Candidate Profile: Richard Caraviello, Medford City Council

MEDFORD, MA — Richard Caraviello is one of five incumbent city councilors seeking re-election. There are 14 candidates vying for seven seats on the Medford City Council in the Nov. 2 municipal election, as well as 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.

Caraviello is a small business owner. He has served in various leadership roles during his 10 years on the city council, including three terms as president.

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

68

Position Sought

City Council

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Wife, Carol

3 Children, Richard, Lauren, and Nicole

7 Grandchildren, 1 more on the way

Does Anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Medford High School

Occupation

Small business owner

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Current Medford City Council President

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking reelection to continue my work of moving Medford forward in this unprecedented time of change, growth, and an emerging new identity for Medford as we progress into the 21st century. Our city is well positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning growth and development that is happening in Boston and suburban communities. I want to continue my efforts to secure the best possible future for Medford in the years to come.

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

The single most pressing issue facing Medford is how to continue properly advancing the robust economic development, modernization of city resources and facilities, and improvement upon our public educational system that has occurred in the past 10 years; while at the same time not disenfranchising our lower income residents by making Medford less affordable for working families. Our city, like many metro-Boston suburbs, has witnessed an unprecedented expansion, a steady rise in population, and with it, an escalating demand for housing. Many individuals and families are moving to Medford and other area communities. Housing prices continue to soar, with no end in sight, and without a committed focus on commercial development, such as "smart, clean, and green" projects, our residential tax rate will also make Medford too expensive for most working families. We should also be more aggressively pursuing the life science and bio-tech development that has landed in Boston and Cambridge.

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

I think that my colleagues and candidates for Medford City Council are more alike that they are different. We all care deeply about our city and want to work to make Medford the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. I believe the difference is experience and a full time commitment to the responsibility, and the community at large. I work in this position on a full time basis, and I have no aspirations for higher office. I serve the people directly, and I give it my all to help my constituents with any issue or concern they come to me with. I believe in the end, this distinction is the critical difference and it’s something my constituents greatly appreciate.

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

The COVID-19 pandemic was (and still is) an unprecedented public health crisis that tested governmental operations at all levels. Cities and towns were waiting for direction and resources from the state, who in turn was looking for guidance and mandates from Washington. I believe the administration and the Council worked as effectively as possible to alleviate the crisis and provide much needed aid and assistance at the local level. Food banks and distribution centers were set up, and an elderl assistance program quickly went into place, all of which I volunteered to help. Small businesses got emergency loans to cover operational costs during the early onset of the pandemic, when all schools and businesses were abruptly closed, with no revenue stream coming in. There was a learning curve along the way, but I know that my Council colleagues are wiser for the experience, and will perform even better should God forbid anything like this happen ever again.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Fiscal stability and smart, transit-oriented growth and development, the efficient delivery of city services, and a quality public educational system for all.

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

My role three times running as City Council President, a position that I was voted into by my colleagues on three separate Councils. My role serving as the point person and driving force in bringing a new library to Medford. and as Co-Chair of the Medford Public Library Foundation is probably my proudest accomplishment.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Leaders don't set out to be a leader. They set out to make a difference. It's never about the role, but the goal.

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

I am fully committed to my position as your Medford City Councilor and will give it my all to serve the people of our city, day in and day out. I’m a liberal, centrist Democrat and I never forgot where I came from, or who put me there. I pride myself as being a leader in the community who leads by example.