As we approach Election Day on November 4th, it’s crucial to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters when choosing your next city councilors. One of the biggest misconceptions circulating is that this race is simply between two slates. It’s not. The independent candidates are just that—independent. They’ve chosen to collaborate out of necessity, not ideology.

Unlike the well-funded “Our Revolution” slate, these candidates don’t have access to deep-pocketed donors or national political machinery. Consider this: a single full-page flyer from Our Revolution costs upwards of $15,000—before postage. Meanwhile, the independents scraped together enough for a modest flyer, exhausting much of their campaign funds from the start. That was just one flyer. Our Revolution has since distributed at least six more. So ask yourself—where is all that money coming from?

Beyond the financial imbalance, there’s a deeper issue at play. Slates distort the local political landscape. Because every Our Revolution candidate is affiliated with the Democratic Party, anyone running against them is unfairly cast as conservative or Republican. That’s not only inaccurate—it’s deliberately misleading. Medford’s city council is about local governance, not national party politics. Injecting partisan labels into city issues shows a fundamental misunderstanding of what the council does and how it serves you.

Even more troubling is the divisive rhetoric being used. Instead of offering real solutions to Medford’s challenges, Our Revolution has resorted to personal attacks—labeling opponents as “racist,” “old,” and “white.” This kind of language doesn’t build bridges. It fractures communities. And in a time when unity is more important than ever, Medford deserves better.

The independent candidates are your neighbors. Many have lived in Medford for decades. They’re not here to climb political ladders—they’re here to help Medford grow thoughtfully and sustainably. On November 4th, the choice is yours: vote for candidates who are focused on solving real problems for real people, or support those who may be more interested in padding their resumes for the next political opportunity.

Let’s choose leadership that puts Medford first.