Medford Candidate Profile: John Petrella For City Council

MEDFORD, MA — With the Medford Municipal Election scheduled for Nov. 7, Patch is profiling the candidates.

Here, we learn more about John Petrella, who is running for one of seven seats on the City Council.

The 68-year-old Petrella has never held public office. He is retired after working for 40 years in wholesale and retail management in the food industry. He also was a licensed commercial and property and casualty insurance professional.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Name

John Petrella

How old will you be as of Election Day?

68

Does your campaign have a website?

https://www.facebook.com/JohnP...

What city or town do you live in?

Medford

What office are you seeking?

City Council

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

Graduated from Medford High School. Succesfully completed serve safe certification

What is your occupation?

I am currently retired after 40 years of wholesale and retail management in the food industry, for BJs Wholesale Club, Stop and Shop, and Star Market. I was also a licensed commercial and property and casualty insurance professional.

Family

Married to Daria Belcastro, son John and daughter Margaret. Also have a brother Peter and sister Sara.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No one works in politics or government

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Why are you seeking this office?

Because I am a long-time resident, love and respect the city and the people who live, work and play here. I want to give back to this community. I am very disappointed in the direction this city has taken. We are divided, badly managed and our infrastructure is a mess. There is a lack of operational leadership along with a false image of transparency without results and increased costs.

Medford is suffering from a lack of development and growth. There is no direction taking place. Our public school system is in decline and the current national agenda being pushed in Medford has been a failure. I am seeking office to bring common sense and leadership back to City Hall. The people of Medford deserve a results-driven agenda with a focus on Medford only. Not more taxes and overrides.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ______ and this is what I intend to do about it.

A city in decline is everyone's issue. Young people cannot afford to live here, and older people are being taxed out of their homes. The roads and infrastructure are in serious decline. Lack of leadership, innovation and transparency along with an agenda of division, intimidation and apathy is failing us.

I intend to focus on Medford only. City funds for street repairs and infrastructure need to be managed with transparency. Efficient and effective use of every tax dollar is a must. Medford government needs to put the needs of our citizens first and foremost. Instead of public intimidation, I will focus on public participation. I will hold myself and other city leaders accountable for our actions. We need to foster and develop better relations with our vendors, staff and business community. Our squares must be revitalized and developed for the benefit of everyone. Tax overrides are not the answer to our problems. The development of new and equitable revenue streams is a must. Homeowners are burdened enough with the high cost of everyday living expenses. To answer the question, the single issue: re-establish a city government that is focused is what Medford needs for all its citizens.

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

I will be an independent voice and hold myself accountable for my actions. Medford will be my only focus and I will listen to my constituents with care and thoughtfulness. There will be no intimidation tactics in Medford City Hall. I will not be distracted by national issues or agendas.

Working to make Medford a better place will be my only focus. I will be a leader who will get things done. We need well-structured plans to move Medford forward. We have lost our focus on local issues. The decisions and agenda of a certain group are obvious and damaging Medford. I will work on generating new revenue streams and much-needed infrastructure improvements. I will not support tax overrides on people who are struggling to keep up with the cost of basic needs. I know we can do the work that needs to be done without burdening those who can least afford new taxes. We must do the work to correct the problems Medford is facing. It will not be easy, but it can and must get done for the benefit of everyone.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

As our current City Council now stands, we all know what the result of any issue will be beforehand. The city administration and council during the past term have been voting on a now-proven failed agenda. Their group-think approach is damaging the city. We need independent thinkers who take up each issue and vote for what is best for everyone. We need new ideas and processes to reach our goals, not the false claims that Medford is underfunded and more taxes are our only way.

Our City Council needs to do the work of running the city. The City Council needs to return to the original format of weekly meetings and forums open for discussion. We have been promised much for our tax dollars and received little in the way of basic city services. We need to get back to basics!

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Implement a serious program that maintains and repairs our roads, streets, sidewalks, public places, parks, and facilities. A real and workable plan for the revitalization of all our squares. Expectations for high standards of education and safety in our schools that must be met. Efficient and effective use of every tax dollar. Proper and best practice funding of schools, police, and fire. An environmentally safe and secure Medford. Support and encourage our business community, both new and established.

I will advocate for affordable housing with a plan to acquire buildable sites, zoning management for developers and needed financing. We need tax sources to be expanded through responsible development as we must grow our tax base. There is a lot of work that needs to be done. The time has come to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

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

My experience of over 40 years in the retail food industry has provided me with skills in budget management, and operational responsibility of 400 employees. Managing a large operation requires setting goals/objectives and delivering results. I consistently achieved my goals, and my results were acknowledged many times. In addition to the financial performance, the development of employees through training programs and mentoring was essential. Providing employees with growth opportunities in a respectful manner is essential in creating a healthy and successful work environment.

In the public community, I'm the past vice president of the Medford Mustangs Football Club, 20 years of coaching little league and CYO basketball. This provided me with the benefits and experience of working with people from all walks of life.

My experiences through the years in the professional and public sectors have been my growth path. The life experiences, values, and knowledge with businesses, community and people have brought me to this point. I would like to apply these learnings to improve Medford.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Surround myself with good people.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As stated previously, surrounding myself with a solid team of capable people is essential. I would add to that my perspective of approaching challenges with a positive attitude and knowing how to listen. My positions will always be grounded in putting Medford first, and being open to dialog with all constituents. I would consider it an honor and a privilege to be elected to serve my community as a city councilor.