Election 2007
Medford heads to the polls this year on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 to cast ballots for School Committee members, City Councilors, and Mayor.
The following information is intended to get voters up to speed on where to vote, who’s running for office, and where the candidates stand on the city’s major issues.
Election News…
Voter Turnout by Ward and Precinct
The Cost of Running for Office in Medford
Candidate Responses Now Available at VoteMedford.org
City Council Candidates Grilled at Democratic Forum
School Committee Candidates Speak out at Democratic Forum
Citywide PTO Holds School Committee Candidate Forum
Election Resources…
Polls Open at 7AM this Year on November 6- See Where you Vote
Contact the Candidates:
Candidates on the issues…
City Council candidates on:
More from the Council candidates…
Mayoral candidate on…
Budget, Medford Square Revitalization, Water/Sewer Issues, Parking Enforcement, more…
School Committee candidates on…
Quality of a Medford Public Schools education
Nutrition and childhood obesity
Increasing parental involvement
More from the School Committee candidates…
Candidate Statements
Medford is in an election year, and on Tuesday, November 6 voters will head to the polls to select a Mayor, School Committee members, and City Councilors.
InsideMedford.com has asked each of the candidates to submit a 200-word statement. Most candidates have submitted statements as of the deadline. Those that haven’t will have their statements posted at a later date if they choose to submit them. The statements will remain on this special page through the November election.
Candidate Advertisements
Some candidates have chosen to advertise on InsideMedford.com. This is not an endorsement and is a paid advertisement. InsideMedford.com will not be endorsing any candidates for this election because of the editor’s involvement in Vote Medford 2007.
CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR
Mayor Michael McGlynn, in his own words:
With pride in our accomplishments and a heartfelt desire to continue on a positive path for the future, I respectfully seek your support for re-election as Mayor.
Energy, enthusiasm and experience are the qualities I offer. Good government requires dedicated public officials, an active citizenry and a progressive vision. My administration has provided strong and determined leadership- “Leadership that works” for Medford.
By means of consensus building through citizen and neighborhood involvement, Medford is an attractive and desirable place to live, work and visit. We are poised on the threshold of a new era in our history as we begin the revitalization of our downtown, development of environmental initiatives including harnessing wind power, the further recognition of those who fought to protect our freedoms and continued prudent development to stabilize our economic future. These programs alone are ambitious undertakings. Each is driven by a common vision which at its core promotes a true quality of life for all who reside in our community.
As this exciting new era begins, I sincerely invite all citizens to voice their opinions, share their time and talents and become part of what I know will become Medford’s finest days.
I hope that I have earned your vote.
CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL
City Council candidate Mark Arena, in his own words:
I am a second generation public servant. The son of Anthony and Norma Arena of Medford. My wife Laurie and I have three children, Miranda, 11, Marissa, 6, and Anthony 1.
Employed by Tufts University, I serve as a labor representative to the union membership of SEIU Local 615.
Medford’s demographics continue to change. As your Councillor, I will listen and respect all whose issues appear before the people’s forum. I will work towards and urge change when possible, and will be a force for change when necessary.
Notwithstanding the limitations of our Plan A charter, I will cultivate a good working relationship with the department heads responsible for the delivery of vital services. I will work diligently with our state delegation for property tax relief, an equitable assessment of water and sewer services and a renewed emphasis on a redesign of Wellington Circle.
As the husband of a Medford Square business owner, as the parent of children enrolled in the Medford Public Schools and as a union official, I identify with the challenges we all face on a daily basis.
I ask you for the great honor you hold as a citizen- your vote. As your voice on the City Council, together we can be part of a new Arena for Medford.
City Councilor Paul Camuso, in his own words:
Every citizen deserves to have their issues properly addressed by city government. As an elected official I have made this my top priority. The “Major” issues always get debated on the floor of the council, but it is essential to give every citizen an opportunity to discuss and deal with the issues that affect their lives personally.
My priorities include:
Increased development of local business opportunities to strengthen our revenue base. We should be a thriving center of community activity and a destination point for consumers. The Medford Square revitalization project needs to be accelerated and supported.
We must have a progressive approach to preserving our open spaces, parks, air, water supply, and visual appearance. We must develop our green energy capacities and encourage conservation wherever possible. I will encourage more projects like the new wind turbine as important steps toward this critical goal.
Our Public Schools are vital to the community. We must provide for both quality instruction to our students and ensure that our beautiful school facilities are properly maintained. Our children deserve the highest quality education.
Our Police and Fire departments require appropriate staffing levels, good equipment, and professional training. I will continue advocating for these important items.
City Councilor Breanna Lungo, in her own words:
I would like to start off by thanking my family, friends, and of course, the Medford Voters. The support that you all have given my throughout my six years, and the appreciation that I feel towards all of you, cannot be explained in words. I would never have been able to begin this public service journey without the trust and support you all have shown me. I thank you all and hope I have lived up to your expectations.
I have been a Medford City Councilor for almost six years and am currently a candidate for my fourth term. I was born and raised in Medford. I attended St. Joseph’s School and Graduated from Medford High School in 1998. I got my undergraduate degree in criminal justice and Psychology from Endicott College in 2002. I then attended law school and obtained my Judicial Doctorate degree in 2006. I am currently a first year Attorney in Boston. With the last six years experience on the Medford City Council, my years of studying, and my time as an Attorney, I hope that the Medford voters can entrust that I am able to do an effective and efficient job as their Medford City Councilor.
City Councilor Robert Maiocco, in his own words:
City Councillor Robert A. Maiocco has announced his candidacy for re-election to the Medford City Council. He currently serves as the Council president.
Maiocco is pushing for correction of the inequities in the city’s water-sewer system, which has resulted in the overcharging of ratepayers. He is urging the adoption of a single rate and a billing system that is consumption based (use less, pay less). Maiocco said that 62 percent of the communities in the MWRA district have adopted that system. “The consumption based billing system has resulted in fairer water-sewer bills for ratepayers in those communities,” he reported.
Maiocco is a lifelong resident of the city and a graduate of St. Joseph School, Medford High School and Boston University. He majored in finance at BU and earned a BS degree in business administration. He has 34 years experience as a registered financial advisor and broker and is vice president-investments at Wachovia Securities, Boston.
Counc. Maiocco is married to the former Cheryl Ann Floyd, a special education administrator at the Brooks School. They are the parents of a daughter, Alexandria, a graduate of Tufts University, and a son, Robert Jr., a Merrimack College graduate.
City Councilor Michael Marks, in his own words:
Fusion candidate and City Councillor Michael J. Marks is a familiar face in Medford to those who support affordable housing for the elderly, reasonable property taxes, cost containment of water and sewer rates, and expansion of the city’s tax base to ensure financial stability. But Marks also knows that a city’s life is in its neighborhoods. That’s why you’ll find him supporting public safety initiatives, construction of new schools, and quality-of-life measures. He’s stood alongside neighbors protesting the encroachment of industry upon residential areas. He insisted upon installation of thermoplastic sidewalks and repair of the city’s crumbling water pipes. And, as a former three-term member of the Medford School Committee, Marks fought- and won- for smaller class sizes. Fiscally conservative but socially liberal, Marks sees consensus as the finest way to solve problems, setting monthly office hours and researching the issues fully before making a stand. While working for practical financial solutions to the city’s budget challenges, this lifelong resident of Medford never forgets that each vote has a consequence that affects the daily lives of those who live in Medford, including his wife Lisa and children Gianna, Olivia, and Evan.
City Councilor Robert Penta, in his own words:
I’m a graduate of Medford High School. I matriculated at Suffolk University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Government, a Masters Degree in School Administration and a LLB in Doctorate of the Laws. I have continued post-graduate study from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and have studied under the Senior Executive Management Program at Harvard University.
I want to continue in my pursuit to enhance the:
- Professional Managed Medford Square Re-development
- Brooks Estate
- Chevalier Auditorium
- New West Medford Community Center
- Community attitudes of conservation
- Possibility of a satellite fire and police location at the State Police Building at Wellington Circle
- Traffic enforcement and an economic and beautification enhancement program for our city’s squares
I’m especially proud that both Councillor Stephanie Burke and myself were the leading city officials to have recognized all WWII Medford veterans at the new Veterans Memorial on Winthrop Street, whether they went to war from Medford or made Medford their home after the war, so as to receive the same equal honor and respect they deserve.
With that being said and on behalf of my family, we would appreciate your support and your vote for City Councillor Robert M. Penta on Tuesday, November 6th, Election Day.
I Thank you!
CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE
School Committee candidate Lisa Attenazio, in her own words:
Dear Medford Voters:
I’m a 1984 Medford High graduate and lifelong resident of Medford.
I’m the parent of a 9-year-old boy with autism.
I educated myself about autism and educational laws.
I became a child advocate for all children who need educational related supports and services.
Member of the following:
Medford Democratic Ward and Chair Committee
Medford Parent Advisory Council
Founder of the EMARC bowling league for children with disabilities
TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: in the lives of all children in this community.
EDUCATION FOR ALL- Every child has a right to a free and appropriate education regardless of race, religion, color, disability, culture, etc.
FUNDING- I will work tirelessly and effortlessly to obtain more funding for our schools and our community so that every child can participate in academic and non-academic activities.
CIVIL RIGHTS AND EDUCATION: I work very closely with our state representatives and senators regarding education and civil rights issues to ensure that no one is denied or discriminated against regarding the education and well-being of our children.
MCAS: to work closely with our legislatures and the board of education on revisiting MCAS as a graduation requirement.
SMALLER CLASS SIZE: Students can and will benefit from a reduced class size and I will work to bring that to Medford.
I ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 6th.
School Committee Member Bill Brady, in his own words:
I respectfully ask for your continued support of my service on the Medford School Committee. My experience (16 years) enables me to make an informed contribution to the discussion of key issues that face our schools. As Secretary of the School Committee I review all the expenses of the school district on a regular basis and in so doing play a very significant role in the budgetary process which is critical during these financial challenged times. I currently have three grandchildren in the Medford Public Schools and it is personally important to me that all children get the best education possible. I will ensure that you will have a strong voice in support of such key issues as:
- Safe and secure school environment including strong substance abuse prevention and anti-bullying
- Low class size and a diversified curriculum to meet the needs of all learners
- Early education opportunities and after-school programming
- Health education and services encouraging the development of the “whole child”
- Strong extra curricular programs free from user fees
- Support for special needs students and families
- Effective maintenance of school facilities
- Financial support of our school system and respect for our taxpayers
School Committee member Ann Marie Cugno, in her own words:
I’m a member of the Medford School Committee. I’m a lifelong resident, a graduate of the Medford Public Schools and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Foreign Languages. My husband and I have four boys that have and are attending the Medford Public Schools. I’ve been a PTO member in one capacity or another for the past fifteen years, and all three levels of the schools site councils. I’m a member of the Medford Soccer Association and employed as as subsitute teacher. I’m running again because I have the pleasure of learning something new everyday and working and speaking to the people in our community that make this position immensely enjoyable. I work with the Stand for Children Organization; piloted a Peace Game Program with the Citywide PTO through Tuft’s University; assist on the Bullying Bill with Senator Barrios and Representative Donatol; organized the First Annual Walk for Officer Pat Fahey, alongside Brook’s teacher Kristin Howell and City Councilor Breanna Lungo, and implemented the first Medford Summer Time Program with Breanna Lungo, and George Scarpelli.
I’ve been able to bring beneficial projects to life on our community, and I’d like the opportunity to continue. I’m asking for your vote on November 6, 2007.
Chris D’Aveta with one of his sons.
School Committee candidate Chris D’Aveta, in his own words:
In just a few years, my two young sons will be students in the Medford public school system. My wife Maria and I share the same educational value as all Medford parents- that our community deserves safe, sound, and serious institutions of learning. Medford’s schools are attracting renewed interest in the community, but as I talk to my neighbors I hear their concerns: growing class size, teaching to the MCAS, and cutting the budgets of art and music programs.
I was raised in the Hillside area and I am a proud graduate of public schools and Tufts University. As a city planner involved in economic and community development, I work closely with the public and listen to people with different perspectives everyday. It is my job to find ways to make cities better for all of those people. Good schools are the key component in making places better for everyone: children and adults.
I have deep experience in the process of public policymaking, and I value and support the public school system, including teachers, parents, and of course, students. I promise to honor the best aspects of our schools and policies, and work with parents and educators for their continued improvement. My goal is for Medford to have the best schools in the state.
Lena DiGiantommaso with grandchildren Stephen and Scott.
School Committee member Lena DiGiantommaso, in her own words:
- Widow of Alfred DiGiantommaso, Korean War Veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart
- Mother of three children who attended Medford Public Schools and graduated college and grandmother of four
In the past, as well as recently, I have served as Vice Chairperson and Secretary of the School Committee as well as Chairperson of many other committees
- Served as President of the Lincoln, Kennedy and Hancock P.T.A
- Former President of the MHS Band Parents Association
- Former President of the Friends of the Chevalier Auditorium and Gene Mack Youth Center
Some awards I have received are:
- Women’s Achievement Award by the Human Rights Commission
- Golden Mustang Award for supporting the Mustang athletes programs and students
- Mass Association of School Committee Lifetime Achievement Award
- With my 100% attendance at all School Committee meetings for 20 years, I feel I have the wisdom and experience to continue to serve the citizens of Medford
- Committed to educational opportunities for all students
Years of service on the School Committee 1981-2007
School Committee candidate Bruce Kulik, in his own words:
As a parent with two children enrolled in the Medford Public schools, an active member of the citywide parent teacher organization, and a concerned citizen, I believe I have a major stake in the performance of our city’s schools.
During the past several years, I have attended almost every general school committee meeting, I regularly speak with administrators, members of the school committee, and parents to discuss important school issues. Here are some of the concerns:
- Children being held back because of “teaching to the middle.”
- Problems with access to special education programs.
- Some teachers making life unnecessarily difficult for students.
- Behavior on the buses and bullying continue to be a problem.
- Insufficient art and music instruction.
- Disparity amongst the four elementary schools.
We need aggressive, involved and committed leadership on the school committee to address these problems.
I have chosen to run for school committee because I believe I have proven my leadership skills and commitment to Medford’s public schools. I have a strong awareness of the issues that face our students, our teachers, and our schools. I have the business and managerial experience needed to be effective. And, I will push for a climate of excellence for all our students.
School Committee candidate William O’Keefe, in his own words:
Local attorney William “Bill” O’Keefe announced his candidacy for a seat on the Medford School Committee. An active member of the community, a married father of three boys, who are all students in Medford Public Schools, has stayed energetic and very involved in many school related topics and plans on hitting the ground running after the November election.
“I want to continue to build on the momentum of change that is currently evolving in our school system with our new Director of Pupil Services, our new Athletic Director, the new High School infrastructure, new Educational Technology, all while providing a breathe of fresh air and a welcoming voice to the many new faces in the school administration and community. Medford School Administrators and Medford voters have recognized that new ideas and new energy is needed and I welcome that opportunity and thank them for their support. The School Committee is seasoned with many leaders. I want to be the School Committee person that can “LEAD LEADERS” today and “DEVELOP” our leaders for tomorrow. Let’s give all the children of Medford the education they deserve and we expect as a community. We can do better. The Future is now.”
School Committee member Robert Emmett Skerry, Jr., in his own words:
Dear Neighbor:
I am Robert Emmett Skerry, Jr., and I have been working to make our community’s schools competitive, safe, and cost-effective learning environments. I have led our city’s school committee through the difficult tasks of:
- building new school facilities
- maintaining the new schools with appropriate upgrades in maintenance, facilities, logistics and technology
- overseeing the sale of older school properties to lessen the burden on taxpayers in funding the new schools; and
- managing the rejuvenation of Medford High School including such projects as replacement of every student locker by September 2008 and the newly refurbished Cooper Gymnasium
This turbulent and exciting transition in the Medford public schools has placed Medford at the forefront of Greater Boston schools with respect to learning environment to prepate our young students to compete in the global economy.
Medford students’ scores on standard tests have trended upward for several years, but there is still work to do. Whether it is seeking funds or grants to bolster remediation programs through elementary or secondary schools or addressing the concerns of parents regarding their children’s education, I am there working for you, building the necessary coalitions to get the job done.
I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 6th.
Remember, your one vote counts!
Sincerely,
Robert Emmett Skerry, Jr.
School Committee member Paulette Van der Kloot, in her own words:
Hi, my name is Paulette Van der Kloot and I am a candidate for reelection to the Medford School Committee. It has been my great joy and privilege to serve on the school committee for 18 years. While I am thrilled with the achievements our district has made despite often difficult economic circumstances, the single most important reason you should vote for me is that I understand that the individual experience of each child, family, and citizen, as they relate to our schools on a daily basis, is critically important. A school system is a dynamic system ever changing and evolving. I bring common sense, respect for all, and an ability to understand different perspectives to my role. I value your input. I listen to you. I take your experiences and learn from them and say “How can we do better?” I strive to see to it that the Medford Public Schools are doing better each and every day. There are huge challenges but it is a system of many dedicated teachers and administrators. Please continue to “GIve a Hoot, vote Van der Kloot” so that I can continue to work for you.
