Medford Candidate Profile: Nicholas Giurleo For City Council

MEDFORD, MA — The municipal election is fast approaching in Medford, and the city council race is highly contested.

Medford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles leading up to November.

Nicholas Giurleo is running for a City Councilor at-large seat in Medford.

Age

28

Position Sought

City Council

Party Affiliation

Unenrolled

Family

Marianne (Mother – Physical Therapist); Nick (Father – Retired Army; Physical Therapist);
Natalie (Sister – Biologist)

Education

Medford High School (2015 – Valedictorian); Tufts University (2019 – B.A. in History; B.A. in
International Relations; Minor in Italian); Boston College Law School (2023 – J.D.; Admitted to
Massachusetts Bar in Nov. 2023).

Occupation

Attorney

Previous/Current Elected Office

None

Campaign Website

https://www.nickgformedford.co...

Why Seeking Office

I am running because I want to serve my community. I am not doing this for my ego. I am
disappointed in the direction the city is going and want to put us on the right path again.
Complaining does little; action is everything. I believe I have something to offer with my
professional/educational background and solutions to the local issues the election is about.

Most Important Issue and Solution

Affordability is the biggest issue. People are struggling to stay in their homes and keep up with
rising rents. It intertwines with other issues like zoning and taxes. My solution is easing the
burden on residents to meet our spending needs. This can be achieved through promotion of
economic growth, intelligent utilization of free cash, better PIOT agreements, grants, smarter
budgeting, and preserving our existing commercial tax base.

Differences with Other Candidates

I am the only attorney running in the election. I am also a unique combination of a lifelong
Medford resident and Tufts University alumnus. I regularly participate in public comment at
Council meetings and my platform is entirely focused on local issues.

Other Issues

Zoning is critical this election. It needs to be a reflection of what the members of our community
want, not what people in ivory towers tell us we need. I am opposed to the comprehensive
residential rezoning plan on the table both on grounds that it is not a genuine reflection of what
the public on the whole wants and the untenable strain it would likely place on essential city
services like fire, police, infrastructure, and our schools. Medford residents do not want their
neighborhoods overwhelmed by the density seen in cities like Somerville and Cambridge.
Transparency is also a major issue. We have seen disturbing restrictions on the ability of the
public to participate at Council meetings, including a reduction in public speaking time, last-
minute agenda changes, very late running meetings, unequal treatment of public commentators,
and ignoring and belittling of public input.

Best Advice

Be humble. Always put others before yourself.

What Voters Should Know

If you are unhappy with the way things have been going in Medford, you can do something
about it. Make your voice heard at the Council meetings and express that dissatisfaction with
your vote. Your voice and your ballot make a difference, more than you might think.

See Also:

Medford Candidate Profile: Emily Lazzaro For City Council