant. I would encourage and promote entrepreneur arts. Were artists start there own business and projects that would benefit the city in diverse ways as well as the Medford square area in particularly.

Chamberlain: (Q9) Budget Transparency

If elected to Medford City Council I will never vote on any matter unless I read it completely and research it thoroughly. The city must be fiscally responsible and its elected officials must know were every dollar is spent. Not being an incumbent I do not know the thought process used and the relationships between council members that formulates solutions to revenue challenges.

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

On the National, State and Local levels in both public and private sectors the cost of health insurance for employees has become a crisis. Costs are rising and the coverage of many retirees who worked for many years now are worried that they and their dependents will be abandoned. I support any plan that achieves cost savings and security for all municipal employees, retirees and their dependents. The ..... should be implemented if these goals can be achieved.