Candidate Profile: Jean Nuzzo, Medford City Council

MEDFORD, MA — Jean Nuzzo is one of 14 candidates vying for seven seats on the Medford City Council in the Nov. 2 municipal election. There are also contested races for mayor and school committee.

Medford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles this week.

Nuzzo has been a program manager and change management professional for 24 years.

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)

51

Position Sought

Medford City Council

Party Affiliation

None

Family

I live with my multigenerational family, and our rescue cat MaryJane

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bentley University and McCallum Graduate School of Business

I am a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and hold my Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractors Licenses (CSL, HICL)

Occupation

Program Manager & Change Management Professional; 24 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

www.NuzzoMedford.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I love Medford, and I see in our city the untapped, raw potential that we have for a better future, and the economic, employment and entertainment opportunities that could be ours, which would allow us to improve our quality of life and live, work, play and stay in Medford. My professional work experience provides a unique perspective and relevant insights on how best to leverage our resources to achieve this, and that is why I am running for city council.

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

In speaking with residents while on the campaign trail, the principal issue that many identify as most pressing is zoning and development (residential, commercial, and economical). Solutions to these issues will set the foundation for our living and work environments and focus the direction our city will take for years to come. The successful mechanisms we can use to create the change we need include:

• Increasing our commercial tax base to fund capital projects, preventative maintenance, and an owner-occupied tax credit
• Establishing enterprise funding for economic growth and infrastructure upgrades
• Closing the loopholes and discrepancies in our zoning ordinances
• Creating a zoning primer to allow residents to better understand our ordinances, and encourage their full participation in the process
• Advocating for a Redevelopment Authority to assist in crafting a renewal plan
• Determining overlay districts (both residential and commercial)
• Convening resident committees to work with the council on each zone/neighborhood
• Appointing a design review board
• Re-engage our efforts to finalize our Housing Production Plan
• Supporting our Comprehensive Master Plan efforts
• Establishing an affordable housing trust to work towards true housing affordability**

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

My work experience and expertise set me apart from other candidates; offering the residents of Medford a City Councilor with a real-world knowledge of how zoning and incentivization influences developers and development patterns. A councilor who can advocate and ensure the city is progressing and developing in a manner that is in the best interest of the residents, of Medford, and the greater community. I will work to facilitate engaging community discussions, identify & address resident concerns, help to craft the vision for our future, and draft the ordinances that bring us there in a purposeful way. A way that sparks a Medford renaissance and results in the best version of Medford we can be. One that is welcoming and serves us all.

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

City council in its current configuration needs zoning and economic expertise, I look to bring this know-how to the council and add it to their efforts.

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

I am deeply concerned for Medford, and the unprecedented pressures we face in the continuing variants and spikes of COVID, the loss of businesses from the same, and the fact that our young people are overburdened and missing out on “normal” life milestones. We need to de-politicize these issues, and other important matters, and get back to listening with compassion for understanding and work towards impactful and collaborative solutions. I look to be a compassionate and knowledgeable leader on council- encouraging an environment that allows for empathy and understanding while working to address the issues of our time.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

In addition to focusing Medford’s growth in a positive direction for all residents, as your City Councilor the “Nuzzo” pledge is this: I will always look out for the best interests of our city and its residents, look to build a vibrant and engaging community rich in opportunities, and create a place for us all. I will take a collaborative approach in working with our community to find solutions to our needs. A list of key issues can be found at www.nuzzomedford.com.

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

As a consultant I have learned to listen for understanding, absorb new information quickly for decision making, balance competing interests, develop budgets and work within their constraints and successfully navigate the complexities of conflict resolution; in addition to dealing with regular day to day operational challenges, bridging the gap, and reaching solutions beneficial to all. I am proud of my successes with clients & colleagues, the contributions my participation in their projects has made in enabling their efforts, and the relationships we have built through the years. Furthermore, I believe my proven record of leading high performance, cross functional teams; coupled with a reputation for building consensus, arriving at a compromise; and getting things done makes me highly qualified to sit on city council.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be kind; you never know the battles someone else is fighting, and your kindness can make a difference.

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

That I would love to hear from them with any concerns or questions they may have. Throughout my career I have learned the importance of straight talk, finding the balance between need and affordability, and the value of due diligence efforts in order to lessen the impact of unintended consequences. I have developed a deep respect for differing opinions, and will work to create a safe space for honest dialogue and discussion across differing viewpoints- to imagine new solutions for our city and its people. My skills and experience will enable me to effectively work with all residents, stakeholders, my fellow councilors, and the administration- and allow us to successfully craft a clear vision of Medford’s future, that incorporates all voices and needs to help us realize a better future for all residents. My dedication to this city, its people, and its future is real. A vote for Jean Nuzzo will give you a champion behind the rail and I humbly ask for, and hope I have, your vote on Election Day.