Vote Medford 2005

Q2: Social, Cultural and Historical Assets

What do you believe are the city's strongest social, cultural and historical assets? What can be done to enhance them and to leverage them as part of current revitalization efforts?

Please be specific.

Burke: Q2 - Social, Cultural and Historical Assets

Medford's squares are thriving! However, they lack a nighttime vibrancy and diversity to them. We took a first step when I brought the public debate on beer/wine licenses in our small restaurants to the council floor. However, to blossom further, we require our community Development office and Chamber of Commerce to recruit diverse businesses to our squares. We need a City Council that is willing to work with the businesses in a positive fashion. The zoning is in place for this diversity.

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.

Carr: Q2 - Social, Cultural and Historical Assets

Medford is a City with a rich number of diverse cultural and historical assets. On the history front, Medford has several regional and national-level resources like the Royall House, the Brooks Estate and the Peter Tufts House. These wonderful places have all seen a new level of commitment and investment in the past few years and I think Medford should continue to showcase them for both residents and visitors. One specific thing that I feel the City should do is to put together a walking and driving map of Medford that will allow Medford residents and visitors alike to see at a glance the rich places we are so fortunate to have here. In addition to being an educational tool and way to channel tourism, this map can help Medford Square as merchants would ideally be featured on the map and help to sponsor its publication.

On the social side, one of Medford's great strengths is its diverse population and tightly-knit neighborhoods. One of the most important things city government can do is to ensure that the character and scale of the existing neighborhoods are not threatened by out-of-character new development. This was recently accomplished in the School Re-Use process, where we made sure that each neighborhood had detailed input on the fate of their old school buildings, while still providing value for the taxpayers who owned the old buildings.

Dello Russo: Q2 - Social, Cultural and Historical Assets

How many cities can boast of lakes and a historic river, a prestigious university, a Richardson church, a Colonial manor and a Victorian estate. We share in a vast public transit system, benefit from active conservation groups and promote the performing arts at Springstep and Chevalier Theater. All of these and many more help make Medford a culturally rich and attractive home. Fortunately, Medford is full of citizens who take their social responsibility seriously and actively promote and enhance many of our treasures. Our recent jubilee parade showcased the pride we share in Medford. As a city councilor I will be active in the promotion and support of these assets and encourage partnerships with small businesses so that each share in and support revitalization efforts.

Doherty: Q2 - Social, Cultural and Historical Assets

Ms. Doherty combined questions one through three and formed a single response to them.  Please refer to that response, which appears below under question three.

Lungo: Q2 - Social, Cultural and Historical Assets

We are lucky to have a number of strong assets in the City of Medford and even luckier to have such dedicated people to look after them and help them prosper. Our strongest assets include, but are not limited to, the Royal House, the Brooks Estate, Chevalier Auditorium, and the Organ at Chevalier, Mystic River Bend, Springstep, the Medford Public Library, the Boys and Girls Club, Medford Health Matters, Medford Family Network, the Medford Visiting Nurses Association, The Council on Aging, and the Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

To enhance these assets, I as one councilor will continue to support the different organizations and the people who make them thrive day in and day out. Without such wonderful supporters and activists no organization would stay alive, and be as vibrant as so many Medford organizations are. We also need to make sure the assets are well maintained, which means helping out with the funding, as we have done in the past. The City council, on a number of occasions has appropriated money to help these assets, for example, the new roof at the Brooks Estate. I will continue to be a supporter of Medford's social, cultural, and historical assets, because without them we would not be as great a community as we are.

Maher: Q2 - Social, Cultural and Historical Assets

Mr. Maher declined to take part in this questionnaire.

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.

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.