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Endorsement Results – Time to Volunteer!

Endorsement Results – Time to Volunteer!

We had 24 people attend our candidate forum last week! It was a great forum where we heard from State Senator Pat Jehlen and her primary challenger Leland Chung. Thank you to everyone who attended and asked thoughtful questions of the candidates. Particular thanks to the two candidates for taking time out of their busy schedules to talk with us. Many thanks to Mathew Justin who video recorded the candidate statements and Kristy Avino for organizing the event!

We voted at the forum and we’re pleased to announce that Medford for MA is endorsing Pat Jehlen.

Save us a phone call and tell us now that you’ll volunteer for Pat Jehlen’s campaign!

Are your progressive friends getting our email? They can drop a note to medfordforma@gmail.com to be added to our email list!

Medford for MA is a progressive liberal organization. We are a chapter of Progressive Mass.

Everyone who considers themselves progressive in Medford is encouraged to join, please invite your friends.

Like us on Facebook

School Committee Info

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I (Alicia) have been asked repeatedly to please share what I know about the School Committee Candidates. Here is information on the School Committee Candidates. Because of the nature of school committee and just one person giving opinions, there is less information about their viewpoints and more on their backgrounds. This information will also be added to our website.

Our information on the Mayor and City Council candidates was sourced from a group of people providing input. We have not had the same opportunity to source information on the School Committee candidates. It is also much harder to determine which of the School Committee candidates are “progressive”, sometimes “good experience” is just as important when choosing members of your school committee.

John Amirault – 2nd year teaching; Substituted in Medford schools during college, grew up in Medford.
Website: http://www.johnformedford.com/
http://medford.wickedlocal.com/article/20150618/NEWS/150617270

Ann Marie Cugno – incumbent. Just finished tenure as President of the MA Association of School Committees; represented Massachusetts at the national level, lobbies in Boston and Washington D.C. for Medford and MA schools. Youngest son is seniors at Medford High.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/117194216771/

Erin DiBenedetto – Incumbent. 4 years on SC. Ran against Sharon Guzik & Christine Barber for State Rep. Grew up in Somerville, raised family in Medford. Works as a Special Education coordinator.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinfor34

Kathy Kreatz – grew up in Medford; son goes to Medford Vocational School, husband went to Medford Voc; ran an in home daycare, worked for MA Teachers Retirement System.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kreatzformedford/
http://medford.wickedlocal.com/article/20150903/NEWS/150909571

David McKillop – Graduated from Medford Public Schools 4 years ago, wants to bring student perspective to School Committee;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mckillopforschoolcommittee
http://medford.wickedlocal.com/article/20150910/NEWS/150919817

Christopher Murphy – 3rd generation Medford; went to the public schools. Lists the issues he wants to work on on his website.
Website: http://www.murphyformedford.com/
http://www.patriotledger.com/article/20150915/NEWS/150917489

Mea Quinn Mustone – 6 children ages 2-12 in Medford Public Schools. Very active in Roberts PTO and volunteers in the schools
Web: http://www.mea4medford.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeaforSchoolCommittee
http://medford.wickedlocal.com/article/20150715/NEWS/150718529

Robert E. Skerry, Jr. – incumbent; recently retired from State Auditor position

Paulette Van der Kloot – incumbent; supervises high school volunteers at Winchester Hospital; Very active in regional and state level MA Association of School Committees.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giveahoot.vanderkloot/

Jane Wright – Lived in Medford 19 years, 4 children in Medford Public Schools; teacher for 22 years in Malden Public Schools; has been a teacher union representative; teacher mentor and supervised student teachers;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jane-Wright-for-Medford-School-Committee-1046952778649579/
http://medford.wickedlocal.com/article/20150827/NEWS/150827874

School Committee incumbents (Cugno, DiBennedetto, Skerry, Van der Kloot): http://medford.wickedlocal.com/article/20150916/NEWS/150915279

Email from Bruce Kulik:

I wanted to share the following information about 3 candidates whom I have been in touch with regarding school issues. I asked a handful of questions and received responses. Two by email, and one candidate called to speak with me. I did not ask all of the candidates these questions, as there were some whom I have already decided to vote for and other who I have already decided not to vote for. These three are all challengers whom I had not yet made up my mind about. After getting responses, I have come away deciding to vote for two and not for the third.

PLEASE NOTE: This is my personal opinion, and not an endorsement from Medford for MA.

Questions asked:

1. How would you describe your political leanings in general?

2. If we don’t use standardized tests, how should we evaluate the success or failure of our programs?

3. What techniques do you envision to accommodate the broad difference in learning styles and abilities at the different grade levels (elementary, MS, HS)?

4. Describe the role that you think schools should take regarding human sexuality?

5. To what degree should we accommodate religious differences in our schools?

6. What should we do to help parent feel comfortable about Medford Schools rather than choosing a private or charter school out of fear or concern that they are not the best match for their child?

7. If you could change 3 things about Medford School what would they be?

Mea Quinn Mustone: Replied by phone very quickly. We had about an hour long conversation in which she described herself as Catholic and middle of the road politically, but strongly tolerant of different beliefs and backgrounds. She is passionate, articulate and pleasant to deal with. Although there were some areas where we disagree about the degree to which schools should or shouldn’t be involved, I got the sense that she has thought well about what would be best for our students. I think she would be a good asset to the committee.

Jane Wright wrote back fairly quickly but was a bit timid in answering the questions, and in one case did not respond at all as she didn’t know exactly what I was asking. This leads me to believe that she has not really come up to speed on some of the issues I asked about. As a result, I cannot support her in this election. Her full responses are below.

I had almost discounted David McKillop, even though I knew him from when my daughter was at Medford High. He wrote back this morning with his answers, and other than the general political leaning question, it is clear that he has put some thought into what the issues are. I’ve decided to support him. His responses also below.

I also would like to express my support for incumbent Paulette Van der Kloot who has been on the committee for a number of years and is still very well versed in the issues surrounding the schools.

I hope this is helpful to those on this list.

Bruce Kulik

—–

Jane Wright responds:

I consider myself an independent in regards to politics. I do not vote for someone because he/she is a republican or democrat, but rather by how qualified they are and what they have to offer.

I am not against standardized testing, I am against excessive standardized testing. Having a common test taken by students throughout the state/country is helpful in evaluating the schools, students and subgroups within the schools.

I think teachers should differentiate their lessons to accommodate the different learning styles in their classrooms. I also think there should be interventions, or support, for students who need extra services in one area (ex. math, reading, writing, etc) but who may not qualify for special education services. There should also be services available for students who are above grade level and need challenging work at a higher grade level than they are.

I am unsure about your question regarding human sexuality. Are you asking if it should be taught?

Many school systems in neighboring communities no longer have any religious holidays off for any religion. This is fair, I believe, because otherwise, we would have too many days off if we were to recognize other religions. If we do recognize other religions, which ones should get days off? I believe that students should learn about all religions and cultures represented in the classrooms–wouldn’t it be great to learn and celebrate each other’s differences?

All parents should feel comfortable walking into all schools in the city. Administration and staff should treat everyone with respect and take the time to answer parents’ questions about the school. Parents should feel confident that their child/children will receive appropriate services, if needed, and that the curriculum is challenging, regardless of the grade. The School Committee should also be available to talk with parents about concerns/problems and the School Committee member should follow-up with anything that needs to be addressed in the school(s).

If I could change 3 things about the schools I would have a gifted program for students. This could be located at one school, or perhaps a number of classes in all of the schools. Of course, every parent believes that his/her child is gifted so there needs to be a test or something to determine who qualifies for this program.

I would offer other programs in the Vocational School at the high school. Students should not have to go to another high school to take classes not offered to students in the city. In the past few years the Vocational school has brought back more programs in Medford, but there are still a number not offered in the city that students want.

I would also offer more programs (elementary-high school) in the arts–music, art, foreign language, etc. With these additional classes offered, many students may not be looking at private or charter schools.

—–

David McKillop responds:

1. In regards to my political views, I think that what we are aiming for in this election is new faces, new ideas, and new visions. My personal political views are not important in what I am trying to accomplish. What I think is necessary is complete and total anonymity between all parties involved in the school system. Whatever political party enters the mayors office, I plan on working with them as hard as I can to make sure we accomplish great things for our students.

2. Standardized testing is something that needs to be reevaluated. In order to make sure all of our students are capable to follow the path they choose, we need to cater to their educational needs. The MCAS and PARCC tests are geared towards getting students prepared for college, but what about those students that are not on the path to college, but instead are seeking a trade, the armed forces, or joining the workforce. We need to make sure our students are prepared for whatever life they choose. We need to stop trying to push college on every student and realize it may not be a perfect fit for all students. Instead, we need to look at what each type of student needs in order to be successful after Medford Public Schools.

3. There are many different styles of teaching and many different learning abilities that are always circulating in our schools. I believe that in order to stay modern and in the times, we need to make sure that our technologies are kept up to date. My brother Anthony is taking a basic finance class right now and the class is basically all online. His homework is posted online, they utilize websites and tests and quizzes online, they even have a text system where the online class texts the students and reminds them of homework. This is how we can connect to our students now. This is the technology era, we need to make sure our students are excited to learn, and the Internet and online classes makes the interaction more modern.

4. When I was in high school, and I’m sure you remember since Katherine and I were in school together, the hay straight alliance was in its infancy as an organization. Back then, talking about human sexuality was beginning to become less and less taboo, making clubs such as the GSA very prominent. I think that in order to make our school systems amazing, we need to make sure our students are included and feel wanted. The GSA did that for many students that didn’t feel comfortable about talking about their sexuality. I think that the education of human sexuality through these clubs and organizations is essential to make sure we are accepting of every student. The high school just had spirit week and one of the days was “stop bullying day” which was to highlight support to victims of bullying. A majority of bullying comes from sexuality based attacks. I think that having this spirit day sends a message that Medford does not tolerate bully of any kind, and I think that we are a community that has and continues to support everyone, no matter what.

5. I always believe in the separation of church and state. We need to be mindful of everyone’s religion, and we need to avoid religious preferences. Having said that, I think the education of world religions is important in our students educations. My freshman year of high school I took a world history course and in the course we learned about Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Shintoism, and Taoism. In order to understand history, you need to understand religion. It is important to know about different religions in order to be respectful and understanding. This goes back to my mo tolerance to bullying. Religion can be a basis of bullying, and I think that education of these religions is important.

6. In order for parents to feel more comfortable about sending their children to our schools, we need to make sure our communication is free flowing. On community day, I talked to a mother who was sending her child to the Roberts but chose not to after listening to the curriculum speech. She said that she went there in order to understand what her child was learning about, but instead found herself annoyed and confused. There was no curriculum talk but instead a talk about head lice and fire safety. Although two important topics were discussed, the major topic of education wasn’t. We need to make sure our parents know what we are teaching our children. It is essential for parents to feel confident that the students are receiving the highest level of education, and when that is not communicated, then we lose our families. We need to communicate better.

7. I believe that first and foremost we need to change the way we communicate. In order to for the right decisions to be made, the communication between the school committee, parents, administrators, teachers, and students needs to be free flowing. A second change would be the upkeep in maintenance to our schools. Recently at the school committee forum, I was in the bathroom at the McGlynn and the the sink was running continuously. It was such a waste of money and water. It’s little issues like that need to be addressed. We need to make sure that we are doing everything possible to make sure our schools are top notch. Lastly, I would like to make sure we address everyone’s needs. I have heard that people have been sending emails, going to meetings, and sending concerns to the school committee that haven’t been addressed. We need to show everyone that we are in this together and we need everyone’s ideas and support. We need to make Medford Public Schools excel in what we do. It is important to acknowledge all ideas and concerns to make sure we are providing the education and experience to our students

Medford candidate survey responses; Meet & Greet for Stephanie Muccini Burke

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Stephanie Muccini Burke responded to our candidate survey; Upcoming volunteer & meet & greet opportunities.

Survey questions are out and results are coming in! Do to the busy nature of our volunteers, it took us longer than we’d hoped to get out a survey to candidates. We sent the same questions to the Mayoral & City Council candidates and we are currently consulting with progressive education advocates on questions for School Committee candidates. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see Stephanie Muccini Burke’s responses.

Meet & Greet for Stephanie Muccini Burke:
Please join Stephanie at the home of Karen Shack
Saturday, October 17th 11AM – 12:30PM
147 Fells Ave, Medford MA
RSVP to karenshack123@gmail.com
Also on Facebook

Question #1 – Community Preservation Act
Over 1600 signatures of Medford residents were collected to put the Community Preservation Act on the ballot. It will be Question #1 and residents will have to turn over their ballot to vote on the BACK. The committee is now recruiting volunteers for yard signs and to distribute flyers. More information on the ballot question on their website and you can learn more about what they need and volunteer here.

Volunteer for Stephanie Muccini Burke:
Phonebank at their HQ
74A High St
Everyday!
10AM – 1PM
1:30PM – 4:30PM
5PM – 8:30PM
The campaign is using VAN to help connect you to likely voters, if you prefer to call a specific neighborhood, just ask!

Canvassing!
Talk to residents in person!
Saturday, 10/17 2PM – 4PM
Sunday, 10/18 2PM – 4PM
Pick up your walk lists and literature at 74A High St

To sign up directly with the campaign for most timely notification of help needed, click here!

More of a data geek? Miss using VAN? They need help with data entry too! Email us at medfordforma@gmail.com or contact their field director at ian@burke2016mayor.com

Questions about these opportunities? Call Ian at 917-494-5194 or email him: i an@burke2016mayor.com

Volunteer for John Falco:
John needs volunteers for:

Visibility (stand outs)
Lit drops
Canvassing
Election Day help.

To volunteer email to falcoformedford@verizon.net or call 781-395-1290 or join Team Falco by going to johnfalco.org and click on “Get Involved”.

Volunteer for Chris D’Aveta & tell him what you think!
Chris has a survey where you can share your thoughts on Medford issues.
Sign up here to volunteer for Chris
More information about Chris and his campaign are available on his website.

Volunteer for Neil Osborne & tell him what you think!
Neil has a feedback form to share your concerns and signup to volunteer on his website.

Upcoming Events

October 21 – School Committee Candidates Forum! Hosted by Jay Campbell and moderated by Frank Parker
6:30 PM
McGlynn Elementary School, Freedom Way, Medford, MA 02155 [New Location]
More info and RSVP on Facebook
Please email your questions to Jay@JayCampbellRealty.com

Survey Response
We sent these survey questions to all the Mayoral and City Council Candidates last week. As we receive responses we will send them out and put them on our website. To date we have received Stephanie Muccini Burke’s, which is included, in its entirety, below.

Name: Stephanie Muccini Burke-Candidate for Mayor
Former City Councillor
Website: www.Burke2016Mayor.com
Email Address (for public use):Stephanie@Burke2016Mayor.com

What are three issues you want to address if you are elected to become Mayor?

Medford Square Revitalization and development of the Riverfront. Additionally, a thorough review of zoning throughout all business districts
Review of Public Safety initiatives for greater visibility throughout the community along with options for a new Police Station.
Review and incorporate policy changes to the operation of City Hall from an efficiency and customer service perspective

What is your understanding of climate change and what do you think Medford’s role should be, if any, in preparing for climate change?

I believe that Medford, in concert with the region, should collaborate on research and initiatives concerning climate change. Medford should play an active role in the research and dialogue concerning the future. Medford should collaborate with our research university in the city, Tufts University, to identify opportunities for growth management.

Do you think that residents understand enough about our city’s government? What changes would you push for to increase or decrease that understanding?

No, I do not think that residents understand enough about our city’s government. I would propose quarterly ward meetings, similar to Resistat in Somerville, and education programs provided by the city concerning the following processes: budget, home assessment, procurement, zoning etc. Also, the City’s web site will be redesigned in a more interactive format so that efficiencies can be gained from automation. The City website will provide a forum and a blog for citizen comment as well as survey techniques to elicit and incorporate citizen engagement with dialogue and a concerted effort we will be able to broaden the understanding of government’s role in the daily lives of its citizens.

Do you support the Green Line extension to College Ave? Do you think Medford should push for the extension to Route 16?

I am on record as supporting the Green Line extension to College Ave and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s efforts to fund to Rt. 16.

Medford’s streets have become treacherous to walk, bicycle and drive on. What plan would you push for to get all of our streets brought back to an acceptable level during your term?

I would plan on aggressively utilizing annual Chapter 90 funds of roughly $950,000 that the City is allotted each year to first focus on the main streets throughout the community with special attention to crosswalks in and around schools and senior housing. Community Development Block Grants will also be leveraged to accomplish the greatest amount of construction possible. The City will develop a program to fill potholes until permanent funding is approved. Further, the condition of all roads will be incorporated into a detailed five and ten year Capital Plan for the City that will be cooperatively prepared with input from City Council, School Committee and citizens.

Are you familiar with “Complete Streets” policies? Would you encourage or discourage the adoption of a “Complete Streets” plan for Medford?

Yes, I am familiar with “Complete Streets.”I would encourage the adoption and also a seat at the table for the Bicycle Commission in reviewing and recommending projects to be undertaken. Also, if adopted, the legislature appropriated $50 million to be allocated to communities that adopt a Complete Street policy/ordinance over a five year period beginning in FY15. This could augment road work needs mentioned in question 5.

Do you think Medford should adopt the Community Preservation Act? Regardless of whether you believe we should adopt it, if it passes in Medford, what project would you like to see among the first 5 undertaken?

I do think that Medford should adopt the CPA. If the funds were available today, the first five projects that I believe should be reviewed by the committee are: 1) Parks and playgrounds should be enhanced for accessibility for children, elders and people with disabilities (ADA compliant). Playing fields should be upgraded for safety and increased length of use. 2) Additional sprinkler parks and community gardens should be built 3) The Historic Brooks Estate should be preserved in compliance with the Preservation Agreement. 4) Chevalier Theatre should be upgraded with air conditioning and new façade and 5) creation of affordable housing units

The Mystic River is one of Medford’s great natural resources. Several organizations have been collaborating to improve the paths along the river to provide connected routes for recreational, transportation, and commuter walking and bicycling. One such path is the proposed “Clippership Connector” between Medford Square and the middle school complex at River Bend Park. What is your view about how the city should work with stakeholder on such a path? Should the city help to fund such a path?

The City has been highly successful in obtaining grants to increase the connectivity along the River way. I would pursue these grant opportunities aggressively to continue the connectivity along the River. The City should be the catalyst to include stakeholders and interested parties in the discussion on the future of this path.

What is your position on affordable housing? What steps, if any, would you push for to see more affordable housing in Medford? What would you do to keep Medford affordable for lifelong residents?

Affordable housing and housing that is affordable are two goals that Medford should strive to increase. An element of all housing production should encompass an affordability component. An Inclusionary Housing Proposal should be completed and moved for adoption.

Do you think Medford has too many or too few liquor and entertainment licenses? Should Medford’s entertainment licensing rules be changed? How and why?

I believe that there should be an unlimited number of liquor and entertainment licenses from the state and the local licensing, via community input, should determine the awarding of these licenses. There should not be a limit as set by state statute. In addition, the licensing commission should adopt the “trial” rules established for entertainment licenses. When on the city council, I initiated the discussion that led to a home rule petition to allow for beer & wine licenses in our community in concert with residents and small restaurants. We should not have to travel to outside communities for our entertainment venues.

Surrounding cities and towns have “sidewalk cafes” as part of their lounge and restaurant businesses, including those where the front of the building effectively opens up to the sidewalk. Would you support changes to ordinances and regulations to allow that type of establishment in the city?

I was a supporter of “sidewalk cafes” when on the city council and continue to fully support them. I think that they should be allowed by right without the need for a special permit from the City Council as long as spacial requirements exist. We should be trying to encourage small businesses by reducing obstacles and not creating them.

What is one ordinance in Medford you would like to see changed? What change would you push for?

There is a Massachusetts General Law that I would like to see amended: the Owner Occupied Exemption. Currently, it is a fixed dollar amount based on the average value of homes in the city. The fixed amount is applied to all properties resulting in an added burden to owner-occupied properties valued over the breakeven point and savings to owner-occupied properties below the break-even point. I do not believe this was the law’s intent. The exemption should be pro-rata which would benefit all owner-occupied properties. I offered an amendment several years ago that failed to be voted on by the legislature. I would introduce this again.

Do you think there should be changes to Medford’s zoning? What sort of changes?

A detailed review of all ordinances should be conducted to determine if the standards established are necessary or an obstacle to development for both residential and commercial. Medford Square should have its own unique zone that provides for a reduced need for parking spaces and setbacks among other changes. The sidewalk café ordinance listed above should also be amended.

Boston and Cambridge have energy disclosure ordinances:

“In 2013, the City of Boston enacted the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). This Ordinance requires Boston’s large- and medium-sized buildings to report their annual energy and water use to the City of Boston, after which the City makes the information publicly available. Additionally, every five years, buildings need to complete an energy assessment or energy action; exemptions are provided for buildings that are already efficient or are making significant progress on energy efficiency.
Cambridge has a similar ordinance. Should Medford follow suit? Why or why not?

Yes, Medford should adopt such an ordinance, joining many US cities in the effort to conserve energy and water. Medford would phase in the requirement over several years, with a set compliance date for building owners to adopt a tool to measure energy use, water use and green house emissions. Initially the City would lead the way in reporting requirements in its buildings and release online these results.

Adopting a reporting and disclosure ordinance is a protocol to guide building owners to operate energy efficient buildings. Medford will make all information available online so building owners can share and identify best practices. Energy audits benefit both the business community and the public by identifying opportunities to save resources in a sustainable way.

Meet & Greets Scheduled!

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2 Meets & Greets with City Council candidates scheduled! Consider sharing this information with friends and neighbors in Medford.

The organizing committee has scheduled 2 casual meet & greets for 3 of the more progressive challenging candidates: John Falco, Neil Osborne and Chris D’Aveta. The candidates have generously agreed to these joint events together.

Please save the dates:
Meet: John Falco, Neil Osborne and Chris D’Aveta
Friday, September 11th, 7-9PM
At Bob Fitzpatrick’s home in North Medford (20 Oak Rd.)

Meet: John Falco, Neil Osborne and Chris D’Aveta
Friday, October 2nd, 7-9PM
At Sharon Kennedy’s home in West Medford (address to come)

We will be announcing Meet & Greet’s for Mayoral candidate Stephanie Burke, but they have not yet been scheduled.

We are still working on putting together a questionnaire to send to candidates. I apologize that it is taking so long. However, if you have questions that get at the progressive values of the candidates, please send them to medfordforma@gmail.com for the questionnaire.

She’s Never Heard of Carl Sciortino!

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Listen to this –

I’ve been HubDialing this week and I’m amazed at the huge impact I’ve made in some short shifts. Every few calls, I’ll talk to a voter in the district who has never heard of Carl Sciortino yet.

But once I tell her about Carl, she says she’ll vote for him! It’s that simple!

Carl’s record is so good that voters just need to hear it to be convinced. And luckily, the campaign purchased a fancy robo-HubDialer that makes you TEN TIMES as effective. You talk to voters every minute of your shift. And you can even do the shift from your living room!

Plenty of voters already love Carl. But many in distant towns still need you to make the introduction. We have only 13 days! Sign up!

-A. Gumby Breton

Medford for Massachusetts

p.s. An aside – check out this petition by Maria Daniels to the mayor, to fund more Arts & Culture in Medford.

p.p.s. More on HubDialer – through the power of numbers, when you sign in, you also make the OTHER volunteers more effective too! Doubling the volunteers makes each volunteer 20% more effective than the already-high HubDialing contact rate. Join in any night!