Vote Medford 2007

Full Text: (Q6) Water Department Issues

The water department has recently come under public criticism for high water bills and failing to implement a second metering system for water that does not involve the sewer system. It is also running a $3 million deficit that is being looked at by an independent auditor. What are you doing to address this situation?

McGlynn: (Q6) Water Department Issues

THE SECOND METERING SYSTEM HAS ALWAYS BEEN SCHEDULED AFTER THE FIRST SYSTEM CHANGE OUT IS COMPLETED. THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 108 METERS LEFT TO CHANGE. THE SAME PERSONNEL OVERSEE BOTH PROGRAMS. AT MY REQUEST, THE $3 MILLION SHORTFALL IS BEING LOOKED AT BY AN INDEPENDENT AUDITOR. WE HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT THE 3 MONEY REASONS ARE: LATE BILLING AFTER THE END OF FISCAL YEAR, IN NON PAYMENT BY RESIDENTS AND A VERY GENEROUS CUT IN THE WATER RATES A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. AFTER SENDING OUT DEMAND NOTICES, THE TREASURER INFORMS ME THAT THE SHORTFALL HAS BEEN REDUCED BY $1.2 MILLION.

Full Text: (Q7) Medford & Tufts

How would you describe Medford's relationship with Tufts University? Do you think improvements could be made, and where do you see opportunities for partnerships between Medford and Tufts? Please be specific.

McGlynn: (Q7) Medford & Tufts

THE RELATIONSHIP IS VERY GOOD. TUFTS IS THE CITY’S LARGEST EMPLOYER, AND THEY WORK WITH US ON OUR COMMUNITY EVENTS. THEY HAVE BEEN VERY INVOLVED IN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS. PRESIDENT LARRY BACOW UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A PART OF THE COMMUNITY AND HAS SIGNED A HISTORICAL PILOT AGREEMENT FOR A TEN-YEAR PERIOD. THEY HAVE ALSO PURCHASED, IMPROVED AND PAID TAXES ON TWO OF OUR OLD SCHOOLS, THE HILLSIDE AND THE DAME.

Full Text: (Q8) Improving and Protecting Open Space in Medford

The Middlesex Fells Reservation, the Mystic River and the Mystic Lakes provide thousands of acres of public open space for healthy outdoor recreation. What are the primary challenges facing these three vital resources and what joint projects or other endeavors would you undertake with residents and the state to improve them and protect them for generations to come?

McGlynn: (Q8) Improving and Protecting Open Space in Medford

I AM VERY PROUD OF MY RECORD WHEN IT COMES TO PROTECTING; PROMOTING AND IMPROVING OPEN SPACE THROUGHOUT MEDFORD. REAL PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN PROVIDING ACCESS TO THE MYSTIC RIVER AT RIVERBEND PARK WHERE TRAILS, DOCKING FACILITIES AND VIEWING AREAS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED. WORKING WITH PRIVATE DEVELOPERS, I HAVE INSISTED THAT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATERFRONT BE A PRIORITY COMPONENT OF ANY COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. I RECOGNIZE THAT THE FUTURE REVITALIZATION OF MEDFORD SQUARE IS DEPENDENT ON BETTER UTILIZATION OF, AND ACCESS TO, THE MYSTIC RIVER. THE PRUDENT USE OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES AND LANDSCAPES ARE OF PRIME IMPORTANCE IN PROMOTING A HEALTHY QUALITY OF LIFE IN MEDFORD.

AS WITH MOST ISSUES FACING MUNICIPALITIES, APPROPRIATE SERVICES REQUIRE SUFFICIENT FUNDING. THIS IS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGE FACING US AS WE STRUGGLE TO MAINTAIN THESE AREAS. DISCRETIONARY FUNDING WITHIN THE CITY BUDGET IS SEVERELY LIMITED. THE STATE HAS NOT BEEN FORTHCOMING WITH INCREASED FUNDING FOR SUCH PURPOSES-ESPECIALLY IN THOSE AREAS IN WHICH THEY HAVE CARE AND CUSTODY (MIDDLESEX FELLS AND THE MYSTIC LAKES). I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED THAT CITIZENS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT CAN ’MOVE MOUNTAINS’. I REMAIN OPEN AND ENTHUSIASTIC TO WORKING WITH INTERESTED GROUPS TO FURTHER OUR MUTUAL AGENDA TO ENCOURAGE APPROPRIATE AND INCREASED USE OF OPEN SPACE IN MEDFORD.

Full Text: (Q9) Chevalier Theater: Increasing Utilization

The city-owned Chevalier Theater is described as an anchor institution in the Medford Square Revitalization Plan. Many improvements to the facility have been made over the last 20 years, the latest being nearly 1,000 new seats, but still Chevalier is seldom open for performances. What is your plan to increase its utilization?

McGlynn: (Q9) Chevalier Theater: Increasing Utilization

THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT THE CHEVALIER THEATRE IS A VITAL PIECE OF THE ENTIRE MEDFORD SQUARE REVITALIZATION EFFORT. RIVER ACCESS, A MORE DIVERSE RETAIL MIX, MORE QUALITY RESTAURANTS, PARKING OPPORTUNITIES AND A PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE ARE ALSO NECESSARY INGREDIENTS TO COMPLIMENT CHEVALIER. THE IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO CHEVALIER ARE SIGNIFICANT AND THE COMFORT OF PATRONS IS NOW IMPROVED DRAMATICALLY. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT INCREASED UTILIZATION WILL BECOME REALITY BECAUSE THE BEAUTY, ACCESSIBILITY AND NOW THE COMFORT OF THE ROOM WILL PROMOTE IT DESIREABILITY AS A DESTINATION FOR QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT.

Full Text: (Q10) Mayor's Boards & Commissions: Priorities and Plans

According to city data, many of your boards and commissions are understaffed. The Chevalier board, for instance has been short one member for many years. What plans do you have for these boards and commissions, and which ones are high priorities?

McGlynn: (Q10) Mayor's Boards & Commissions: Priorities and Plans

ALL ARE PRIORITIES. AT ANY GIVEN TIME, THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 150 SPOTS TO FILL ON ALL BOARDS. AFTER A REVIEW, I FIND 3 VACANCIES. IF PEOPLE WANT TO APPLY TO SERVE IN A POSITION, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DROP OFF A RESUME TO LINDA COLETTI IN THE MAYOR’S OFFICE, INDICATING THE BOARD ONE MAY BE INTERESTED IN SERVING UPON. WE APPRECIATE VERY MUCH THE WORK OF ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS, BUT WE DO NOT FILL A POSITION, JUST TO SAY THE POSITION IS FULL, OR FOR SOMEONE TO PUT IT ON HIS/HER RESUME. WE ARE LOOKING FOR THOSE INTERESTED AND WILLING TO GIVE OF THEIR TIME AND WORK.