Vote Medford 2007

Dello Russo: (Q1) Affordable Housing

Since my election to the Council, I have advocated for affordable housing to be a component of every new development. The affordable opportunities and housing lotteries in new developments have been widely advertised. Erica Schwarz who serves as the city’s Affordable Housing Specialist has been a tireless advocate for those seeking affordable housing. The Medford Housing Authority and Senior Center help direct those looking for public/senior housing. Medford’s blessing can also be its curse. Because of our proximity to Boston and many of the research and technology centers along the Charles, combined with our easy access to highways and our abundance of MBTA access, many people want to live in Medford. High demand often commands a higher price. What I would suggest is that the City engage in a population study to project the future demand for senior housing and move towards new construction or redesign of present facilities if warranted. I also support the ongoing examination of affordable zoning.

Dello Russo: (Q2) Making Medford Safe for Pedestrians & Cyclists

As a member of the Public Safety Committee, I have met with concerned citizens and Business people regarding Wellington light cycles. We have sent our recommendations and concerns to the DCR. The Wellington question is major and complex. It has been under examination by the state delegation for some time. The road configuration, volume of traffic and needs of pedestrians must be addressed and with state cooperation, a more modern configuration can be reached. I suggest that a comprehensive city-wide assessment of traffic, parking, bike lanes and the needs of the disabled be undertaken. What we have is not meeting our needs. Out of the assessment must come a plan of action with goals and timetables for implementation.

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.

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.

Dello Russo: (Q5) Priorities for Medford Square Revitalization

I happily serve on the Revitalization Committee. I want to see positive movement. I agree that we need to see positive signs. We seem to be moving in the right direction. Firstly, much has been accomplished to move people to feeling welcome and comfortable in the Square. I have participated in many of the new annual events that are now scheduled. That is an objective of the plan already under way. Secondly, I want to see the ring road reconfigured and the park space established along the river. To achieve this I will continue to work supportively with the Mayor in his efforts to secure the necessary funding. Thirdly, the next thing we need to do is make progress in adding housing/attractive businesses to the square. To achieve this, I want to find a way to hire, in the Office of Community Development, a project manager of some type for this endeavor, who would act as a promoter of the initiative and over-see the project.

Dello Russo: (Q6) South Medford

Over the past two years I have worked very successfully with the people of South Medford. I will continue to do so. We have finally sold the Lincoln/Kennedy Schools and will fulfill a development plan that had had citizen participation at every step. I have worked with neighborhood groups to identify infrastructure issues and have helped move towards resolution. I have asked for a traffic study in South Medford and expect one in spring time. Stop signs have been installed on Willis Ave., significantly decreasing the amount of speeding and the number of accidents on that street and all of the cross streets. Portions of Harvard Street will be re-constructed soon. Much has been done for this neighborhood. I will continue to work with the neighbors to get even more done.   

Dello Russo: (Q7) Investing in Medford's Historical Resources

Medford’s unique position in our Nation’s history needs to be revered. Our historic treasure need to be protected and preserved. The City’s financial resources are not strong. Our debt is growing. Our needs are many. What would the original occupants of the Royal House do faced with this reality? What would the colonial Medford citizen do?  The zeal demonstrated by Medford’s early inhabitants for building our nation still is a source of inspiration. That citizen participation is what we need to hold onto our historic treasures. If those who are exercising leadership in these historic venues need money for preservation or to centralize their efforts, I would certainly consider their requests and assist them in achieving their goals.

Dello Russo: (Q8) Arts & Culture for Medford Revitalization

I want to see the arts continue to be a part of Medford. The arts express and enrich our human experience. They demonstrate our unity and diversity. Art and performing arts are essential to the rebirth of Medford Square and to the future of Medford. I supported an artist component the new development at the Kennedy/Lincoln School. I am working with the revitalization committee as we asses the renovation of the Condon Shell and have supported the ongoing improvements at the Chevalier Auditorium. I will continue to support these efforts. It would greatly benefit Medford if we could establish a mixed use area where artists could work and live.

Dello Russo: (Q9) Budget Transparency

The city’s budget process is predominantly un-transparent, and rushed, preventing a critical analysis of city expenditures. It is presented to the legislative bodies by the administrative body for approval and questions. It comes with a certain amount of givens: we are low on funds; the smallest amount of cuts in expenses are made to help us get by and to save jobs and essential services; State aid diminishes each year making it nearly impossible to add needed positions or implement new programs. While the process has significant flaws the reality as I see it is that there is very little wiggle room. We should have wider participation early on in forming the budget to lessen the feeling of exclusion and to allow fresher ideas on how the money is allocated. The auditing office needs to be more forthcoming.

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

I support looking at ways to diminish health insurance costs. This is a significant source of frustration and rising expense in the public and private sectors. People should have adequate health insurance and the sense of security which comes with it. It has become increasingly expensive, but employees deserve the best coverage we can afford.  I benefit from health insurance through my business and do not participate in the taxpayer funded plan.