Sound Bites: Mayoral Candidates Night

Mayor Michael McGlynn and mayoral challenger Anthony D'Antonio answered questions Wednesday night as part of a candidate's night at City Hall, hosted by the Medford City Democratic Committee.

Here's some of what they had to say (The election will take place Nov. 8):

McGlynn on the future of Parking Enforcement in Medford: "My goal is not to just go around and enforce and create as much revenue as you can. You start with the business districts, and through metering and the garage - that will be a pay as you go system - if there are violators, the goal will be to ticket those violators. I’m not looking for an enforcement program that will look to go out and cream the people to bring in money for the budget.”

Anthony D'Antonio on what makes him qualified to run Medford: “I’ve been in business, I’ ve run companies, I’ve created companies, and it’s just a matter of crossing over from the public sector to the private sector."

McGlynn on phase one of the Green Line extension project: My position has not changed. From day 1 I have been (supporting) phase one of the project.... The public’s confidence has been shaken in the prospect of this ever happening - this has already been decided in a court case. Anyone who think its not com to Medford does not understand the procedure – it’s coming to Tufts.”

McGlynn on phase two of the project: McGlynn said he would support the project if it called for a community station there , but would oppose it if it called for a commuter parking garage. “If that’s the case (a garage) we’re out If the other is other is the case, then we’re in.”

D'Antonio on the city's new recycling program: “I don’t think it was a fully thought out program, because of the size of the barrels and I don’t think we had enough information put forward as far as what going to transpires as far as heavy items being collect leaves being collected and whatnot.”

McGlynn on whether the school committee has enough control after education reform: "It has absolutely taken too much away…the decisions have been put in the hands of one individual. I think, quite honestly, the headmaster - who has done a great job dealing with educational issues at the high school - should be relieved from that type of burden.”

D'Antonio on the need for a Parking Garage in Medford Square: "At this time, the garage, in my opinion, is not needed.”

McGlynn on hiring emergency responder personnel: “(Savings from the new city healthcare deal) allows us at this point to hire more personel, and we are moving forward.”

D'Antonio on limiting mayor service to two two-year terms: You should be able to get in there and hit the ground running and do what needs to be done

McGlynn on business development: "No one wants to live in a community where government is beating up on business that’s looking to come in, we want to partner with them.”

McGlynn on most important state legislative issues for the city:  “We deal with finances here, it's finances there. What happens with local aide? What happens with lottery assistance? What happens with chapter 70 with education? What happens with chapter 90?”

D'Antonio on capital improvements: D'Antonio said he would have at the top of his cap improvements list:

• An elderly housing development
• Replacement of water and sewer roads and side walks
• Improvements to the facades of businesses

McGlynn on infrastructure priorities:

1. Hormel Stadium
2. Public works yard
3. Shepherd Brooks Estate
4. Building the Governors Ave. garage

"A lot of what we’ve done because of the health insurance has lessoned the burden, we have a very low bonded indebpted ness we would have the ability to do that very easily,” McGlynn said.