Vote Medford 2007

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?

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

Yes, I do support the concept of introducing the Green Line to Medford. There are still many unanswered questions regarding this project. Of the proposals discussed, the Boston Ave and College Ave site at Tufts University warrants further study. Most of the property from Harvard Street to the athletic campus is university owned. There is no question that this project will greatly enhance the University. Parking is at an ultra premium and the property abutting this site could certainly support additional off street parking. This would certainly alleviate the anxiety of residents and businesses in West Medford, an area that already hosts a commuter rail stop as well as several bus routes traversing its streets. If elected, I will work with the proper authorities to develop a concept that will be acceptable to our neighborhoods and at the same time bring relief to our already overcrowded streets.

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

I know that there is still so much information to be garnered in order to take a strong position either way. I submitted my concerns regarding the extension to the state and look forward to the environmental study to be conducted. Likewise, more up to date information needs to be provided about the potential ridership etc. Also, we must pay attention to the citizens that will abut this rail line and how it affects their quality of life. Pursuant to my record, I will study all aspects/positions and render an educated, informed decision when appropriate.

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.

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.

Dello Russo: (Q4) Candidate Action Plan for Green Line Extension

Although delayed, the Green Line is coming to Medford. I have been consistent and clear that we need to be honest and respectful in how it comes to Medford, how far does it comes into Medford, how we can make it benefit Medford, how we can prevent it from hurting Medford. I have been to many of the public meetings, I have read many documents, I have called for a local committee to be formed and asked that Office of Community Development resources be directed to monitor the progress of the project. I have agreed to serve, at the Mayor’s request, as a city representative on the Green Line Working Group. I want this project to go well. I want people’s peace, tranquility and homes protected. I want good public transportation. I want citizens to have a safe and an agenda-free forum to listen and speak on this issue. I want Medford unburdened from additional MBTA taxes. This is what I have been doing. This is what I will continue to do.

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

I do support the concept of introducing the Green Line to Medford. The extension of the green line into Medford could bring a number of benefits to the community. It would improve the quality of air by getting vehicles off the roads, it is a convenient way for many people to commute, it will increase property values, and is it good for the economics in Medford.

Speaking only for myself, you are correct, the elected officials have been noncommittal when asked to accept the overall package of the Green line, but I believe it is with good reason. We are elected to look out for the best interests of the community and all who live in it. With that obligation, comes questions and concerns and until those concerns are put to rest it would be inappropriate to agree with everything before us.

Parking, parking enforcement, taking homes by eminent domain, and the issue of non- Medford residents coming into Medford and congesting the city with additional parking are all issues that need to be more clearly addressed. Also, keeping the integrity of the neighborhoods is and will continue to be a top priority of mine.

There has been so much input from the community, which is a good thing and something I would keep encouraging. As the specifics continue to be worked on, I promise to follow the issue, attend all meetings my schedule allows, and look out for the best interests of the community as a whole when it comes to the topic of the Green line extension.

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

The Executive Office of Transportation has asked the mayor to appoint a local committee to explore the issue and I support that action. I have urged local hearings. Personally, I need more information and data as to the impact an extension would have on our neighborhoods, how much private property would be taken, the costs to taxpayers etc. As I await this data, I am keeping an open mind on such a transit line extension to parts of Medford.

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

Sometimes, when a politician says, I need more information to act upon this, he or she is actually not equivocating! Sometimes, the most reponsible answer is to say, true consensus depends upon receipt of complete information. Right now, many people from many different city interests are still trying to figure out to what extent this will affect our city operations. At this juncture, we're not sure of how far the Green Line is going to be extended into the city for example. We're not sure to what extent Medford planners will work with transportation officials in the planning. We need to take a step forward and to define the very real issues at hand, to define who will be working on what committee, and to establish problems and solutions, such as what to do about how many parking space we'll need to create to accommodate the Green Line. I can only promise I will watch this issue with some vigilance and step in as soon as I can in a responsible fashion.

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

I would review any position that appears to be a logical concept. Upon reviewing the facts, I would make my opinion known for only the fact can dictate opinions.