Vote Medford 2005

Q10: Representing All of Medford

Four of Medford's eight wards do not have city councilors representing them. What do you do (or what would you do) to compensate for that imbalance and to ensure that the Council understands and considers the needs of Medford as a whole?

Burke: Q10 - Representing All of Medford

First I strongly support the concept of Ward Representation in our city and have signed on to various ballot petitions in the past. I think that Ward Representation would bring our more candidates and provide for a more lively debate of neighborhood issues. However, even with Ward Representation, a ward councillor should continue to look out for the entire community. With that being said, I strongly feel that I do represent the citizenry as a whole. The City Council deals with issues from all over the city and is accountable to each and every citizen.

Camuso: Q10 - Representing All of Medford

I spend a lot of time in each and every one of the eight wards in the City of Medford. I feel that any elected official, no matter what the office, has to work hard to meet the needs of his/her constituents. Every Councilor must look at what's best for the whole city when taking any vote. I am available anytime for any citizen in the community that contacts me.

Carr: Q10 - Representing All of Medford

As a fulltime councilor, I address issues across the city of Medford, not just in the neighborhood or ward in which I live. I do not believe a ward system would improve upon the situation. If the councilors are dedicated to the welfare of all Medford citizens - which we are - then having a ward system is unnecessary. I do not believe there is an imbalance of representation.

Dello Russo: Q10 - Representing All of Medford

Every ward has representation! All of our councilors represent the whole community. How lucky we are to have seven votes. While so many people have hailed my candidacy with joy because "we'll finally have someone to represent South Medford", I will not only serve the people of my neighborhood but the whole city. If this is a call for ward style politics, there is a need for a good, long and critical look at what the future may hold.

Doherty: Q10 - Representing All of Medford

I understand the idea behind ward representation. It would certainly make campaigning less expensive and a lot easier. However, a ward councilor would always be soliciting votes from other councilors to do or not do something that would affect his or her neighborhood. Therefore, I believe ward representation could encourage deal swapping. Councilors elected at large are responsible to all of the citizens of the city. As a councilor, I always felt as responsible to the residents in the Wellington area as I did for the residents of West Medford. I believe our entire city is best served by our present form of representation.

Lungo: Q10 - Representing All of Medford

I have been a city councilor for almost four years now, and throughout those four years I have addressed issues for people who live in all parts of the city, not just those who live in my ward. I have had no problem addressing concerns for people who live in South Medford, West Medford, North Medford, the Hillside, or the Heights. I was elected by the city of Medford as a whole, and am here to represent all of Medford's constituents. I treat every issue the same no matter what ward it comes from. If re-elected I will do my best to ensure that all of the concerns and needs of every Medford resident are met. Anyone can call me at any time with any issue and I am, and always will be there to listen and to help.

Maher: Q10 - Representing All of Medford

No response received.

Maiocco: Q10 - Representing All of Medford

Every member of the City Council is responsible to every citizen. Thus, citizens, irrespective of where they live, are represented by all seven Councilors and can call on any or all of them with problems or concerns. Voters now control the election of the full City Council not one or two or three members. As a Councilor I am attentive to the entire city rather than just to the area where I reside. I respond to citizens throughout the city and my decisions as a Councilor are determined on the basis of what I believe is best for the entire city. Medford, by choice of the voters, has had at-large representation for over half a century. My experience on the Council has been that my colleagues and I serve all Medford citizens conscientiously rather than just those of one ward. The present at-large system assures full City Council representation for all. The Medford City Council is truly the peoples' forum.

Marks: Q10 - Representing All of Medford

I support ward representation because I feel each of our many neighborhoods have their own unique issues and concerns . However under this current form of government I was elected to serve all the residents of Medford and I will continue to be your voice in city government no matter where you live.