Vote Medford 2005

Q5: Environmental Issues

What do you believe are the city's most pressing environmental issues?

Are they being fully addressed now? Please be specific.

Burke: Q5 - Environmental Issues

One of the most pressing environmental issue is the clean-up of the Malden River in the Wellington area. This long ignored waterway is finally being investigated by the Army Corp. of Engineers for remediation and responsible parties are being pursued. This study will ultimately lead to the river's clean up, future use and connectivity to the Mystic River pathways.

Of like importance is protecting the Middlesex Fells from the over developing of the former New England Medical Center in Stoneham. The impact of this project, as it stands, is far reaching not only on the environment but the quality of a peaceful lifestyle in North Medford. The City of Medford must continue to pursue this (presently being appealed) and urge the Town of Stoneham to look outside its borders and do the right thing!

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.

Carr: Q5 - Environmental Issues

Environmental issues are both a challenge and an opportunity for Medford. With fuel prices rising dramatically this year, Medford has to look for ways to save more energy, recycle more of its waste and work smarter with our resources. We are meeting the challenge head-on with Medford’s newly hired Director for Environmental Affairs. This important position in City Hall is where Medford’s many environmental issues get full-time attention. For example, Medford recently purchased a number of electric golf carts that are used in the cemetery and other places to reduce fuel costs. Medford has been a municipal leader on environmental issues: we were recently awarded two environmental awards for “superior energy performance at City Hall” and a Clean Air Excellence Award for Medford’s comprehensive efforts to implement innovative clean energy and transportation policies.” In addition to a strong Environmental Affairs Dept, Medford also fields an excellent Conservation Commission, a well-staffed group with expertise in environmental issues city-wide.

Beyond energy, Medford also has to protect its environmental resources like the Mystic River, Wright's Pond and Brooks Pond, among many others. Almost every new project in Medford has to deal with sensitive environmental issues. For example, the Medford Square Master Plan will involve major rework along the Mystic River with new greenspace and shops along what is now the Ring Road. One of the challenges will be to increase access to the Mystic River while protecting its ecosystem.

Dello Russo: Q5 - Environmental Issues

Medford has an array of environmental treasures such as the Mystic Lakes and Mystic River, Wrights Pond, wooded areas along South Boarder Road, and the parks along the river at Wellington. The City should continue to work with State agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure that systems of regular maintenance are in place. I support ongoing efforts to monitor and abate contamination in the Mystic River.

Doherty: Q5 - Environmental Issues

Medford is way ahead of most cities and towns with regards to environmental issues. We were the first in the state with a climate protection action plan.

The city's most pressing environmental issues are the brownfield sites remaining and the need to identify and to provide wetlands for flood storage areas and the protection of natural habitats.

Furthermore, to encourage people to use their cars less, and their bicycles more, we need to provide bicycle storage facilities near the commuter rail and express bus stops as well as dedicated bicycle travel lanes on all roadways wide enough to handle them. Also, the city should encourage the placement and use of ZIP cars throughout the city.

Lungo: Q5 - Environmental Issues

The City of Medford was lucky to have had Kim Lundgren, and now have Patty Barry as our environmental agent. They have and continue to work tirelessly on so many issues facing Medford and its residents. Not every city is afforded the opportunity to have a department that focuses solely on the environmental needs and concerns of their city. Our Energy and Environment office focuses on a number of important issues such as energy efficiency, climate change protection, air quality, and open space conservation.

This past year, the City Council, with the help of the Medford Conservation Commission, passed the Wetlands protection Act. I am glad to have been a part of it. The commission protects and preserves wetlands within the City of Medford as well as open space. They work to insure that all construction and development projects are in compliance with the state and local regulations.

I also think Energy is one of the city's biggest concerns right now. Everyone is suffering at the gas pump, but as we edge our way into the cold winter months, I have a big concern about heating bills, especially in regards to the Elderly on fixed incomes, who have to pay the astronomical heating bills.

Another thing this city is involved with is "Green UP." I have been a member for almost a year now and every month I pay a charge depending on my electric bill which goes to help research different sources of energy such as wind, or solar energy. In the long run a percentage of the money collected will come back to Medford to help educate our children and also for other energy projects that the city wants to take part in.

Maher: Q5 - Environmental Issues

Mr. Maher declined to take part in this questionnaire.

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.

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.