Vote Medford 2005

Robert Maiocco

Candidate for Medford City Council

candidate email: rmaiocco@aol.com

View the complete City Council questionnaire.

Maiocco: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

A vibrant, attractive and easily accessible area containing a desirable mix of retail stores, eating places and service oriented businesses. Landscaped Mystic River banks on both sides of the Cradock Bridge enhancing the entire area. Good traffic control assuring safety and sufficient parking bringing in new business. A Medford Square groceria is especially serving the needs of citizens living in the adjacent senior housing complexes. As a councilor I will continue to encourage desired revitalization, work for it and give support to actions that require City Council approval.

Maiocco: Q2 - Social, Cultural and Historical Assets

The historical aspects of the Mystic River should be utilized and included in any revitalization plan. Medford has many historical structures whose preservation should continue with renewed efforts in attracting tourists to those sites. The Brooks Estates and all of its renewed splendor is another great asset and the city should continue its efforts to expand its usage. Tufts University offers cultural advantages that Medford residents should be encouraged to use fully.

Maiocco: Q3 - Encouraging Small Businesses

The west end of Medford Square needs a new parking garage to replace the one that was razed earlier this year. Working with the business associations in the various neighborhood areas, the city should make new efforts to improve traffic and safety controls. Continuation of the enhanced storefront program is vital as is enforcement of a strong sign ordinance.

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

Insure that new housing complexes include provisions for affordable housing. Seek whatever federal and state assistance may be available to local communities that are eager for more low and moderate housing units.

Maiocco: Q5 - Environmental Issues

The city's Energy and Environment Office is doing a good job in overseeing and implementing various environmental programs. Working with other city departments and commissions it focuses on air quality, climate change protection, energy efficiency, storm management, wetlands protections and open space conservation. I have given full support to that Office and to its programs and will continue to do so. I introduced and succeeded in passage of allowing the use of solar energy in all areas of the city by right.

Maiocco: Q6 - Open Spaces, Sidewalks, and Trees

There is always room for improvement when it comes to our parks and to our streets and sidewalks. A program of parks restoration has brought results. They require constant attention. The National Arbor Foundation has given Medford "Tree City" designation in recognition of the city's arbor care efforts and tree planting. As a Councilor I have urged that more personnel and increased funding be allotted to meet the needs. The administration appears cognizant of all these needs including open space preservation but there is a limit as to how much funding can be appropriated. I will continue to press for efficient use of our limited resources and, whenever possible, to increase such funding.

Maiocco: Q7 - Street Safety

This is a never-ending problem that requires constant attention and vigilance. Being a jogger myself, I am cognizant of the need for improving road safety for pedestrians and cyclists and have been continually requesting the Police Department to monitor speeding at specific locations throughout the city. There are dangerous streets and intersections that are not under the city's jurisdiction and I often call on the State Police to take action at those sites. I have long pushed for larger, more visible street signs and installation of those improved signs has started. Residents who have concerns about specific traffic hazards can also bring them to the attention of the city's Traffic Commission. That body, appointed by the mayor and headed by the chief of police, is responsible for the city's traffic policies and regulations.

Maiocco: Q8 - Green Line

No definitive proposal has been presented by the MBTA. If a plan to extend the Green Line to Medford is forthcoming it should require full scrutiny by the city government and an open public hearing. My decision on giving support to any extension would depend on the results of that scrutiny, the facts and figures of the proposal and the peoples' response to them.

Maiocco: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

Obviously, the adverse financial impact will be considerable and is cause for concern as to how this huge unexpected increase is going to be absorbed within the existing budget structure. Every effort should be made by all city and the school departments to conserve energy wherever possible. Also, we should make our elected federal and state officials fully aware of what we are facing and ask for whatever assistance they can provide.