Vote Medford 2007

Full Text: (Q1) Arts & Culture for Medford Revitalization

Cities across New England (Boston, Providence, Waltham, Lowell, Chelsea, etc.) consider the development of artist studios key components of their overall economic- and cultural-revitalization strategies. Medford still does not have an arts center and, relative to other Massachusetts cities, it devotes little money to cultural undertakings. What role do you think local art and culture plays in Medford's revitalization efforts and what specifically will you do in this area?

Full Text: (Q2) Budget Transparency

This year's budgeting process included the city council's passing a 500-page school budget without reading it, announcements about unanticipated deficits and a one-time calling in of debt to balance the books for 2007. What are your ideas on how the city's budget process could be improved and made more publicly transparent?

Full Text: (Q3) GIC for Municipal Employees' Health Insurance?

A new state law allows municipalities to join the state employee Group Insurance Commission (GIC) as a potential means to drive down the cost of health insurance for municipal workers. Do you support or oppose having the city join the GIC and why? Are you currently on the city's health insurance plan?

Full Text: (Q4) Analysis and Action Plan for Medford Parks

Medford's parks are being vandalized. What can the city do to rid the parks of crime and its consequences, which include graffiti, broken playground equipment and trash? What do you believe the root cause of the problem is? What is your solution and how would you implement it?

Full Text: (Q5) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

How could Medford improve environmental and recycling practices within the public schools and other city buildings, including senior housing, and more aggressively promote recycling by the private sectors? For instance, do you believe Medford could attract businesses that use only recycled materials or that converts recycled materials into useful products? How?

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?