Medford's Diversity Highlighted in Mayoral Address

Medford Mayor Michael J. McGlynn's first "State of the City" address in 12 years highlighted the city's diversity in a wide-ranging speech delivered to a packed Howard F. Alden Auditorium at City Hall Wednesday night.

McGlynn, the longest-serving mayor in Massachusetts, introduced several distinguished guests of varied backgrounds before delivering his remarks.

"The state of our city is vibrant, with a solid foundation built on the diversity of its people," McGlynn said. "They're challenged in their desire to work in harmony to build a better community."

At different times during his address, McGlynn discussed current and future endeavors by the city, as well as the school district.

These included: additions to Medford public safety, including 19 new firefighters and 11 new police officers set the join the city soon, as well as $1.8 million in refurbishments to the city's fire stations; advances in environmental and energy conservation; updates to school security systems; recent accolades touting Medford's livability; Medford High School's science lab project; the construction of the city's new Public Works facility and more.

Off the top of his speech, McGlynn took a moment to welcome MHS senior Nicholas Joy home after he was lost for two days at Sugarloaf ski area in Maine.

"As our citizens are diverse, so are our activities," McGlynn said in closing his speech. "This is our tradition, this is our future. These are the reasons why we, and many generations yet to come, will proudly say, 'We are Medford.'"

The speech was augmented by musical performances by the Medford Alumni Band and the Community Gospel Choir as well as several other community members.