Vote Medford 2007

Lungo: (Q11) Analysis and Action Plan for Medford Parks

The root cause of the vandalism problem is the fact that older children and teens have very little to do during the summer months. One solution that George Scarpelli a Medford Coach and gym teacher, School committee women Ann Marie Cugno and I had, was to implement a summer camp for Medford children, along with sports clinics for our teenage population. With the help and support of so many, the 6 months of hard work, pushing, and planning became a reality.

This past summer was the first summer of the camp at the Columbus School. Words cannot explain how well it went, with over one hundred children signed up for each of the seven weeks. George Scarpelli was the director with Anthony Petrelis and Arianna Lungo as the assistant directors, and many college and high school camp counselors working under them. They did a fabulous job and I was so proud of their dedication and hard work. The children and teens loved the camp and clinics, the parents had an affordable place to send their children, it created jobs within the city, and it kept many children and teenagers occupied. It was a win, win and I am proud to have been part of it all.

Lungo: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

I think Medford could attract businesses that use only recycled materials or that converts recycled materials into useful products, but it would come one at a time unless we gave some sort of incentive. Also, I wouldn't want to see our current businesses leave in order to let new ones into our city.

I think a better avenue to look into, which can be done right away with our existing businesses would be to encourage small changes, such as putting recycling bins in all of our stores especially our food stores and restaurants. The simple things are what make a difference and the small things can add up and really effect the environment. After reading this question I noticed two recycling bins at the gym and said to myself, That is an easy way that every business can take part.

Lungo: (Q13) Water Department Issues

The water department has come under public criticism for very good reason. The water rates have gone up over 50% in the last year, which is a big part due to mismanagement. We also agreed to the installation of new water meters and were mislead and lied to by the city engineer, who has since quit. The council was also never apprised of the deficit by the city auditor until the very last possible second, ever though we specifically asked during a prior meeting.

One thing the council did do was request an independent audit, which is in the works. We have also requested that the rate be lowered so that the citizens especially those on fixed incomes can afford to own a home, pay the bills, and stay in this city.

Lungo: (Q14) Medford & Tufts

I believe that our relationship with Tufts university is very good, but as with everything, there is always room for improvement. Tufts does so much for the community when it comes to hosting events and sharing their wealth of knowledge with us through the schools.

The area that of course could be improved upon, which would help a great deal, is the financial aspect. We provide Tufts with so many city services and it would be nice if they could donate more money to Medford in the areas where it is needed, such as our schools. It would also be nice if Tufts could be more generous when it comes to providing our residents with the opportunity to attend tufts university. Tufts currently accepts Medford Students, but not the amount we would like. We have such intelligent Teenagers in our city and it would be beneficial to them if more spots were open to attend such a prestigious university.

Lungo: (Q15) Improving and Protecting Open Space in Medford

The primary challenges facing the Middlesex Fells Reservation, the Mystic River, and the Mystic Lakes, are the protection and preservation of them, the natural and historic aspects of each. Luckily we have the Friends of the Mystic River and the Friends of the Middlesex fells, both organizations which work hard to improve and protect the quality of these three vital resources.

Along with all of the work these two groups do, we as a community have to push the Department of Environmental Protection to better assist them in helping to improve the water quality, preserve the wildlife, and improve the recreational opportunities in these areas so that our children's children get to enjoy and look after these important resources when it comes time for them to do so.