Video - City Council Candidates

1. Budget

The city managed to pass a budget by the skin of its teeth this year with some last-minute creative financing. Is there anything that can be done to avoid the same situation for FY 2009? How can the city increase revenue without increasing taxes and what are some ways the city can save money without cutting services?

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2. Mayor Council Question

There is a belief among Medford citizens that there has not been a healthy and productive relationship between the City Council and the Mayor. It seems particularly to be fueled over the issue of process, with the City Council seemingly left out of the loop on the Mayor's decisions. How would you describe the existing relationship and do you believe there is room for improvement? If so, what do you think each party's contribution should be?

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3. Art & Culture

Medford is rich in historical resources and it has a growing population of artists, writers and musicians. How can these advantages be incorporated into the city's economic development?

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4. Traffic & Congestion

Medford's roads were not designed to accommodate an unlimited number of vehicles, but the volume of traffic in Medford continues to increase. Do you know of any plans to decrease congestion in ways that are efficient and environmentally responsible? What are they and what would you do to help them along over the next two years?

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5. Green Initiatives

The city secured a $250,000 grant to construct a wind turbine at the McGlynn School that's expected to generate 10% of that school's electricity, saving up to $25,000 annually and offsetting the release of 76 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. What other green initiatives can the city undertake that will save money? What would you personally get involved with promoting right away?

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Video - School Committee Candidates

1. Hiring the best teachers

What ideas do you have for attracting and retaining highly qualified and motivated teachers for our schools, especially teachers that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of Medford?

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2.  Quality of a Medford Public Schools education

Many Medford residents opt to send their children to private schools, which begs the question of how good Medford's schools are perceived to be.  What do you think about the quality of a public school education in Medford and what would you tell parents who want to send their children elsewhere for their education?

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3.  Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a major concern.  What more can be done to promote healthy eating and physical lifestyles in the schools?  What kinds of programs and changes would you like to see and how would you go about implementing them?

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4.  Green Initiatives

The McGlynn School is getting a wind turbine that is expected to generate 10% of that school's electricity, saving up to $25,000 annually and offsetting the release of 76 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  What other green initiatives can the schools do that will save money and benefit the environment?  What would you personally get involved in promoting right away?

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5.  21st Century Education

The top goal of the Medford Public Schools for the 2007-2008 school year is promoting a 21st Century education for all students.  What does that mean and what do you think is essential to a 21st Century education?  How can the School Committee support this goal?  What leadership role are you prepared to assume?

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Video - Mayor's Candidate Video

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1. Budget

The city managed to pass a budget by the skin of its teeth this year with some last-minute creative financing. Is there anything that can be done to avoid the same situation for FY 2009? How can the city increase revenue without increasing taxes and what are some ways the city can save money without cutting services?

2. Mayor Council Question

There is a belief among Medford citizens that there has not been a healthy and productive relationship between the City Council and the Mayor. It seems particularly to be fueled over the issue of process, with the City Council seemingly left out of the loop on the Mayor's decisions. How would you describe the existing relationship and do you believe there is room for improvement? If so, what do you think each party's contribution should be?

3. Art & Culture

Medford is rich in historical resources and it has a growing population of artists, writers and musicians. How can these advantages be incorporated into the city's economic development?

4. Traffic & Congestion

Medford's roads were not designed to accommodate an unlimited number of vehicles, but the volume of traffic in Medford continues to increase. Do you know of any plans to decrease congestion in ways that are efficient and environmentally responsible? What are they and what would you do to help them along over the next two years?

5. Green Initiatives

The city secured a $250,000 grant to construct a wind turbine at the McGlynn School that's expected to generate 10% of that school's electricity, saving up to $25,000 annually and offsetting the release of 76 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. What other green initiatives can the city undertake that will save money? What would you personally get involved with promoting right away?

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in Video |