Vote Medford 2007

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.

Arena: (Q3) Encouraging Diversity in Medford City Government

Medford is a very diverse community. It would be dishonest to suggest that the road to diverse participation in government can be accomplished without sacrifices, and disappointments, similar to the ones that our ancestors encountered as immigrants to this country. I believe we have a very diverse city government which reflects our city's demographics, however, we can always do better. Medford boasts a rich and proud history of electing individuals of diverse backgrounds.

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.

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.

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.

Dello Russo: (Q3) Encouraging Diversity in Medford City Government

My greatest disappointment this election is the lack of candidates. If citizens will not step forward and offer their service, the voters will always see the same faces. That does not mean however, that your elected officials cannot respond to the particular needs of a diverse population. No matter who we are, we all need safe sidewalks, adequate police coverage and a great school system. If you want a different makeup of the council, school committee or mayor’s office, run for office. If you want your voice to be heard in the decision making process come down to a council meeting. Our council president has stressed time and time again and I agree the Council is the people’s forum.

Lungo: (Q3) Encouraging Diversity in Medford City Government

In general there is a problem when it comes to City government, it's the lack of interest from so many people. Even with the help of the newspapers, channel 3, 15, and 16, some still do not know much about the community they live in and many don't even exercise their right to vote.

The best way to answer the question is that more people need to be encouraged to participate in one way or another. I would never discourage one from taking part in our government, from running for office, or from contacting an elected official about a concern or problem.

Even though the council is not as diverse as some would like, as far as I am concerned, all of Medfords citizen's interests are protected, whether they are from North Medford, South Medford, The Fulton Heights, or from any other area. I have been elected as a City Councillor at Large. I have done my best to go through my political career by keeping everyone's best interests in mind when I take a vote or make a decision. It does not matter the race, the background of the person or group of people, or the location of their home.

Maiocco: (Q3) Encouraging Diversity in Medford City Government

Medford voters in the past have elected people of color to both the City Council and the School Committee and they have served with distinction. Any person who is registered to vote in Medford is free to seek those offices. I believe that the vast majority of local voters embrace the diversity that makes for a vibrant community. Personally, I always encourage new candidates to seek office.

Marks: (Q3) Encouraging Diversity in Medford City Government

Diversity is important. And the best way to support diversity in our community is to ensure that everyone is given an equal voice - especially since such matters of sexual orientation or income are, quite rightfully, revealed at the discretion of the individual, and in some cases, protected by law. I have been pushing from Day 1 forward representation in Medford. Ward representation gives everyone a stronger voice. This type of representation, in place in such cities as Somerville, links a representative to a particular section of th is city. In Medford, our city charter says that all City Council members are elected at large. If you are elected from a ward, and you vote to serve the interests of that ward, you're more likely to talk to your neighbors and friends about the concerns that don't always make it to the public forum and to enact true and not idealistic change.

To effect this change, I could request that we change the city charter by submitting a proposal or creating a petition. But I would rather do it in a way that empowers Medford citizens and makes the process fair. I would like to put it on the ballot.

Penta: (Q3) Encouraging Diversity in Medford City Government

Our community is so diverse with folks of many backgrounds that it is impossible to say how do we elect these folks. This is still a free country for which anyone can run for any office they so choose. Therefore, If one cannot or does not know how to run for public office, they should learn to do so just as I first did. There is absolutely no excuse for any one person from running for office.