Vote Medford 2007

Penta: (Q1) Affordable Housing

The City has prepared and offered perspective home buyers financing opportunities and first time home buying points of importance. The economy dictates the real estate market so as to when and why a home owner would be selling and who would be buying at any time. The senior waiting lists are continually being reviewed by the Housing Authority and those private businessmen who wish to build for that purpose. Realizing the growth of senior citizens, the Commonwealth is now looking at this issue with new guidelines for cities and towns to possibly advance upon.

Penta: (Q2) Making Medford Safe for Pedestrians & Cyclists

This issue is presently being addressed through city council initiatives.

Penta: (Q3) Encouraging Diversity in Medford City Government

Our community is so diverse with folks of many backgrounds that it is impossible to say how do we elect these folks. This is still a free country for which anyone can run for any office they so choose. Therefore, If one cannot or does not know how to run for public office, they should learn to do so just as I first did. There is absolutely no excuse for any one person from running for office.

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.

Penta: (Q5) Priorities for Medford Square Revitalization

Putting the master plan aside, the need to have business and property owners being investors is essential. Eliminating the Ring Road and new traffic signalization is most important. Offering tax incentives for new development is critical for enticing new development.

Penta: (Q6) South Medford

I believe my compromising resolution supported by the entire council for offering 40 community parking spaces at the newly proposed Lincoln Kennedy school sale should help some of the immediate parking strains in that area. The rest of the problems are administrative actions that are needed to be acted upon.

Penta: (Q7) Investing in Medford's Historical Resources

As a member of the Medford Historical Society, I am presently preparing to have for community knowledge a Medford History day some time next year that will incorporate all the historical places and artifacts of all locations for community review. Before reviewing the bond portion of the question, I believe a complete review of the historical locations and who has control and authority over them needs to determined.

Penta: (Q8) Arts & Culture for Medford Revitalization

Last year I offered a city council resolution with the council's support that was forwarded the Revitalization Committee to investigate as part of the Medford Square revitalization a building location along the downtown water way that would house Medford Historical artifacts and a arts and cultural center for future uses.

Penta: (Q9) Budget Transparency

The budget has always been transparent. Unfortunately, this year we got the school department budget on the day for passing the city budget. I believe all councilors were not happy with this last minute process. But, with the school committee knowing of this last minute situation and not attending the city council meeting, the feeling was strongly stated by the council not to come back before the council if their budget fell short. Since the law only allows a council to cut and not add, the vote was dictated.

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

This is purely a City administrative prerogative for review and recommendations. No , I am not.