Know your Medford City and School Councilor candidates - Candidate Primer

Special to the Medford GOP
Nick McNulty

In recent weeks, I have sent out feelers to the candidates for City Council reelection, of the 6 current councilors, Councilors Dello Russo, Marks, Camuso, Lungo and Muccini all got back to me, and I was able to speak to them about their personal positions on the issues. The recent creation of a new tax (the Medford meals tax, adopted by only 30 cities and towns in the Commonwealth) is easily my #1 issue as a fiscal conservative Republican, and our subsequent conversations reflected this. And in fairness to the Councilors, Mayor McGlynn was the main proponent of the meals tax creation, and he deliberately rushed the new tax into being with Rahm-Emmanuel like haste, before voters had a chance to be heard on the issue(such is the heavy handed behavior characteristic of entrenched, unopposed Democrat executive leadership)

I am still on the fence about my personal votes, although the five councilors above - by virtue of getting back to me promptly and in at least 2 instances, by virtue of further clarifying their positions to allaying my personal concerns with their voting records - are the frontrunners for my votes. I will also reach out to the challengers, but can pretty safely say anyone that supported creating a new tax on Medford's small business owners and consumers during a deep recession, and did not accept my invitation to qualify that vote(some, for instance, at least insisted on a sunset clause) will not receive my support. That's my principle; fiscal and personal accountability are two of my highest priorities in political representatives at all levels, to create a new tax in Medford and then choose not to respond to requests for comment adds up to two strikes for me, so those candidates are looking at an 0-2 count for my votes right now with one more swing to make before Tuesday.

But again, those are my personal views, I encourage all Medford voters to reach out to their City Council and School Committee candidates(all can be contacted through their campaign websites, incumbents through the Medford City Council web page) and illicit their thoughts on individual positions near and dear to each particular voter. To paraphrase Socrates, an unexamined vote is not worth casting.

Without further adieu, the candidates. Links to the candidates statements with excerpts are below, click through the links for full statements. Any ommissions are unintentional, and probably means I had a hard time tracking down the pages for individual candidates. Contact the Medford GOP with any corrections and/or ommissions, and I will remidiate;

City Council;

Michael Marks runs for re-election to Medford City Council

I have been a vocal and active member of the council successfully advocating for many issues important to our residents such as:

Offering the resolve which limited the number of months odd/even winter parking is in effect to alleviate parking congestion.

I led the charge to lower the age of eligibility for a senior property tax exemption from age 70 to 65 assisting those seniors who are on fixed incomes to stay in their homes.

My commitment to you is that I will continue to be your voice in city government and make myself accessible to all those who wish to be heard no matter how big or small the issue.

(Editor's note:Marks has also been fighting the apparently unbridled proliferation of Clear Channel billboards along I-93, and abstained from the vote that created the Medford meals tax of August, 2009)

Robert Maiocco announces candidacy for Medford City Council re-election

“My education, training and long experience in finance are invaluable to me in dealing with the city’s fiscal and tax issues,” he advised.

Maiocco listed some of the other major matters that he has always included in his council agenda:

· Additional parking spaces throughout the city, a new Medford Square garage.

· Cleanup of shopping areas and local streets.

· Provide fully for Medford’s public library needs.

· Give strong support to upgrading our schools, providing state-of-the-art educational facilities.

· Constant push for meeting the needs of our senior citizens, the handicapped and those in need. As a former member of the Council on Aging, I am aware of the special problems of our elders.

· Protect open space and historic sites and structures. Assure environmental preservation. Push for more safe bicycle and walking paths.

· Maintain a high level of public safety for all our people through adequate staffing and equipment for our fire and police departments. Increase traffic enforcement especially accident-prone intersections and busy crosswalks.

(Editor's Note: Maiocco abstained from the vote that created the Medford meals tax of August, 2009)

Stephanie Muccini Burke runs for re-election to Medford City Council seat

Having a masters in taxation from Bentley College, being a CPA and especially being a mother of three children, force me to be objective when analyzing the issues. I place great importance on my financial background and am always cognizant of the tax impact versus benefit when casting a vote.

I take great pride in being a lifetime resident of Medford (MHS Class of 1980). However, we are all here by choice because of the great offerings around us. We can brag of our rich heritage, being close to the Mystic/Fells and now Rivers Edge Park, pride in our schools and our wonderfully diverse neighborhoods.

If you would like to see more on the election, please visit www.youtube.com/CouncillorBurke for more information on Rivers Edge and my campaign

(Editor's Note: Burke voted in favor of the vote that created the Medford meals tax of August, 2009)

Paul Camuso runs for re-election to Medford City Council seat

My priorities include the following:

· An aggressive approach to increase state funding for municipal services. Reductions in local aide and increased assessments have cost us the revenue necessary to do many important projects.

We cannot let the state abandon local government. I will push hard for a restoration of state funding to fiscal year 2002 levels and a reduction of charter school assessments.

· Increased development of local business opportunities to provide jobs to local residents and strengthen our revenue base. We have several areas throughout the community that need more assistance and have the potential to yield greater results for employers, employees, and consumers.

We should be a thriving center of community activity and a destination point for knowledgeable consumers. Quality service vendors with good parking can be achieved with a strong commitment. The Medford Square revitalization project needs to be accelerated and supported.

· Environmental concerns cannot be overlooked. We must have a progressive approach to preserving our open spaces, parks, air, water supply, and visual appearance. We must develop our green energy capacities and encourage conservation wherever possible.

(Editor's Note: Camuso voted in favor of the vote that created the Medford meals tax of August, 2009)

City Council Candidate Frederick Dello Russo, Jr.

I want to continue to be a voice of reason as we tackle the complexities of the present economy. I will continue to work for the integrity of our neighborhoods, the delivery of dependable public services, mutual respect between business people and residents.

Throughout my years of involvement with the Green Line Project, I have sought to make this project good for our community and to foster a spirit of mutual respect so that citizen input could be heard. As the project reaches a significant point this November with responses to the Draft Environmental Impact Report, I will make sure that the betterment of Medford is a priority

(Editor's Note: Dello Russo voted in favor of the vote that created the Medford meals tax of August, 2009)

Breanna Lungo-Koehn, City Council Candidate

I have been a Medford City Councilor for almost eight years and am currently a candidate for my fifth term. I was born and raised in Medford. I attended St. Joseph’s School and Graduated from Medford High School in 1998. I got my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Endicott College in 2002. I then attended law school and obtained my Judicial Doctorate degree in 2006. I am currently at the end of my 3rd year as a practicing Attorney. I recently opened by own law firm in Wellington Circle, Medford, with my long time friend, Cathleen Collins, Esq. In 2007, I was married to my now husband David Koehn. We were offically married in my parents Gazebo on South Street, Medford. I am lucky to be raising my fourteen month old Daughter, Bayley, at our home on Massachusetts Ave, Medford. I tell you all this to show you that I am committed to the City of Medford, its residents, and its future.

(Editor's Note: Lungo-Koehn voted in favor of the vote that created the Medford meals tax of August, 2009)

City Council Candidate Robert Penta

I want to continue in my pursuit to enhance the:

- Professional Managed Medford Square Re-development
- Brooks Estate
- Chevalier Auditorium
- New West Medford Community Center
- Community attitudes of conservation
- Possibility of a satellite fire and police location at the State Police Building at Wellington Circle
- Traffic enforcement and an economic and beautification enhancement program for our city’s squares

I’m especially proud that both Councillor Stephanie Burke and myself were the leading city officials to have recognized all WWII Medford veterans at the new Veterans Memorial on Winthrop Street, whether they went to war from Medford or made Medford their home after the war, so as to receive the same equal honor and respect they deserve.

(Editor's Note: Penta abstained from the vote that created the Medford meals tax of August, 2009)

Brian Chamberlain seeking votes for Medford City Council

“By promoting strong and responsive communication with the people who elect me, I will always be there to stand up for citizens who work hard to earn their wages and make Medford their home.

“Citizens deserve the very best in their city, clean neighborhoods, parks and playgrounds with the most advanced public utilities. They deserve the best in protection from fire and to be free from crime. Receiving the best in public education for their children and their neighbor’s children, with the possibility of career training and job skills development for the youth of Medford as well as higher education. Exceptional, quality services for our senior citizens and their caregivers, and most of all, a representative on the council overseeing that Medford spends its hard earned revenue from the people, in the most effective ways for the people’s needs in Medford”.

Chamberlian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Studies from Worcester State College, as well as a certificate of paralegal studies from Assumption College. He has more than 20 years working in law enforcement/public safety presently working protective services for a large national institution.

Joseph Federico

“I’ve lived here all my life, 55 years, and live in one of the oldest houses in town,” Federico said. “No one can say that I am not familiar with Medford or what is going on here.”

“I really think it’s time we get the current council members out,” he said. “You watch the meetings on TV and it’s just the same old, same old. It needs to change.”

“For one thing, I think it would be a good idea to have each and every council member take the money they make for serving, pool it together and help the elderly people of Medford pay for medicine,” he said.

“I know a lot of the council members personally, and I can honestly say that they are not bad people,” he said. “But it is clear that they all have their own opinions that they try to push through, and there needs to be more agreement between the members.”

Mark Arena announces Medford City Council candidacy

By training and nature, I am a negotiator and a consensus builder. My candidacy has been endorsed by the 11,500 member Teamsters Local 25, the 3,300 member Ironworkers Local 7 and the 16,000 member SEIU Local 615, where I serve as an elected labor representative and contract negotiator at Tufts University.

As the mayor’s appointee to the Board of Directors of Medford Community Housing, Inc., an affordable housing non-profit, I serve as the elected vice president.

I will foster strong relationships and maintain open lines of communication with the city’s department heads responsible for the delivery of vital city services. My love for this city is rivaled only by my commitment to its progression.

My philosophy is simple and borrowed from a proud service organization, it is service above self.


School committee;

Medford School Committee Vice-Chairperson Ann Marie Cugno seeks re-election

In these last four years, I am proud to say, I am a co-founder and member of our newly formed Stand for Children Medford Chapter, a lobbying committee formed by parents working with other communities in our state in advocating more funding towards our educational system. I have worked on an anti-bullying bill with Rep. Paul Donato and former Sen. Jarrett Barrios.

I co-chaired with Rep. Carl Sciortino in a pilot program for Energy Smackdown, a project incorporating a reality contest between Arlington, Cambridge and Medford families, bringing energy awareness and education to the for front on carbon footprint.

I have been a member and teacher for the Medford Family Network and now working as a substitute teacher in a nearby community.

School Committee Candidate Bill Brady

I currently have two grandchildren in the Medford Public Schools and it is personally important to me that all children get the best education possible. I will ensure that you will have a strong voice in support of such key issues as:

•Safe and secure environment including strong substance abuse prevention and anti-bullying
•Low class size and a diversified curriculum to meet the needs of all learners
•Steady educational progress and accountability
•Early education opportunities and after-school programming
•Health education and services encouraging the development of the “whole child”
•Strong extra curricular programs free from user fees
•Support for special needs students and families
•Effective maintenance of school facilities
•Financial support of our school system and respect for our taxpayers
During this difficult economic period it is important to have budget management experience on the School Committee. We have kept our school system stable and progressive while other communities have faltered. I want to help keep the Medford Schools on track both financially and educationally.

School Committee Candidate Lena DiGiantommaso

In the past, as well as recently, I have served as Vice Chairperson and Secretary of the School Committee as well as Chairperson of many other committees

- Served as President of the Lincoln, Kennedy and Hancock P.T.A
- Former President of the MHS Band Parents Association
- Former President of the Friends of the Chevalier Auditorium and Gene Mack Youth Center

Some awards I have received are:

- Women’s Achievement Award by the Human Rights Commission
- Golden Mustang Award for supporting the Mustang athletes programs and students
- Mass Association of School Committee Lifetime Achievement Award
- With my 100% attendance at all School Committee meetings for 20 years, I feel I have the wisdom and experience to continue to serve the citizens of Medford
- Committed to educational opportunities for all students

Years of service on the School Committee 1981-2009

School Committee Candidate Paulette Van der Kloot

My name is Paulette Van der Kloot and it has been my great honor to serve on the Medford School Committee for 20 years. In that time, not only have I seen my own children grow, graduate from Medford High, attend college, and enter the adult world, I have also watched your children grow as well. In fact, at my workplace, I am blessed to have as my colleagues, some of the very students I handed diplomas. For me, graduation is the greatest and also the most grounding experience. What an awesome reminder of the importance of our job. Have we served each student well? Have we taught them the skills they need to succeed in college, the workplace, perhaps the military and beyond?

This is what I want for all our children: to be prepared, to be learners, to be ready to whether tough times, to be healthy, to be competent and to be confident. To be flexible and able to adapt to changing times, to be able to work well with others, to be respected and to be respectful of others

Larry Brown, School Committee Candidate

I’m excited to actively seek out parents’, teachers’, students’ and administrators’ input on a regular basis rather than react to items brought before the Committee. All issues, from ensuring we maximize every possible dollar of grant money, to thinking creatively about alternative funding sources, to forming subcommittees related to curriculum, school safety, classroom size, and professional development must be explored in detail, with all voices heard, in order to make the most informed and appropriate decisions. As a goal, I seek nothing less than to have the Medford Public Schools become the envy of public education in the Commonwealth. We have a great deal to be proud of–from impressive advanced placement completions, to improving MCAS scores, to placement in some of the finest colleges in America (to a successful football season!)–but there is much work to do. If elected, I will work tirelessly on our students’ behalf to ensure they are well prepared for a successful future in the twenty first century. I look forward to serving the students, parents, and taxpayers of Medford.

Bill O’Keefe, School Committee Candidate

In these tight fiscal times, we need Medford School Committee members that can advocate for programs, can meet with parents in the school yard, in the playground, and online with technology. We need members that can lobby our State House delegates and assist them with bills and research and provide a pulse for this community as being a watchdog for all children. We need school committee people that will stop talking about yesterday and begin talking about tomorrow. We can do better.

As a Federal Stimulus money arrives from Washington, we need school committee leaders that understand what policies, regulations, and laws are impacted by this resource. Over 1.7 million is allocated towards Special Education in Medford. How we can maximize this money as it balances against the Federal and State Circuit Breaker cuts and the Chapter 70 Cherry Sheet? We must do better.

John Falco, School Committee Candidate

My involvement in my children’s education convinces me that Medford has a good school system and one I want to support as a school committee member. At the same time, I know our children require the school committee’s diligence to sustain and enhance our school system. I consider my professional and personal experiences as ideal qualifications that will focus my service on the school committee, our children and their families.

My vision and goals are practical. I am fully cognizant that the next several years will pose unavoidable financial challenges for our city and its school system. We have already suffered a reduction in local aid and inequitable distribution of Chapter 70 funds. I share the same concerns that other parents have about the future of our schools. I, too, am concerned about larger class sizes, reductions in our teaching and professional staff, maintenance of our facilities, and safety in our schools

Robert E. Skerry Jr. runs for Medford School Committee re-election

“Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous community. In Medford, I will place the highest priority on giving our young citizens every chance to achieve their dreams. My school board experience through good times and bad provides the perspective and skill to fix problems, overcome bureaucratic obstacles, and further the successes students achieve. An education attained in our schools permits our youngsters to compete socially, civically, and successfully in our 21st century global economy.

“The school budget is the foundation upon which successful educational outcomes are built. Across the nation, financial failings are registered daily, but we in Medford are working hard to ensure that the hard earned dollars of Medford’s taxpayers are put to best use and that sound programs and class size limits in place are enforced.

“I scrutinize expenditures to assure school funds are used prudently on behalf of and benefit our students in a timely fashion.


Sharon Guzik, School Committee Candidate

Every parent knows that our children differ in their abilities, in learning styles, and in their work pace. As a member of the school committee, I will be proactive in supporting our teachers with the professional development and resources they need to better individualize the curriculum for their students.

These are very difficult economic times and we are all aware of the severe cuts to our budget this year and undoubtedly over the next few years. We will need to be creative about how we can meet the needs of our schools and our students. For example, encouraging collaboration between teachers within schools and between schools and pooling our material and intellectual resources. Also, when we look at the budget, we need to keep our priorities clearly in focus and be advocates for our children and our schools. As a parent, I will be a voice for all our children as well as an ear for parents and the community.

Chris Murphy, School Committee Candidate

After going to my first school committee meeting when I was a freshman I told myself this is what I will do when the time comes. I wanted the best educational experience for the students that would come after me in the Medford School System. After the last city election I decided that this was something I was going to do in my life and I was not waiting any longer to do it.

The new goals for education have been centered on “education for the 21st century” and I am a student of the 21st century. I have lived through No Child Left Behind. I have taken the MCAS, not just heard reports on it. I have experienced first hand Title 1 and Special Education having been in those programs throughout my time in Medford Public Schools. I am a young voice who can understand the needs of today’s students and can serve as an advocate for them. I have experience in budgeting and policy making which I will bring to the table. I can promise the parents, tax payers and most importantly the students of Medford that I will work tirelessly as a representative for them as a member of the Medford School Committee.

George Scarpelli, School Committee Candidate

I’m running for School Committee because I believe we can, and must, do more to take advantage of the resources we possess to improve our educational system in an era of fiscal austerity. I want to stand up for our schools by advocating for new sources of revenue and best management practices. Here are just a few of the practical steps we can take to enhance the quality of public education in Medford:

- Seek expanded grant funding, the use of community collaboratives, and alternative funding, as a way of enhancing programs without the use of more tax dollars;
- Increase business partnerships and draw on the expertise of local businesses as a way to expand programs and increase students, early childhood and adult recreational opportunities, without incurring additional expense to our municipal budget.
- Expand our higher educational partnerships with Tufts University, and other local Colleges and Universities.
- Mount an aggressive lobbying campaign to convince our state legislature to come up with a fairer and more equitable formula to distribute Chapter 70 education funds.

BREAKING: Scozzafava suspends NY 23 campaign

WOW! This is huge news, another sign that the Republican Party is wisely moving back to conservatives, and away from milquetoast RINOs. I can't understate how huge this is.

I will give Scozzafava props for uncharacteristically putting the long-term good of the party ahead of her ambitions, I am sure her lagging poll numbers helped her make a principled stand.

-Nick McNulty, Medford GOP


From Politico;

October 31, 2009
Categories:New York.BREAKING: Scozzafava suspends NY 23 campaign
Republican Dede Scozzafava has suspended her bid in next Tuesday’s NY 23 special election, a huge development that dramatically shakes up the race. She did not endorse either of her two opponents -- Conservative party candidate Doug Hoffman or Democrat Bill Owens.

The decision to suspend her campaign is a boost for Hoffman, who already had the support of 50 percent of GOP voters, according to a newly-released Siena poll, and is now well-positioned to win over the 25 percent of Republicans who had been sticking with Scozzafava.

Scozzafava has “probably made her last campaign appearance between now and Election Day,” spokesman Matt Burns told POLITICO. “She’s releasing her support to the two other candidates."

"I had a discussion with her last night, and we made the decision after I spoke with her. We talked about it, what this came down to was spending. It came down to the ability to defend herself from the get-go. And that’s the reality. She was unable to define herself where the people didn’t know her."

POLITICO has the full story on Scozzafava's surprise decision here.

Mitt Romney fundraiser for Scott Brown in Wrentham MA

From Scott Brown For U.S. Senate;

This Friday's big fundraiser for Scott Brown for U.S. Senate is right around the corner. We are excited to have GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY as our guest.

Friday October 30, 2009
Lake Pearl Luciano's, 299 Creek St, Wrentham

6:30pm Leadership Reception - $1000 Patron, $500 Host
7:00pm General Reception - $75 Friend, $125 Couple, $50 Senior

For more information or to RSVP, email Kristen Granchelli at kristen@brownforussenate.com

Foes slam AG’s ‘sister’ act on foreign policy

By Hillary Chabot Monday, October 26, 2009

Rivals blasted the strange foreign policy credentials offered by Attorney General Martha Coakley yesterday after the U.S. Senate candidate - in an answer reminiscent of former vice presidential contender Sarah Palin - counted her sister’s overseas home as part of her own international know-how.

“To think having a sister who lives overseas gives you experience is naive at the very best,” said state Sen. Scott Brown, a Republican candidate in the U.S. Senate race. “Do I have the best foreign policy experience? No, but I’m always eager to learn and I certainly have more than having a relative who lives there.”

Coakley made the blunder in response to a question about her lack of international experience and her travels abroad during an interview on WCVB’s Channel 5’s “On the Record” program yesterday.

“I have a sister who lives overseas, and she’s been in England and now lives in the Middle East,” Coakley said, adding she has traveled but declining to say where.

The remark struck political observers as a stretch to bolster her credentials - similar to Alaskan Gov. Palin’s widely parodied claim that she had insight into Russian relations because, “you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska.”

Full story

Next meeting of the Medford Republican Party, October 27th

As a reminder, the next regular meeting of the Medford Republican City Committee will be on Tuesday October 27th at 7:00PM, at the South Medford Fire Station, in the Dello Russo Room, 1 Medford Street. Mary Z. Connaughton, a former board member of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, and candidate for State Auditor will begin the evening’s program.

Tufts group can sing

The all-male a cappella group at Tufts University will be in the spotlight after all. We’re told that members of the Beelzebubs have all received their professors’ permission to take part in the upcoming NBC reality competition “The Sing-Off,’’ which is executive produced by local moviemaker Sam Weisman. Initially, Tufts academic dean James Glaser was loath to let the ’Bubs blow off class to appear on the show, which pits a cappella groups against each other. “Sing-Off’’ is due to air as four two-hour episodes starting Dec. 14, but a crew will be on campus soon to shoot B-roll on the ’Bubs’ bios.
Permalink

State legislators debate casino issue at Medford forum

Wicked Local Photo by Matthew Reid
Sen. Susan Tucker, left, and Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein debate the issue of gambling in Massachusetts last night, at a debate sponsored by Sen. Pat Jehlen held at the Century Bank in Medford last Thursday night, Oct. 15.

By Matthew Reid/mreid@cnc.com
Wed Oct 21, 2009, 09:00 AM EDT

One says building casinos in Massachusetts is a safe bet. The other says it’s nothing more than a house of cards.

Those were the opposing viewpoints presented during a debate hosted by Sen. Pat Jehlen, D-Somerville, last Thursday night, as Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein, D-Revere, and Sen. Susan Tucker, D-Andover, discussed the pros and cons of allowing casinos and slot parlors to be built in the state.

Each legislator read a brief prepared statement before taking questions from the standing-room-only audience assembled at the Century Bank on Mystic Avenue on Oct. 15.

The casino issue has been much discussed throughout the cash-strapped state recently, as the Legislature could address a gambling bill as soon as next year.

Full story

A no vote for Arena

Medford -

To the editor:

I see Arena for City Council signs all over Medford…have we at long last become unglued like our far left neighbors in Somerville and Cambridge?

Mark Arena proudly boasts of being endorsed by SEIU and being a “housing advocate.” The SEIU is now a government subsidized rent-a-mob for the Democrat party first, a labor union second. On any given day, SEIU members are not going to work, but rather are being bused in to shout down regular citizens at Town Hall meetings, and to intimidate voters at the polls alongside their ACORN brethren.

And “housing advocacy” — or "wealth redistribution through Barney Frank and the Federal Housing Authority" as it has more commonly become known — was one of the primary causes of the economic crash of 2008, which SEIU backed Democrats have since used as a craven excuse to further expand seizure of private property for distribution through and to the federal government.

Are candidates backed by the SEIU and the socialist members of Bailout Nation the type of people we want on the Medford City Council?

Nick McNulty
Medford

Michael Marks runs for reelection to the City Council

This is not a political endorsement, this is the candidates own advertisement.
-Medford GOP

Paul Camuso runs for re-election to Medford City Council seat

This is not a political endorsement, this is a reprinting of the candidate's own words
-Medford GOP

My name is Paul A. Camuso and I am a candidate for re-election to the Medford City Council and I am currently completing my third term on the council.

As a lifelong resident of Medford and a graduate of our schools, I am committed to making a positive contribution to the community that has given me so much during my youth. My experience on the School Committee and City Council has prepared me well to deal with the many challenges that face our city today.

I am running for re-election because I believe that I can continue to be a leader on the City Council at this critical time in our city’s progress.

My track record as a city councilor clearly demonstrates that I get back to every caller and make sure that each issue is handled in a thorough, courteous, timely and effective way. As taxpayers and citizens you have the right to have your questions and concerns answered promptly.

We must do more to attract taxpaying business to Medford. We cannot allow storefronts to remain vacant and major national and regional businesses to go elsewhere. I have supported the revitalization of Medford Square.

Full story

Green Line Extension advances to environmental review phase
Mon Oct 19, 2009, 01:46 PM EDT
Medford Transcript

On Thursday, Oct. 15, the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) submitted a Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (DEIR/EA) for the Green Line Extension project to the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, triggering a 45-day public review period beginning Oct. 26, 2009.

The report provides an overview of projected environmental impacts and benefits; the recommended route and station locations; and vehicle maintenance and storage options for the Green Line Extension project.

Once complete, the Green Line Extension project will fulfill a longstanding commitment by the commonwealth to increase public transit through long under-served neighborhoods in Cambridge, Somerville and Medford, furthering the efforts of the Patrick-Murray administration to improve local and regional mobility and encourage sustainable economic growth.

“The Green Line Extension will offer major transportation and air quality benefits to Cambridge, Somerville and Medford, and will trigger smart growth opportunities in neighborhoods along the route,” said Transportation Secretary James A. Aloisi, Jr. “This submittal represents a crucial milestone in the project, advancing not only the environmental review process and design, but also our efforts to secure federal funding for the project. We take seriously our commitment and look forward to continuing to work closely with neighboring communities to finalize the design and begin construction.”

Full story

Medford manhole fire causes outage, stalls traffic

From the Medford Transcript;
Medford - Fires ignited in manholes throughout the city Friday morning, leading to widespread power outages and street closings.

Deputy Chief Edward O’Brien of the Medford Fire Department said that multiple city officials were working to restore power, which was lost from Tufts University to Medford Square. He said the South Medford was the area hardest hit, where power could be out for “quite a while” while the problem is being addressed.

An underground cable failure was expected to be the cause of the problem, which led to power outages beginning at around 10 a.m.

According to a report by WCVB, city officials said the fire first broke out in a manhole at the corner of Emerson and Main streets, and flames and pressure from that fire caused a secondary explosion of a manhole at 101 Main St.

Full story

Coakley stonewalls press on campaign finance

Ice queen Martha Coakley sending wrong message
By Lauren Beckham Falcone

Martha Coakley is a Mean Girl.

How else to explain yesterday’s snide “I’m not going to talk to you” comeback after Boston Herald State House Bureau Chief Hillary Chabot asked her about campaign finances?

The silent treatment from a U.S. Senate candidate. Like, totally high school, Martha. Meet me in the ladies for a smoke and a chat. Watch the door. This might take a while.

Here’s the thing, Martha: If you’re running for Massachusetts U.S. Senate seat and proclaiming to be a progressive candidate who preaches transparency in government, it’s a good idea to answer reporters’ questions

Full story

Conservatives and Mass Transit: All Aboard?

From Politics Daily;

Effete liberals love mass transit and red-blooded American conservatives disdain it, right?
That's the stereotype, all right. Libs love their commuter trains, while we conservatives dig our pickup trucks. There's surely something to those images, but a new book titled, "Moving Minds; Conservatives and Public Transportation," seeks to lead some 21st century conservatives to rethink their view of riding the subway.

This debate comes at a time when conservatives stand accused of failing to embrace new ideas (in fact, the authors would argue this is really the renewing of an old idea, but you get the point.) Clearly, a conservative arguing in favor of mass transit dispels the notion that conservatives aren't receptive to exploring new solutions to the nation's ongoing problems. Both sides are guilty of taking stances on issues -- and sticking with them -- regardless of the emergence of new facts or changing priorities. It's all too uncommon to find an adherent of one political philosophy championing an issue generally identified as "belonging" to the other team. For this reason, if nothing else, the authors of this book deserve attention, even praise.

This is not some new fad to them, either. While "Moving Minds" was recently published, it is actually the collection of eight separate transportation studies conducted and published by conservatives Paul Weyrich and William S. Lind between 1997 and 2009. Weyrich, who passed away in late 2008, was co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, and one of the most significant conservative activists and commentators of modern times. Interestingly, his first foray into politics came as a teenager when he attempted to save the famous North Shore Line through his hometown of Racine, Wisc.

Full story

Medford Green Line extension update on Chronicle

Watch the clip here

Christy Mihos calls for deep cuts to state salaries

GOP gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos is demanding a 10 percent pay cut for all state employees to prevent a hit to local aid after Gov. Deval Patrick announced a $212 million revenue shortfall last week.

“The public sector can hardly be held immune from the economic realities of the day,” said Mihos. “The taxpayers who fund state government have themselves suffered job loss and wage reductions. It’s cynicism at best, if not outright arrogance, to suggest that public employees not share in the burden.”

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Scott Brown in Stoneham this Thursday

This THURSDAY, October 8th, at 7 p.m., Senator Brown will be coming to speak at the Stoneham Republican Town Committee (SRTC) meeting at the Stoneham Public Library, 431 Main Street, Stoneham.

SRTC Chairman Gordon Perks has invited us all to attend and hear from Sen. Brown.

Scott Brown has a strong history of serving in electoral politics. He has been a state senator, a state representative and a selectman from Wrentham where he currently lives with his wife Gail. He has two daughters, Ayla and Arriana. He holds his law degree from BC Law, and a sometimes little known fact is that he is originally from Wakefield and graduated from Wakefield High School!

Scott needs to gather 10,000 certified signatures before the October 20th deadline, which means in reality he will need to gather nearly 20,000 to ensure there are enough to weather challenges. I am helping organize signature collections and hope to have a big push this SATURDAY morning for SCOTT BROWN SIGNATURE COLLECTIONS. Can you help? We need people to go out in teams of two to collect signatures in front of supermarkets, the post office, at sports games, etc. Please email me: MonicaMed@consultant.com if you can help.

Lastly, a date to keep in mind: October 28th - upcoming fundraiser for Scott Brown at Bear Hill. Details to follow.

CHRISTY MIHOS CALLS FOR SPECIAL PENSION REFORM TASK FORCE

to be comprised of citizens and small business owners only

Calling it another classic example of corruption at the state house, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Christy Mihos called today for emergency legislation which will prohibit the state treasurer or the governor from taking political contributions from firms engaging in business with the Commonwealth's pension fund. "When you see the people who are supposed to be minding the store being co-opted by outside influences you have to respond with tougher ethics statutes within state government. It's essential to guarantee that the vitality and integrity of the state's pension system is in no way compromised," said Mihos, Republican of West Yarmouth.

Mihos was responding to a Boston Herald article in Wednesday's edition which documents significant campaign contributions (more than $70,000) to Treasurer Tim Cahill and Governor Deval Patrick, respectively; the contributions emanating from employees at companies which have direct ties to the pension fund. "The conflict of interest here is so obvious, that even the cynical kaleidoscope of the state house insiders can pick up how wrong it is. A real ethics reform bill with teeth in it will eliminate this, and I'll make it happen as the Reform Republican candidate for governor," said Mihos. "You gotta wonder if the governor and treasurer even have any sense of shame left when they continue to take cash from people who are simply trying to buy influence. It's appalling."

Mihos has refused donations from persons doing business with the state pension system.

The businessman from Cape Cod reiterated his commitment that members of a Mihos administration will not be part of the state pension system. "I'm the only candidate in this race who doesn't have a state pension headed my way. I don't want one. That's not my reason for running. I'm running to bring real, positive change to Massachusetts, and one of our mandates must be real pension reform which goes beyond the window dressing which has been the placebo offered us by my opponents Treasurer Cahill and Governor Patrick."

Mihos said upon assuming office he will convene a special Pension Reform Task Force which will be comprised of working class citizens, academics and small business owners. Mihos said he will specifically prohibit corporate executives from sitting on the task force. Said Mihos, "Too often we see a blue ribbon commission controlled by the rich, corporate insiders. That's not how the Mihos Administration will do business. We want real reform, and that comes from the ideas you get from real, working class people."

Stimulus Spending Doesn't Work

Our new research shows no evidence of a Keynesian 'multiplier' effect. There is evidence that tax cuts boost growth.

By ROBERT J. BARRO AND CHARLES J. REDLICK

The global recession and financial crisis have refocused attention on government stimulus packages. These packages typically emphasize spending, predicated on the view that the expenditure "multipliers" are greater than one—so that gross domestic product expands by more than government spending itself. Stimulus packages typically also feature tax reductions, designed partly to boost consumer demand (by raising disposable income) and partly to stimulate work effort, production and investment (by lowering rates).

World War II defense spending offers a good measure of stimulus effects.
The existing empirical evidence on the response of real gross domestic product to added government spending and tax changes is thin. In ongoing research, we use long-term U.S. macroeconomic data to contribute to the evidence. The results mostly favor tax rate reductions over increases in government spending as a means to increase GDP.

For defense spending, the principal long-run variations reflect the buildups and aftermaths of major wars—World War I, World War II, the Korean War and, to a much lesser extent, the Vietnam War. World War II tends to dominate, with the ratio of added defense spending to GDP reaching 26% in 1942 and 17% in 1943, and then falling to -26% in 1946

The effects of tax rates on GDP growth can be analyzed from a time series we've constructed on average marginal income-tax rates from federal and state income taxes and the Social Security payroll tax. Since 1950, the largest declines in the average marginal rate from the federal individual income tax occurred under Ronald Reagan (to 21.8% in 1988 from 25.9% in 1986 and to 25.6% in 1983 from 29.4% in 1981), George W. Bush (to 21.1% in 2003 from 24.7% in 2000), and Kennedy-Johnson (to 21.2% in 1965 from 24.7% in 1963). Tax rates rose particularly during the Korean War, the 1970s and the 1990s. The average marginal tax rate from Social Security (including payments from employees, employers and the self-employed) expanded to 10.8% in 1991 from 2.2% in 1971 and then remained reasonably stable.

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Senate candidate Scott Brown wants to defund ACORN

By Associated Press Wednesday, September 30, 2009 http://www.bostonherald.com

Photo by Faith Ninivaggi
BOSTON — Republican U.S. Senate candidate Scott Brown has filed a bill to prohibit ACORN from receiving state grants or serving as a state-approved housing counselor in Massachusetts.

Two employees at the Baltimore branch of the liberal community organizing group were videotaped allegedly offering advice about evading taxes to a couple posing as a pimp and prostitute.

The U.S. House recently voted overwhelmingly to suspend all federal funding to the group. The legislation filed by Brown — a state senator — legislation is modeled after the bill.

ACORN Housing received a $33,000 grant last April from the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. It used the money to counsel first-time homebuyers and homeowners facing possible foreclosure.