Mark Arena, City Council Candidate

Two years ago I asked the voters of Medford to consider me for one of their seven votes for election to the Medford City Council. My first runner-up finish has increased my determination and my resolve is stronger than ever.

I represent the fourth generation of the Arena family in Medford and I am a second generation public servant. My father, a former elected official, continues to serve the city to this day in an appointed capacity. My wife Laurie, a Medford Square business owner, and I have three children; all enrolled in the Medford Public Schools.

My campaign has always been focused on positive change. I count many members of this current Medford City Council as friends, and I honor their service to our community.

My candidacy is about the future of our city. The budget, Green Line expansion, parking creation and enforcement, expanding and protecting our tax base are but a few of the issues the next City Council must address. It would be easy to adopt what might appear to be a popular stand on these issues, or to make the promise of access for those that think in those terms, but the decisions I will make as a Medford City Councilor will be in the best interest of the community as a whole. I will research, negotiate, inform, and I will listen to all sides of every issue, whether those of a fellow councilor, or those of a concerned citizen.

My respect for differing views before me is exceeded only by my respect for the people who present them. By training and nature, I am a negotiator and a consensus builder. My candidacy has been endorsed by the 11,500 member Teamsters Local 25, the 3,300 member Ironworkers Local 7, and the 16,000 member SEIU Local 615, where I serve as an elected labor representative and contract negotiator at Tufts University.

As the Mayors appointee to the Board of Directors of Medford Community Housing, Inc., an affordable housing non-profit, I serve as the elected Vice President. I will foster strong relationships and maintain open lines of communication with the city’s department heads responsible for the delivery of vital city services.

My love for this city is rivaled only by my commitment to its progression. My philosophy is simple and borrowed from a proud service organization, it is Service above self. On Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2009, I ask you for the courage to vote for positive change with one of your seven votes for Medford City Council. My name is Mark J. Arena, the eighth name on the ballot. Together we will write the next chapter in our city’s proud history.

markjarena@verizon.net
www.markjarena.com
(781) 396-3696