Medford Happenings

Why voting in a slate is not ideal for the city of Medford MA

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Electing a slate-backed city council like Our Revolution Medford risks undermining the democratic values it claims to uphold, replacing genuine representation with ideological conformity and insider politics.

Our Revolution has positioned itself as a progressive force for change. Yet beneath the surface of its inclusive rhetoric lies a troubling consolidation of power. By endorsing a slate of candidates who now dominate the city council, Our Revolution has created a bloc that often votes in lockstep, marginalizing independent voices and stifling dissent. The group’s branding as democratic and diverse rings hollow when opponents are labeled as “racist” or “MAGA-leaning”—a tactic that shuts down dialogue rather than fosters it. True progressivism requires engaging with differing perspectives, not vilifying them.

The Medford People’s Platform, shaped by this slate-backed council, has enacted changes that further distance residents from their government. Council meetings were cut from four to two per month, limiting opportunities for public oversight. Key issues have been buried in subcommittees with poor communication and inconvenient scheduling, making it harder for citizens to stay informed or participate. Speaking time for residents has been reduced to just three minutes, and preferential treatment is often given to those who echo Our Revolution’s positions. These moves don’t reflect a city council committed to transparency or equity—they reflect a political machine more interested in control than collaboration. In the coming weeks, independent candidates will highlight these differences, offering Medford voters a chance to choose genuine representation over ideological entrenchment. It’s time to reclaim the council for the people—not the party.

On November 4th – Patrick Clerkin, Nick Giurleo, Melanie Tringali, Paul Donato Jr., Nate Merritt, George Scarpelli and Rick Caraviello need your vote. Medford needs a real inclusive, collaborative city council who are working on Medford issue.

2 responses to “Why voting in a slate is not ideal for the city of Medford MA”

  1. linda w, lifetime medford resident Avatar
    linda w, lifetime medford resident

    why is voting for YOUR slate better than voting for their slate???? Please explain.

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    1. menckenmadnessf6c0e9d3fa Avatar
      menckenmadnessf6c0e9d3fa

      Good afternoon Linda,

      Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts—it’s always great to see community members engaged in the conversation!

      I wanted to offer a perspective on the current city council race in Medford. While it may not be immediately obvious, there’s really only one organized slate in this election: Our Revolution. The independent candidates recognized early on that going up against a well-funded, coordinated group like that would be incredibly difficult on their own.

      It’s unfortunate that Medford now has a slate of candidates, because city council elections are meant to be nonpartisan. Introducing a slate creates a dynamic that resembles a two-party system—something that doesn’t belong in local governance. It shifts the focus away from individual ideas and qualifications, and toward group loyalty and bloc voting.

      The financial disparity is also worth noting. Our Revolution has the resources to send out high-quality flyers—some costing upwards of $15,000 each. In contrast, independent candidates like Patrick Clerkin, Nate Merritt, and Nick Giurleo simply don’t have access to that kind of funding. While they do send out their own materials, it’s nowhere near the scale or cost of what Our Revolution is able to produce.

      Beyond the money, there’s a deeper concern. Imagine showing up to work one day and realizing that six of your colleagues have formed a tight-knit group that excludes you from decisions. That’s what a slate can feel like—it fosters division and makes collaboration harder. It’s not just about politics; it’s about creating a healthy, inclusive environment for everyone on the council.

      And here’s something to consider: if the independent candidates were running as a slate themselves, would that change how you feel about slates in general? It’s a question worth asking, because the structure—not just the people—can have a lasting impact on how our city is governed.

      Medford deserves thoughtful, independent voices—and I appreciate you took the time to post!

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