Candidate Profile: Colin Walsh, Medford School Committee

MEDFORD, MA — Colin Walsh is one of 14 candidates running for School Committee in the Sept. 14 preliminary election, which will whittle down the field of candidates ahead of the municipal election in November. There will also be a preliminary election for the mayor's race.

Medford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Walsh has been a firefighter for 26 years and a football coach for 30 years. He lives in Medford with his wife Anna.

Are you running for office in Medford? Contact Alex Newman at alex.newman@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Medford Patch.

Age (as of Election Day)

48

Position Sought

School Committee

Party Affiliation

None

Family

Wife Anna 44

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelors of Science - Salem State University

Occupation

Fire Fighter - 26 years, Football Coach - 30 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

none

Campaign website

None at this time

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have lived my entire adult life working in public service as a Fire Fighter as well as giving back to my community as a football coach. This is an extension of my dedication to the city I love and want to serve.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Getting the kids back to school after having a year of virtual learning due to the pandemic. We need to make sure we have a curriculum focused on the fundamentals that will prepare them for college, or a successful career in their vocational path as well as succeed in life beyond Medford public schools.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have over two decades of experience as an elected member of my union where I served as President. I know how to negotiate and implement budgets, I have knowledge in labor negotiations and with 30 years of coaching in Medford I have first hand experience working with our kids and their parents as well as being an advocate and cheerleader for their success.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

They have failed to listed to listen to the parents and constituents. The current board has acted with their own agenda, closed out the parents and residents voices even when the committee knew the majority was opposed to their decisions. This has to change. We work for the people.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I think there is no criticism here. There is no standard set for how to react to the speed of how this virus unfolded. Follow the true science and data and make an informed decision.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

How are we going to modernize Medford High School. The building is out of date and needs to be upgraded. Make common sense decisions that are good for 02155. Advocating for a curriculum that focuses our students success in the world and not advancing a national political platform.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Again, over two decades working in public safety and as an elected union official I have vast experience working with city budgets and day to day issues. As a coach I always have been able to work with and listed to parents and school administration.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

There is not such thing as downtime, spare time or free time. There is only a lifetime. Go!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I care about 02155. Too many others have a larger political agenda that puts the kids second, disrepects public safety, the parents, our nation and Medford's long and proud history. I would fight for 02155 and all who live here.