Mayoral Candidate D'Antonio: Vote for Change

The following was submitted by mayoral candidate Anthony D'Antonio:

My name is Anthony D’Antonio and I am a candidate for Mayor of the historical city of Medford.

I was born and raised in Medford and grew up on Yale Street. After graduating from the Medford Public School system, I attended the University of Massachusetts at Boston State College and graduated with a degree in Economics. My education continued at Bentley University where I worked towards a certificate in Bentley’s Accounting Program.

While working in the high technology private sector, I attended numerous professional development seminars. I am a past member of the Laborer’s International Union of North America, Laborer’s Local 22, the National Association of Purchasing Management (PMAB) and the American Production & Inventory Control Society. I was a mentor for the International Standards Organization for the purpose of facilitating Statistical Process Control for Fortune 500 companies. Presently, I am a consultant to both the food and beverage industry and the technology industry. 

I am the father of three sons: John, Marc, Peter, and, grandfather of Giovanni and Peter.

My first priority as Mayor will be public safety. We must enhance our image as a safe community, a community that cares for its citizens and a community that values and encourages safe streets, safe schools, safe neighborhoods and exceptional educational opportunities for our children.

I will call for an independent audit to examine the city’s standard accounting operating procedures. We cannot move forward until we know what we have to work with and where the money is going. We must work to lower taxes in this city and put an end to the 24 year record of raising taxes and decreasing services each and every year.

I will implement a parking enforcement program immediately. This will start a flow of revenue into the city; every little bit helps!

I will do everything in my power to support our police, fire and municipal employees.

I will work to see that our veterans are given every opportunity for housing in our city. They need our support and deserve our respect. For, without them and their sacrifices, we would not have the freedoms we enjoy today!

Our elderly and disabled residents must be cared for and made to feel safe in their surroundings. Our citizens come first and I will see that it happens!

I will work to re-construct the trash removal program for the entire city. As it stands now, the current system is a physical burden to our elderly and disabled residents. It is also an eyesore to see all these ugly, huge, green trash barrels throughout the city because most houses lack the facilities to store them until trash day. There will be no more multi-year, “no bid” contracts.

I will meet with the City Council on a regular basis as I strongly believe the Mayor’s attendance is in the best interest of our citizens. The City Councilors are there for the purpose of doing the people’s business; not to rubber stamp the Mayor’s agenda! If I am elected mayor there will be no more last minute, time sensitive proposals thrown hastily at the City Council unless we are facing a citywide emergency.

It is important for this city’s schoolchildren and educators that we remove the “political influence” from the School Committee. Therefore, I will work through Home Rule petition to remove the mayor’s position from the School Committee.

I will also work to impose term limits on the City Council, the School Committee and the Mayor’s position. None of these should be considered life-time positions.

I am also in favor of a charter review for Medford. It’s long overdue! The world has changed over 24 years!

I will work to creatively, collectively and expeditiously expand the city’s revenue base

There is so much more that needs to be done, but, I cannot do it alone and it cannot be done overnight. I need your help as concerned citizens. I need your vote on November 8^th, Tuesday!

If you share my belief that if this city is to ever move forward into the future as the proud, flourishing, clean and safe city Medford once was and can be again, we need to begin the transition now. My educational background and thirty years of private business and technology experience along with years of problem solving management affords me the qualifications to become the people’s mayor. My stamina, desire and my concern for the well being of all our residents along with my ability to truly listen to people and approach the issues with common sense will enable us to start moving forward. I will not settle for mediocrity. I will respond to you, the people, and act accordingly on behalf of your concerns and needs to the best of my ability and in the best interest of our city. This is the way it should be…and the way it will be when I am elected Mayor.

The time for change is now.  Let’s put and end to a business as usual administration and put an end to leadership that does not work!! Remember, nothing changes if nothing changes.

Our great city by the Mystic River is your City! Medford does not belong to any one politician!

Imagine a brighter future for Medford!

Please vote for CHANGE on Tuesday, November 8! It’s your future!

Thank you,

Anthony D’Antonio

12 Yale Street

Candidate for Mayor of Medford, 2011