Vote Medford 2007

Full Text: (Q1) Affordable Housing

People are leaving or bypassing our city because they cannot afford to rent or buy a home here. In addition many Medford seniors are on waiting lists for housing that keep getting longer. What has the city done and what will you do to create more affordable-housing opportunities for working people and seniors in Medford?

Full Text: (Q2) Making Medford Safe for Pedestrians & Cyclists

Many people have publicly said that roads, signs, crosswalks and lights in or near Wellington, Station Landing, the I-93 rotary, Medford Square and the intersection of Forest and High create hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians. Also, bicycles are becoming a primary green mode of transportation, so other cities such as Cambridge and Somerville are making cycling safer by constructing formal bike paths and creating bike lanes along primary and secondary streets. How can Medford be made a truly safe city for walkers, bikers and motorists, and what will your contribution be?

Full Text: (Q3) Encouraging Diversity in Medford City Government

Medford is a very diverse community. The city council's composition does not reflect people of color, people of low income, people of foreign birth or gay people who are a considerable part of the city's demographics. What can you as a city representative do to encourage diverse participation in our government? Please be specific.

Full Text: (Q4) Candidate Action Plan for Green Line Extension

Most City Council members have been publicly noncommittal regarding the extension of the Green Line to Medford. Through citizen initiatives, studies have been written, public hearings held and communications with state officials opened. At some point, however, Medford's elected representatives will have to join the effort. Do you support the concept of introducing the Green Line to Medford? What do you see yourself doing on the issue over the next two years?

Full Text: (Q5) Priorities for Medford Square Revitalization

With a master plan for Medford Square already written, the heart of the city should be well beyond the vision stage. Please tell us what three recommendations of the master plan you believe are the most critical and what you are going to do to make them realities.

Full Text: (Q6) South Medford

South Medford is saddled with roads and sidewalks in disrepair, chronic traffic problems and a school complex that is still sitting vacant. If elected, what would you do remedy the situation?

Full Text: (Q7) Investing in Medford's Historical Resources

Medford is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Today citizens perform the tasks of promoting historical tourism and preserving historical properties, buildings and artifacts, but with no money or central coordination. How can the city protect and invest in its historic resources? If you were elected, would you support a bond initiative for the preservation of Medford's historic properties and artifacts? Please elaborate.

Full Text: (Q8) Arts & Culture for Medford Revitalization

Cities across New England (Boston, Providence, Waltham, Lowell, Chelsea, etc.) consider the development of artist studios key components of their overall economic- and cultural-revitalization strategies. Medford still does not have an arts center and relative to other Massachusetts cities, Medford devotes little money to cultural undertakings. What role do you think local art and culture plays in Medford's revitalization efforts and what specifically will you do in this area?

Full Text: (Q9) Budget Transparency

This year's budgeting process included the city council's passing a 500-page school budget without reading it, announcements about unanticipated deficits and a one-time calling in of debt to balance the books for 2007. What are your ideas on how the city's budget process could be improved and made more publicly transparent?

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

A new state law allows municipalities to join the state employee Group Insurance Commission (GIC) as a potential means to drive down the cost of health insurance for municipal workers. Do you support or oppose having the city join the GIC and why? Are you currently on the city's health insurance plan?