Natalie Breen
Office running for: Medford City Council
Education: Medford Public Schools K-12, Suffolk University Honor Program (Class of 2014)
Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Account Manager
What are your accomplishments?
I graduated college early and with honors, started my own non-profit (Autism Works Boston), have been appointed to Medford’s Disability Commission and thus far, have been running my campaign with no outside funding and therefore no outside influencers.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Our city has room to improve on the basics: infrastructure and public safety. We need to update and maintain our roads – making them car, bike, and pedestrian friendly. We also need our police and fire department properly staffed, housed in buildings that meet and exceed health and safety standards with basic amenities, and equipped with the tools, resources, and education they need to protect and serve us. We have been failing them on multiple fronts.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
I oppose raising taxes if at all possible. I believe the massive amount of development occurring now and in the future in Medford has the potential to generate funds for these projects. Commercial and residential developers could have a fee on each project that goes into a fund to offset these costs.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
This is my first official campaign at 24 years old! I have always been interested in politics. In high school, I was the President of Student Council and when I was 15 I started volunteering at the Massachusetts State House giving tours and was promoted over the years until I helped run the department and worked in Community Affairs under Deval Patrick.
Stephanie Muccini Burke
Office running for: Mayor of Medford
Education: Medford Public Schools, Suffolk University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting major, Bentley University, Master of Science degree in Taxation, Certified Public Accountant
Occupation: Mayor of Medford
What are your accomplishments?
During my first term, I’ve initialized plans to build a new police headquarters, secured new breathing and turnout gear for our firefighters, and invested in a new fleet of Police cruisers and Public Works trucks. To strengthen Medford Public Schools, I’ve made nine new Chapter 74 technical programs and 16 advanced placement courses available. I’ve advanced economic development goals through the Complete Streets and the Medford Square Master Plan initiatives. We’ve begun rehabilitating Riverside Plaza with a $250,000 federal Land and Water grant. I’ve signed on to the Metro Mayor’s Mitigation Compact. Lastly, I’ve invested in the arts by contracting a new professional management company for the Chevalier Theatre and budgeting for a year-round Recreation Department.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The aging infrastructure is a major problem in our community. I am attempting to methodically plan for replacement of Water, Sewer and drainage along with road re-surfacing.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
By combining “Complete Street” Grants with our Chapter 90 funding, we can stretch every dollar for street projects. I envision applying for another cycle of grants to perform the Salem Street/Spring Street project.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I enjoy doing carpentry and small projects around my home. I consider myself a fixer upper of sorts and even received a tool belt one birthday. I also love country music, adore all dogs and find tranquility in Kayaking.
Robert L. Cappucci Jr.
Office running for: Medford City Council.
Education: BA Communications, Franklin Pierce University.
Occupation: senior technician, Omniguide Surgical, Inc.
What are your accomplishments?
I am a former teacher. I was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves receiving awards for attention to detail skills, organization, and fulfillment of duties.
What is the biggest issue facing your city (or public schools)?
The biggest issue facing Medford is not having a full police force for a city of our size. We have 101 police officers and, to be complete, we need 130 officers.
How would you pay for the remedy to address that issue?
I would cut wasteful spending. Medford is currently spending $167 million this fiscal year with 80% for salaries. We should reduce the pay grade for City Council members, the mayor, and many city department heads to help pay to hire more police officers.
Let’s eliminate wasteful spending practices including money spent on “studies” that tell us what we already know and other projects that go way over budget such as the recent Riverside Avenue. Medford sits on a $20 million dollar tax collection surplus and that resource can, and should, be used to hire enough police officers as well as enough firefighters which medford is also in need of currently.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I have acted in or worked on over 75 theatrical productions from grade school through college.
Richard Caraviello
Office running: Reelection to Medford City Council
Occupation: Nearly 30 years of business experience, including being an owner/operator, administrative director and customer service.
What are your accomplishments?
I have been proud to both be a part of and lead as President one of the most productive City Councils in many years. These are the kinds of problems I have experience with and can tackle. Being a City Councilor is not just about what you see on television on a Tuesday night; it is truly about the things that aren’t visible. Many of my accomplishments as a Councilor didn’t happen during Council meetings; they have happened because of the relationships I have developed with City Hall and the State House.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local public schools)?
A challenge for us now is how to respond to the accelerated growth in Medford. What can we do to preserve the small town feel we love and how do we continue to build on the great diversity in our community and ensure housing affordability? I stand behind revitalizing Medford Square so it may be better utilized and creating an environment where our businesses can flourish.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
I take the responsibility of developing policies and setting priorities very seriously, while ensuring we work with the Mayor to balance our budget. We do this with limited resources and must prioritize to cover as many needs as possible.
Frederick N. Dello Russo Jr.
Office running for: Candidate for reelection to Medford City Council
Education: I graduated Malden Catholic High School, earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Anselm College and attended Saint John Seminary in Boston completing a four-year program in graduate theology.
Occupation: Since 2002 I have, with my family, operated the Dello Russo Family Funeral Homes with locations in Medford, Woburn and Wilmington.
What are your accomplishments?
With nearly 12 years of service on the Medford City Council, I count many accomplishments. Primary among them would be several capital improvements in the city. I helped bring much needed drainage improvements to a neighborhood which long suffered flooding and damage to homes during heavy rains; I helped move along the construction of a new Public Works facility; the reconstruction and renovation to city parks.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Development. The many years of planning and patience are now paying off with a new master plan to revitalize Medford Square. The addition of more commercial and residential units will broaden our tax base. Efforts are already under way with the creation of a new park on Riverside Avenue and the active proposal for a new hotel.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Funding for much of the redevelopment would be through private investment, new growth of the tax base, and state and federal grants. Sensitivity and good planning will balance new development with maintaining long term and multi-generational residents and will co-operate with the business community all of which have been at the core of Medford’s success.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
Some people may not know that I was a monk for 12 years.
Erin A. DiBenedetto
Office running for: School Committee
Occupation: Student Services Coordinator
What are your accomplishments?
The planning and implementation of a technology upgrades and The Science Lab at our High School are major accomplishments. Our Committees have submitted medical emergency plans, concussions plans, and bullying plans to the state. Upgrades have been made at our Curtis Tufts School as well as to our Kids Corner for our youngest learners. We have worked hard to keep our class size small. We have purchased new English and Math programs for our elementary schools and there have been many more items accomplished.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
As a Committee we need to ensure our students are prepared to compete globally for spots at our country’s best universities. We are responsible to make sure the programs offered to our children are supported with material and supplies needed for the students to have the maximum access to the curriculum. We need to preserve our traditional vocational programs. We need to analyze our testing scores and make sure we are meeting the needs of all our students so they have every opportunity to excel. We need to invest in our buildings to maintain them for years to come while working to keep our students and staff safe.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
We need a grant writer to help us find affordable ways to provide the best education possible.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I am a devoted dog owner and spend hours walking my beautiful dog, Fergenson, daily.
John C. Falco, Jr.
Office running for: Medford City Council
Education: University of Massachusetts, BS Management; Northeastern University Masters Certificate Human Resources
Occupation: Manager of Finance and Administration, Assistant Vice President
What are your accomplishments?
During my first term on the Medford City Council i implemented a plan to move the monthly Medford Police Department’s Community Police meetings from the police station to the neighborhoods. I offered the resolution to hire a Traffic Engineer. Traffic throughout our city is a problem that continues to have a negative impact on all neighborhoods.
I offered the resolution to bring legislative software to City Hall to increase transparency and give residents easy access to watch public meetings and view public documents. This position was included in this year’s budget.
I offered the resolution to bring in an outside consulting firm to conduct a zoning needs analysis.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Outdated zoning ordinances and development as well as traffic-related issues.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
I was able to secure funding for the traffic engineer in the current budget. The city could pay for this expense from free cash, grant funding or we could hopefully include this in next year’s budget. Smart growth will expand tax base so hopefully any cost associated with zoning review could be recovered. We could also seek assistance from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I was the 2017 recipient of the Medford Family Network Leadership Award.
Kathy Miles Kreatz
Office you are running for: Medford School Committee
Education: Medford High School, 1986; Suffolk University Bachelor Science Degree, Business Administration,1990
Occupation: Senior Service Representative, at Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System
What are your accomplishments?
In my first term on school committee some of tasks I accomplished are; supported all schools K-12, conducted site-visits, met principals at each school & performed classroom observations. I organized a field trip so fourth grade students could see the aquaponics tank. I responded to parent inquiries; finding solutions to concerns. As a team we updating safety, securing budgetary resources, increased technology, & adds to the staff at all the schools.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city or local schools?
Medford High School needs a renovation.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Add a budgetary line item or upkeep and maintenance of our school buildings every year.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I adopted my son, Noah, at 4 months old from Seoul, Korea.
Breanna Lungo-Koehn
Office running for: Medford City Council
Education: Medford High School, 1998; Bachelor Arts from Endicott College, 2002; Judicial Doctorate from Mass School of Law, 2006
Occupation: Attorney and City Councillor, owner of the Law Offices of Lungo-Koehn & Collins LLC and LKC Real Estate LLC.
What are your accomplishments?
I have fought for low class size for my children and yours and safer security measures within the schools. I’ve helped establish a varsity girl’s hockey team; I worked on establishing an affordable summer camp at the Columbus elementary school (Medford Summer Camp, which is now at the high school).
Within the last term, I put a motion forward to increase the demolish delay to protect historic properties and our neighborhoods. I was one of four City Councilors that voted in favor of Charter review. I have worked to make our streets safer by supporting and requesting additional radar guns, speed monitor signs, and increased enforcement and signage.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Densification without proper public participation and input, parking studies and traffic studies and creating a succession plan for a new school superintendent, whom we need to find through a nationwide search.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
A community development committee should be established along with task forces made up of residents that live or work in each area that may be potentially developed.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I have three young children ages 3, 6 and 9 and my husband, David Koehn, opened a business on Mystic Avenue in Medford, Boston Physical Therapy and Wellness, to be closer to me and the children.
Angela Maunsell Moore
Office running for: Medford School Committee
Education: I graduated from Medford High in 1994. I have a degree in Biochemistry and Religious Studies, Radiological Sciences/ X-ray technology, and am a certified kickboxing and Muay Thai instructor.
What are your accomplishments?
As a graduate of Medford public schools, and now a parent of students in the schools, I have a unique perspective on what works well within our schools and what could be improved upon. I have spent many hours volunteering in classrooms; chaperoning field trips; and building relationships with teachers, staff, parents, and administrators. I have advocated for issues I feel strongly impacts Medford schools and its students.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
If elected I would work to continue the progress being made integrating Medford High School and Medford Vocational Technical High School. we need to work with the City Council to make sure all our children have a safe route to and from school. Proper signage for school zones and crosswalks are an easy way to increase safety.
I am determined to make sure decisions regarding our schools are made with the collaboration of all committee members, parents, administrators, students, and community input.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Bolstering our community education offerings could offer additional revenue for needed updates. Proactive maintenance of our school buildings could help decrease the need for costly reactive repairs.
Mea Quinn Mustone
Office running for: Medford School Committee
Education: Bachelor of Arts Boston College, 1997 and Master’s in Education Boston College, 2006
Occupation: Assistant Campus Minister at Arlington Catholic High School
What are your accomplishments?
Over the past 20 months, I have been able to address and lobby for more funding in our Science budget, work with the buildings and grounds department to improve the facilities at Medford High School and lobby for individual parents with specific requests.
I am seeking reelection to continue improving our Medford public schools and to be a voice for parents. Without question, I am invested in our schools and committed to ensuring that every child receives a caring, safe and challenging educational experience that will prepare them for the future.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city or local schools?
While campaigning this election season, the most often voiced concern that I hear from parents is the need to update and beautify Medford High School.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
My proposal would be to create a master facilities plan which would address needs of all 7 of our school buildings. I would lobby for our school budget to have a line item for upkeep and maintenance of our school buildings every year.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
When I was 15, I started working at Fenway Park and left 23 years later at 38. My time at Fenway Park was filled with great coworkers and memorable experiences.
Cheryl Rodriguez
Office running for: Medford City Council
Education: Bachelor of Arts in English and some graduate work
Occupation: Mom / Wife / Volunteer (Former software engineer)
What are your accomplishments?
I would like to think that I have contributed to the conversation on zoning- from the attorney general filing on ZBA Open Meeting Law violation to speaking at council to raise awareness of development being proposed. Now residents and elected officials are speaking out and saying what we NEED. In PTO, I have written grants and started programs. I ran the first City Yard Sale and other fundraising events.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Lack of city planning. The focus needs to shift to more commercial economic development to grow the city in a more balanced and sustainable way. This will allow us to improve our infrastructure and quality of life for all residents.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Focus on commercial development is the key to paying for infrastructure needs and balancing
our city. We could likely seek a grant for a consultant if needed to assist with zoning, but the real solution lies in the council and mayor coming up with a viable city plan and changing the laws to support that vision.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
When I was in college, I worked as a security guard at the Meadow Glen Mall. I was the first female security guard. I also once dressed up as Elmo during their Halloween trick or treat and posed for pictures with the kids.
Michael Ruggiero
Office you are running for: Medford School Committee
Education: Master’s degree from Temple university. Undergraduate degree from Rhode Island College
Occupation: Farmer/Teacher
What are your accomplishments?
Distinguished teacher, father, farmer.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Low attendance at our school committee meetings is disheartening. Meetings must be accessible to busy parents. By holding school committee meetings on a rotating schedule, with events for young students, parents will become more involved. Serious issues need to be discussed with the entire community, such as falling graduation rates, concentration of low income students at the McGlynn, and special education access. Well-attended school committee meetings are the first step to addressing the challenges ahead.
Paul R. Ruseau
Office running for: School Committee
Education: Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, Keene State College; Master’s in Human Factors in Information Design, Bentley University
Occupation: Senior Software Developer
What are your accomplishments?
Professionally, I dramatically improved the pneumonia vaccination rates at a world renowned hospital. I led the Computer Science Club at the Columbus Elementary School. I’ve also volunteered on countless field trips, assisted at PTO events, and listened carefully to the students, parents, and teachers. Their trust in me has allowed me to gain important insights into how our school system functions.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
I think it’s problematic that computer science is not an integral part of the curriculum, given the importance of this skill in today’s work world.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Massachusetts offers funding to help schools implement the Massachusetts Computer Science Standard. The federal government has committed to spending $200 million to expand computer science education. Grants can provide additional funds.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I began taking classical piano lessons at the age of 30 and have continued taking lessons each week for the past 16 years. I have also become a woodworker, much to my father’s approval as he is a fine woodworker. I have designed and built everything from mahogany boxes, my coffee table, to the cedar gates into my backyard.
Robert Emmett Skerry, Jr.
Office running for: Medford School Committee
Education: Attended Medford Public Schools, Boston State College, Harvard Center for Collaborative and Integrated School Services, and continued studies in Criminal Justice.
What are your accomplishments?
I have held the presidency of the Chamber of Commerce and have served on local boards. I am a former teacher and coach, and retired investigator. As a member of the school committee, I have worked to ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve academic success to foster their future.
During my tenure, Medford has built new schools, developed programs that focus on all students abilities and high school students have access to a variety of courses, activities, and are able to demonstrate their knowledge through participation in many advanced placement courses.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The School Committee continues to review and update course offerings and the latest technology is in use at the technical school. The committee will again review the needs and continue to maintain our schools with the help of a five-year Master Plan for maintenance of all our school buildings (i.e. Tufts-Curtis, middle schools, and MHS and Vocational School) to be technology and vocationally competitive.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
We must work in unison with the mayor, City Council, and the community to address needs and funding to ensure the educational success of our residents. The city and school department should continue to seek out public-private partnerships and educational grants to help keep our facilities maintained and always as gems of our proud community.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I have looked back to my seventh grade wood working skills and now construct farm tables and rustic benches for family, friends, and various organizations that request them.
Curtis Tuden
Office running for: Medford City Council
Education: Medford High School, 2006; Bachelor of Legal Studies, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2010; Suffolk University, Masters in Ethics and Public Policy, 2014
Occupation: Registrar – Medford Public Schools
What are your accomplishments?
I am a trained first responder with several lives saved. I have written and I am an avid outdoorsman and athlete as well as current Chairperson of Medford’s Energy and Environment Committee.
I helped implement the merger of Medford High School and Medford Vocational Technical High School so all students have the tools to start a career or go to college after graduation. I want to help end big money influence on politics, motivating citizens to participate in local politics, and fighting for social justice in our community.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Climate change mitigation and adaptation. Medford’s City Council needs leadership on environmental issues.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
The remedy will pay for itself. Done right, climate change mitigation and adaptation are investments in our future and essential to our economic prosperity.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
My family has lived in Medford for three generations.
Paulette Van der Kloot
Office running for: Medford School Committee
Education: Bachelor of Arts; Master’s in Education in counseling
Occupation: Supervisor, High School Volunteer Program, Winchester Hospital
What are your accomplishments?
I bring a reasoned, seasoned, articulate voice to the Medford School Committee. I helped expand counseling services and drug prevention programs. I helped revitalized Medford High and Vocational Technical Programs to provide greater access to traditional and technical educational options. I am a staunch supporter of music and art for all students and expanded foreign language.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Administrative Transition. Our top level administrators are expected to retire this year and the School Committee will select new leadership for our schools. I will insist on a thorough process that includes parents, teachers and community members. Once selected, I will work with the new superintendent to develop short and long term strategic plans to bolster student achievement, creativity and wellness.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Resources for a superintendent search are minimal compared to our overall budget allocation. It is vital that our new superintendent and administrative team be skilled in acquiring outside resources to supplement our budget. Currently, we bring in $6 million of outside grants to support our schools.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
At Winchester Hospital, I work with students from Medford and surrounding towns every day. I listen as they talk about their schools, their teachers, and their future goals. This daily contact with students keeps me connected and committed to my work as a School Committee member.
The following candidates did not return questionnaires
- David Mckillop, Mayor
- George Scarpelli, City Council
- Ann Marie Cugno, City Council
- Frederick Dello Russo, Jr., City Council
- John C. Falco, Jr., City Council
- Adam Knight, City Council
- George Sacco, City Council
- Remo Scarfo, City Council
- Kathleen Cullinane, School Committee
- Angela Moore, School Committee
- Alexis Rodriguez, School Committee
