Election Season Officially Begins

– Allison Goldsberry

Election season is officially underway today as candidates gear up for the fast-approaching fall races in the steamy dog days of summer.

Yesterday was the deadline for interested candidates to submit their nominations papers to the Registrar of Voters. 

While Medford will see some new faces knocking on doors in the fall, a primary won’t be necessary because there are not enough candidates.

Mayor Michael J. McGlynn again runs unopposed for his seat.  Two candidates pulled nomination papers but did not return them by yesterday’s deadline, including Patrick Fiorello, a candidate that has run for mayor several times in the past.

Every sitting City Councilor is running for re-election, and two new candidates are jumping into the fray, Mark A. Arena and Brian Chamberlain.  Two additional candidates pulled nomination papers but did not return them.

City Councilor Fred Dello Russo, running for his second term, says he will focus on the city’s finances and revitalization of Medford Square during his campaign.  He said the city is so far lucky it has avoided cutting jobs and services but could face those unpleasant choices unless there is a serious discussion about its financial future.

“I think we just squeaked by this year with the budget, and I don’t know that we’ll continue to be able to squeak by,” said Dello Russo.

Each sitting School Committee member is running and four new candidates are vying for their seats, Lisa Attenazio, Christopher D’aveta, Bruce Kulik, and William J. O’Keefe.  One additional candidate pulled papers but did not return them.

Former teacher and School Committee Vice-Chairman Bob Skerry, running for his ninth term, said he expects a “spirited” campaign season in Medford.  He said that given the tight budget, he will focus on reining in costs while offering more professional development for faculty and staff and maintaining Medford’s small class sizes.

“I want to make sure public education is the best it can be in Medford,” said Skerry.

The following is a list of candidates running for Mayor, School Committee, and City Council. New candidates are marked with an *.

Mayor:
Mayor Michael J. McGlynn

School Committee:
Lisa Attenazio*
William J. Brady
Ann Marie Cugno
Christopher D’aveta*
Lena M. DiGiantommaso
Bruce Kulik*
William J. O’Keefe*
Alfred P. Pompeo
Robert E. Skerry
Paulette Van der Kloot

City Council:
Mark J. Arena*
Paul A. Camuso
Brian Chamberlain*
Frederick Dello Russo, Jr.
Breanna Lungo
Robert Maiocco
Michael J. Marks
Stephanie Muccini Burke
Robert M. Penta