Our Revolution CLAIM / Achieve Community Safety, Remove Barriers to Participate, Champion Economic Justice
The City Council has mischaracterized Medford, its values, its citizens to create a narrative of racism, not being safe, not inclusive, and unfriendly. Intent was to create division in the community.
Created distractions rather than focusing on real needs of the city in a manner that respected the community and citizens.
Misleading, insulting and not creating collaboration between city government and the citizens in Medford.
Medford residents need to take back control of the city and vote for the Independent candidates. Each will bring their own ideas, each will represent the city of Medford and its residents. On November 4th, please vote for the candidates listed below.
On the upcoming November 4 Municipal General Election ballot, voters will be asked ‘Shall the City adopt an act passed by the general court in the year 2025 entitled: An Act establishing a charter for the City of Medford?’
The City’s Charter Study Committee, in collaboration with the The Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management, developed an updated City Charter that was passed by the legislature and recently signed by Governor Healy. It now will appear on the Municipal General Election ballot to be decided by voters. If approved, most provisions in the Charter would go into effect in 2027.
Some changes to the Charter include: ➡ Hybrid ward representation for City Council ➡ Hybrid district representation for School Committee ➡ Four year term for the Mayor ➡ Regular charter review
You can learn more about the charter and how it compares to the older version at medfordma.org/charter
Significantly increased street constraints through paint striping and intersection modifications, not what citizens expected or requested when asking for street repair. The City Council’s pursuit of street modifications was based on their agenda not citizens’ requests for real street repair.
Medford residents need to take back control of the city and vote for the Independent candidates. Each will bring their own ideas, each will represent the city of Medford and its residents. On November 4th, please vote for the candidates listed below.
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.
As we approach the November 4th election, it’s clear that Our Revolution is expanding its influence—not just on the City Council, but now within the School Committee races. Their campaign flyers speak volumes, most notably for who’s missing: candidates like John Intoppa and Nicole Branley, both of whom bring valuable experience and perspectives to the table.
But the most compelling candidate this cycle may be Lisa Kingsley. Her qualifications are exceptional. Kingsley brings a deep understanding of education policy—not just at the city level, but statewide. She’s fluent in the complexities of school finance, curriculum development, and the inner workings of the teachers union. Her campaign reflects the same clarity and vision she’s known for professionally. Ask yourself: how many current School Committee members possess that level of insight?
It’s no surprise that Our Revolution may be courting her. But if they do, who gets pushed aside to make room? And more importantly, will Kingsley align herself with a slate that has prioritized political branding over practical solutions? Regardless of affiliation, her leadership belongs on the School Committee—and voters will decide that on November 4th.
The High School Debate: Let’s Talk Numbers
Many candidates are calling for a complete rebuild of Medford High School. But before we leap into a $200+ million project, we need to ask: with what money?
Medford is no longer eligible for the same level of state funding it received in the 1970s. Consider Arlington’s recent experience:
🏫 Arlington High School Rebuild Cost: $290.4 million
💸 State Contribution: $84.7 million
🏠 Local Burden: $205.7 million funded through a debt exclusion override
📈 Tax Impact: Some Arlington homeowners saw increases of up to $2,000/year
🏡 Average Home Value in Arlington: ~$1.33 million
💰 Average Annual Property Tax: ~$17,450
Now compare that to Medford:
🏡 Average Single-Family Home Value: $910,000
💰 Current Annual Property Tax: ~$7,059
A similar override in Medford could more than double the average tax bill. And for what? Medford High was built to serve 4,000 students. Today, enrollment hovers just above 1,000. Should we rebuild a school at triple the capacity we need?
Fix First. Plan Smart.
Before we talk about construction, we need a comprehensive education plan. What’s our vision for Medford’s students? What programs will attract families and improve outcomes? Without a clear roadmap, rebuilding the high school is like building a house without blueprints.
Yes, we can dream big. But we must also think smart. Repairing and modernizing existing infrastructure is more fiscally responsible—especially while Medford works to stabilize its financial footing. Promising residents a new school without a funding strategy or educational plan is not leadership. It’s wishful thinking.
Let’s vote for candidates who understand the numbers, respect the process, and prioritize Medford’s long-term success over short-term headlines.
Our Revolution is willing to bankrupt residents to build a new school despite no education plan
Provide the resources for students, families, and educators to thrive. None of this occurred. All the funds raised through the tax override were used to retain positions created earlier with COVID funds. This action was ill advised without having funds for the future operational costs.
Medford residents need to take back control of the city and vote for the Independent candidates. Each will bring their own ideas, each will represent the city of Medford and its residents. On November 4th, please vote for the candidates listed below.
As we embark upon another election year, we have not had a chance to look at the school committee and its candidates. Those will be added in another post.
To Build New or Renovate?
The knee-jerk reaction from many candidates—both on the city council and the school committee—is to build a new school. But is that truly necessary? The current school structure has a solid foundation. Is it an eyesore? Absolutely. But in the grand scheme of things, shouldn’t the quality of education take precedence over aesthetics?
The city would do itself—and its residents—a favor by exploring all options, including renovation versus a full rebuild. Does it make sense to commit $280 million if there are no students attending that school? This isn’t a “if you build it, they will come” scenario.
It’s worth noting that many prominent city officials do not send their children to Medford public schools. As these officials and residents pay taxes to support the public school system, shouldn’t they take the time to fix what they’re actively funding?
School Budget
Last summer, the school committee suffered a self-inflicted public relations disaster. They initially announced a $2.5 million shortfall in the upcoming school budget—only to revise that figure three days later to just $200,000. That’s a staggering discrepancy.
As one city councilor remarked, a mistake of that magnitude would likely cost someone their job in a corporate setting. One would expect the outgoing superintendent to have demanded an immediate investigation into how such an error occurred. It’s clear the school committee is not maintaining accurate financial records.
As a result, the incoming superintendent should call for an independent audit, including a line-item review. This audit should be presented not only to the school committee but also explained publicly in full. The goal isn’t to shame anyone—it’s about maintaining transparency for the residents of Medford.
Poor School Ratings
Current school ratings in Medford are deeply concerning according to Public School Review. However, not all schools performed poorly. The vocational-technical school in Medford stands out as one of the city’s strongest educational offerings.
The Robotics team, for example, finished second in state competitions last year, and the lab remains one of the best in the region. Bistro 489—a student-run restaurant—is another highlight. If you haven’t eaten there yet, you’re missing out!
A Call to Action
The incoming superintendent of Medford schools faces a significant challenge: developing a clear plan to improve the school system. Yes, funding will be necessary—but that doesn’t mean the city should hand out blank checks. The new superintendent will be tasked with addressing the missteps of the previous administration, and while some decisions may be painful in the short term, they must be made with long-term improvement in mind.
This burden should not fall solely on the superintendent. School committee members must also share responsibility. Their role is critical, and the future of our children is at stake. If elected officials aren’t committed to meaningful change, it’s time to vote in those who are.
Misrepresented the claim/definition of housing affordability to confuse the public.
The City Council’s action to raise taxes through the override they promoted actually increase housing costs for existing residents and those pursuing rental units.
Medford residents need to take back control of the city and vote for the Independent candidates. Each will bring their own ideas, each will represent the city of Medford and its residents. On November 4th, please vote for the candidates listed below.
John talks with both Michael Marks and Robert Penta, both of whom were former Medford City Councilors. Both weigh in regarding the state of the city and the upcoming elections.
AND NOW A PODCAST!!!
To download, just right click on the player and “Save As”.
Revitalize squares for mixed use development to create funds for various needs in the community. Nothing accomplished.
With no revenue growth , City Council undertook a tax override campaign. Poor communication and then misused the funds.
Medford residents need to take back control of the city and vote for the Independent candidates. Each will bring their own ideas, each will represent the city of Medford and its residents. On November 4th, please vote for the candidates listed below.
Medford Happenings 