Vote Medford 2005

Paul Camuso

Candidate for Medford City Council

candidate email: camusop@aol.com
phone number: 781-395-7946

 

View the complete City Council questionnaire.

Camuso: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

A vital Square needs to have places that people want to use as part of their regular activity. There must be stores that provide unique services and goods. These stores should be different than the mall stores and capture the theme of a city that values community interaction. There should be ample parking. Restaurants and cafes would add an important dimension and attract individuals both during the day and the evening. Nice places to sit and gather could be strategically placed throughout the area. We should try and incorporate the river into the scene as well. Pedestrian walkways should be carefully planned so that there will not be a clash between cars and people on foot. Nice greenery and landscaping is a must. As a member of the Council I will continue to encourage ideas that can make our square both a nice place to visit and a functional commercial district. We are very close to Boston and with the right setup we could attract tourists who would help our downtown prosper and add value to our revenue streams.

Camuso: Q2 - Social, Cultural and Historical Assets

Medford is filled with History and the Arts. We need to encourage more open activities that celebrate our heritage and provide quality space to those in the creative arts. As a member of the city council I have always been a supporter of the arts. Although I was in the minority, I fought for space for the art and artists by supporting a proposal that would have expanded cultural opportunities in our community. And most recently I supported a provision within the revitalization proposal for Medford Square to give the artists space within the square. More should be done with Chevalier Auditorium. Regular poetry and music presentations in strategic locations would be a fine addition. We also have many ethnic groups who could add a multicultural flavor to our city. Springstep is a great resource as is Tufts University. We should look to develop the potential inherent in both of these jewels. Our schools and our historical society could do more to provide regular exhibits and speaker programs for the community.

Camuso: Q3 - Encouraging Small Businesses

We need to show small business that we have a plan and that Medford is the place to be for the future. If we develop our squares and shopping areas so that they are attractive places, we will lure new business to Medford. We have to be sure that we have a fair commercial tax rate for business and that we have plenty of parking. We also need to make sure that when prospective businesspersons come before the Council that they are well received and not badgered. We need to support our Chamber of Commerce so that it can be a strong supportive welcoming agent for our city. We should explore options under the Small Business Administration to help those who would like to come here make the necessary financial commitment.

Camuso: Q4 - On Low- and Moderate-income Families

We need to ensure that builders include low income housing in the mix of all city-based developments. While selling the old schools to developers I pushed to make sure that they sold several units as affordable housing to residents of Medford. As a councilor and the chair of the Zoning committee, I can make sure that our concern is well known and that developers will get encouragement from the city to promote affordable units. We can also encourage the rehab of our current housing stock with tax incentives.

Camuso: Q5 - Environmental Issues

We need to maintain our parklands and to prevent pollution of air, water and earth. We need to encourage less pollution from automobiles and promote clean energy sources. We need to sponsor education programs to ensure that everyone is aware of the importance of environmental protection.

Camuso: Q6 - Open Spaces, Sidewalks, and Trees

We need to preserve our natural resources by ensuring that we have an adequate staff to keep our parks and greenery up to par. We need to encourage all our citizens to help keep our community clean and beautiful. I put forth a City Council resolution to bring back Medford Pride day where residents and businesses clean the area and parks surrounding their property to keep Medford clean.

Camuso: Q7 - Street Safety

We can always do more. We have spent considerably on our streets each year. I supported a bond to improve our sidewalks and streets, although more needs to be done. It will take revenue and grants. We should assess our most challenging intersections and roadways and prioritize our next wave of improvements.

Camuso: Q8 - Green Line

I believe in enhanced transportation for our citizens. But it is important to ensure that the plans proposed do not create more problems than they should. An adequate parking plan must be worked out as well as a traffic study. Where is the funding coming from? I don't want to burden the local taxpayer. I will evaluate the option after I see the results of professional studies. Also, community input will be an essential aspect of my decision making process.

Camuso: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

Energy costs are hitting hard. Conservation is part of the answer, but it will not be enough given the current surge in prices. We need help from the state and we may have to re-regulate essential energy. The budget impact will be enormous especially on the schools and transportation. The State must step up with conservation incentives and more local aid for essential services.