O’Keefe Announces City Council Run

The Committee to Elect William J. O’Keefe Jr. recently announced his candidacy for Medford City Council. Bill and his wife “Lauren (Pepoli) O’Keefe” are the parents of four growing boys. O’Keefe is a local attorney and real estate broker. Bill was also elected and has served on the Medford School Committee.

“I purchased my home here fifteen years ago to raise my growing family and have seen many positive things happen here in Medford when the residents, business community and elected officials work together. For the first time in twenty-eight years Medford residents will go to the polls and vote for a new Mayor! It’s time that we finally begin to work together as ONE. We Can Do Better!”

As a parent of four children, in which three will be attending Medford High School, Andrews Middle School and the Brooks Elementary School, O’Keefe is involved in many Medford Youth Sports Programs and Community Civic Organizations. O’Keefe’s experience on the Medford School Committee and in leadership positions for the past fifteen years for financial and banking Institutions gives him a strong understanding of Budgets, Technology, and Services. As a Representative on the School Committee O’Keefe was instrumental in coordinating the implementation of online access for the public regarding school finances and the replays of past School Committee Meetings on Access Television. This has enabled parents, students and the Medford School Community to have access to current issues and finances. O’Keefe submitted more taxpayer resolutions than any elected official and changed how the School Committee functioned. To paraphrase the Medford School Superintendent Roy E. Belson, “Bill made us discuss topics that we just didn’t always want to talk about.”

“O’Keefe stated; the City of Medford is in dire need of enhancements as it relates to network applications and technology. Effectively communicating to the public in a variety of methods and forums is essential. An online transparent checkbook for municipal expenditures and a one-touch approach to obtain fundamental services.”

O’Keefe will work to ensure that residential and business owners who pay taxes can review and or receive amfinancial prospectus annually, which details the State of the City Financial Report. How your investment is
being allocated, spent and the return on your investment “ROI” is important to not only your future, but to everyone’s future here in Medford. “Why an investor like you and I are not being educated on our investments regardless whether it’s a home or business in Medford is difficult to explain? It is time to put the word “Politician” to rest for a little while and start getting down to the people’s business.” O’Keefe believes this is taxpayer (our) money and the fiduciary relationship begins with each and every purchase or payment made here in Medford.

O’Keefe believes that the Charter Review needs serious analysis. It’s fair to say that the current charter worked for the past administration, however he strongly supports a Charter Commission and Ward Representation. My thought would be Ward Representation that does not provide political cover but one that represents the Ward and then voted citywide for full accountability.” O’Keefe also feels that residents and taxpayers should not be burdened by the current system of government, as it is not the right approach for Medford moving forward.

According to O’Keefe “If we are serious about our investment to make Medford a Destination rather than a Bedroom Community, we need improved traffic flow and infrastructure which will coincide with a new vision.” Traffic enforcement continues to be a blame game. The credibility of the current city council is at an all time low regarding this issue. We need to invest first and foremost in a functional and operating Business Development Office for Medford. We need to review and not change for the sake of change some of our zoning requirements as it relates to the business district. This will not only provide opportunity but a new vision for the future. The Medford Police Station is long overdue to be upgraded or even relocated. This is prime real estate and we need to ensure that public safety is at the forefront of this partnership. The Craddock Bridge is scheduled to be closed for a few years and we need to strike while we have the opportunity.”

O’Keefe supports and embraces the Green Line Project. “As it relates to the Route 16 Green Line expansion, I would prefer to see a (Hub Cycle Gateway) for bicyclists and pedestrians along Boston Avenue and an access lane along the (already) terminus railway from Route 16 to promote walking, jogging and bicycling to the new Tufts Green Line stop. Public transit service typically increases the demand for new residential and commercial retail space. If designed properly with input from local residents a new transit service can provide a number of benefits to the effected neighborhoods including increased property values, reduced automobile traffic and improved air quality.

The development of affordable housing (HUD) is inevitable in the Walking Court housing complex. A path from Sandy Beach at the Winchester / Medford line along the Mystic River connecting Memorial Park to the Condon Shell station, Medford Square, Krystle Campbell Peace Garden, Andrews Middle School and on to the Station Landing corridor it is not out of the realm of ideas for walkers, bicyclists and joggers.” O’Keefe realizes there are many ideas to make Medford accessible and is open to discussion through community participation.

Finally, Medford needs to centralize its youth arts, music and recreation programs and provide outlets to children of all ages. “We have the resources and the parents of this community have proven they are financially committed as these programs generate millions of dollars while being outsourced and delegated. As Medford residents we can and should do better for our children and programs. The future is now. It is time for a one-touch approach for new and existing families so that we continue to emulate the Mustang Pride of 02155.”

The Committee to Elect William J. O’Keefe Jr. asks you to remember that Your One-Vote Counts. “I want to thank the voters of Medford for their continued support and I ask for your vote for Medford City Council.”

– Submitted by the Committee to Elect William J. O’Keefe Jr.