Knight Seeking 2nd Term for City Council

My name is Adam Knight. I reside on High Street with my wife Alison, and our son Ryan. We are excitedly expecting our second child, a baby boy, in December. I was elected to the Medford City Council in 2013, and seek re-election to a second term. In the September 1st Primary Election, I hope that you will consider me with one of your seven City Council votes.

I began my 15-year career in state & local government as an Aide to the late Senator Charlie Shannon. During this time I worked on issues like equal rights, universal healthcare, the green line extension, the long-term leasing of state skating rinks, and the School Building Assistance Program – which resulted in Medford building new schools with a 90% reimbursement from the state.

Later, I joined the Labor Movement advocating on behalf of working families as a political organizer, field representative and contract negotiator. Negotiating more than 30 collective bargaining agreements between employees and various government agencies at the state and local levels I have learned the many ways municipal services can be delivered, funded, and implemented – in a way that protects both taxpayer and workers.

Currently, I am employed as a Conciliator and Arbitrator for Worker’s Compensation claims. Where I use alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve legal disputes. I am also fortunate to have the opportunity to serve as your current City Councilor.

In this capacity, I embrace the philosophy that results are more important than rhetoric. I believe the two most important functions of a City Councilor are to represent your interests with vision and foresight and to provide top of the line constituent services. I am both committed and qualified to do just that.

I take my role and responsibilities as your City Councilor very seriously. As the only City Councilor with perfect attendance at Council meetings and the sole Councilor holding walk-in office hours I have held true to my pledge- that I will remain accessible, accountable, and unwavering in my commitment to the residents of our community.

Public Safety, Education, Service Delivery, Infrastructure and Economic Revitalization have been my primary concern as your City Councilor. These are the key components to unlocking Medford’s full potential and I have worked hard to ensure that our tax dollars are being invested here. We have had many successes in this regard, but we can do better, there is more work to be done. I ask that you give me the opportunity to continue this work.

As our City grows we are faced with many challenges, but also many opportunities. We need to think big, plan properly and have vision in order to define the future of Medford.

We must commit to doing a better job engaging our citizenry in the political process by embracing and investing in a strong civil infrastructure- where our residents are provided the opportunity to use their voices to help shape and define the future identity of our City. We need to improve our efforts in this area, for I truly feel that Medford’s strongest asset is it residents. By working together we can shape Medford’s future course.

Growing our commercial tax base and increasing our stock of affordable housing remain vital to the economic revitalization of our City and its sustainability. Medford needs businesses that pay a living wage and provide benefits to their employees. So the people who work in Medford to have the means and opportunity to live in Medford, resulting in further contribution to the circular flow our local economy.

A comprehensive zoning and tax incentive review can pave the path for the redevelopment of the City’s most underutilized parcels. Using Smart Growth to attract businesses that pay a living wage, like those in the technology, biotech, and healthcare fields we can create a mixed-use, business friendly, consumer friendly, environmentally friendly and residentially friendly environment to address Medford’s growth.

Strong schools help revitalize neighborhoods, provide stability and are a catalyst for economic growth because of their positive effect on the housing market. We must continue to set the highest standards, embrace technology and encourage innovation in the classroom, our children and grandchildren deserve no less.

Improved facilities, state-of-art equipment, continuing education and increased staffing levels in our Police and Fire Departments are all necessary in order to meet the increasing demands of a growing City. We must work with the State Legislature and City Administration to develop a plan to fund a new Police Headquarters and address the living quarters at our Fire Stations- because the men and women entrusted with our safety deserve to have the appropriate facilities to carry out this most critical role.

As our built infrastructure ages the important role our DPW plays in our everyday lives becomes more and more evident. We have invested in the facilities, now it is time we invest in the personnel and equipment to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. Resources produce results. With these resources we will see improved service delivery to our built infrastructure and the ability to better address quality of life items like sidewalks, streets, stumps, striping, signage and sweeping.

As your City Councilor I will continue in my commitment to investment and innovation in the areas of Public Safety, Education, Economic Revitalization, Service Delivery, and Infrastructure – both built and civic- because these are the keys to Medford unlocking its full potential. It is both an honor and privilege to serve as your current City Councilor. I hope that I have earned your trust and confidence.

In the September 1st Primary Election, I ask that you cast one of your seven votes for City Councilor Adam Knight #13 on the ballot. It is a new day, together we can define Medford’s future.

If you have any questions and concerns, or to get involved in the campaign please visit www.knight4council.com or call 781-780-3417.

– Submitted by City Councilor Adam Knight