Vote Medford 2005

Michael Marks

Candidate for Medford City Council

candidate email: michael@marksformedford.com
phone number: 781-396-5387

 

View the complete City Council questionnaire.

Marks: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

My vision for Medford Square would include a gathering place for arts and entertainment coupled with eateries, shopping and housing. As a city councilor my role would be to explore all options and make sure that the entire community has input because we all have a vested interest in the success of Medford Square and all our other business districts.

Marks: Q2 - Social, Cultural and Historical Assets

The City of Medford is blessed with a rich heritage which we as a community must do our best to not only preserve our historical assets but improve upon them for future generations. Any plans of revitalization should include our diversity as well as our treasured historical past because that is what makes Medford such a unique city.

Marks: Q3 - Encouraging Small Businesses

The city should explore offering tax incentives to small businesses which would not only attract businesses but create additional job opportunities for Medford residents.

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

I believe the city has done little to create affordable housing for low and moderate-income families. Any new development proposal should contain an affordable housing component for Medford residents which meets the state and Federal housing guidelines.

Marks: Q5 - Environmental Issues

The use of alternative energy such a wind power, solar energy and hybrid cars is a pressing environmental concern we face as a city and as a nation. As a city we must continue to promote other energy sources that are environmentally friendly so we can preserve our natural resources for generations to come.

Marks: Q6 - Open Spaces, Sidewalks, and Trees

The Department of Public Works does not have adequate staffing levels to maintain our city parks and open space. The sidewalk and street program which is run by the Mayor's office is not aggressive enough when it comes to addressing resident concerns .There is also a lack of communication between the city and residents on the status of their request which leads to frustration and a loss of confidence that their concern will be addressed in a timely fashion.

Marks: Q7 - Street Safety

The process for addressing dangerous roads and installing signage in our community is frustrating at best and needs review. The Traffic commission seems to be overwhelmed and at times not very responsive to resident concerns. Also when it comes to safety needs of pedestrians and cyclist we need only to take a look at other communities like Cambridge to see how far behind we are. The City of Cambridge has a department dedicated to working on traffic calming approaches which address concerns of pedestrian and cyclist safety as well as speeding on our city streets. Our saving lives program does a great job with what little resources it has but it is not enough.

Marks: Q8 - Green Line

I support the full exploration of the issue and will make an educated and thoughtful determination when all the facts are presented.

Marks: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

We as a community have already felt the budgetary impact associated with rising energy cost. The school department alone has experienced double digit increases in fuel cost over the past few years with little relief in sight. We must conserve energy in every possible way which would include but not be limited to installing energy efficient lights and fixtures as well as weather proofing for the winter months to conserve fuel.