Looking Ahead to 2009
Green Line station locations, including the end of the line, are expected to be announced in early 2009. At right, a Green Line train at Cleveland Circle. Photo by Alexander Svirsky.
What Will be the Big Stories in Medford?
Tough Times Forecast for City’s Budget
A slumping economy and a warning from the governor that local aid could be cut by 10% will no doubt force the city to make some tough decisions come budget-time. Last year’s budget was one of the toughest in recent memory and this year could possibly be worse.
Green Line Stations to be Finalized
State officials have been promising for months to make a final call on where stations will be located in Medford and where the line will end, either on Boston Avenue near Tufts University or at Route 16. The latest word is the project’s terminus could be announced in January and the engineering phase is supposed to begin in early 2009.
Decision Expected on TV3 Future
After two public performance evaluation hearings this past fall, Judge Marie Jackson is expected to make her recommendations to the mayor shortly. A financial audit of the station should also be completed and made public in early 2009.
New Coaches for Medford Mustangs
Several new coaches are expected in 2009, including softball and football. All eyes are on the administration’s search for a new football coach. The new coach will have to turn around a team that did not win a single game in 2008 and that suffered the fallout of a criminal investigation surrounding the head coach for two straight seasons. Fair or not, the strength of a school’s athletic program is judged by the performance of its football team, and hopefully the Mustangs will have a much better 2009.
Municipal Elections in Fall 2009
Medfordites will head to the polls in November 2009 to select candidates for Mayor, School Committee, and City Council. No new candidates were elected in 2007 and it will be interesting to see if any challengers emerge. Mayor Michael McGlynn will be up for re-election to his twelfth consecutive term.
Here is a New Year’s Wish for 2009. Let’s hope the Superintendent of Schools does not include Mr. Danny Villa on his short list of candidates for the Head Football Coaching position.
Seriously, following the recent history, would that surprise anyone? Here is hoping that in 2009, the student/athletes at Medford High are not compromised again. Happy New Year to all.