Thank you to Veterans Director Michael Durham and Congratulations to the Class of 2021.

Spring has sprung and summer is almost here in Medford. It’s exciting to see our vaccination rates continue to increase, and to join together in person more often. I love all of the outdoor dining options at our restaurants, and will work to continue these reimagined and improved uses of shared public space.

Special congratulations to the Medford High School and Medford Vocational/Technical High School Class of 2021 on your graduation last week!

Thank you to everyone who joined my re-election campaign launch event in May. You raised thousands of dollars to kick off election season on the right foot. Together, our progressive movement to build a Medford that works for all is stronger than ever. Please donate here, sign up to host a yard sign, and share this form so more residents join our campaign.

I wanted to update you on a few key items happening in the city. 

City Budget

Mayor Lungo-Koehn released her proposed FY2022 city budget on Friday. I’m reviewing it closely to see if it fits with our priorities and advances our efforts to fully fund essential public services and our public schools. With the surge of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Medford is in a position to restore the cuts that I voted against in last year’s budget and make key investments that will move our community forward. You can read the budget here, and join us for City Council budget meetings on the following dates:

• Wednesday, June 9th at 6PM – https://zoom.us/j/92439409935
  • Mayoral Budget Presentation, Police, Pensions, Insurance, Bonds, and more.
• Saturday, June 12 at 10AM – https://zoom.us/j/97551411264
  • Public Works, Elections, Diversity, Human Resources, Parking, IT, Finance; Planning, Development and Sustainability; Medford Community Media, and more.
• Wednesday, June 16 at 6PM – https://zoom.us/j/97496951552
  • Fire, Board of Health, Council on Aging, Library, Recreation, Veterans
• TBD – Schools, Building/Code, Electrical, Civil Defense

Remote Participation

We need to maintain the great increase in engagement and participation by residents of Medford made possible by remote attendance at City Council, School Committee, and other public meetings. This is essential to building a welcoming, equitable city government. The City Council will discuss the technology and training investments needed to maintain remote participation options for all meetings THIS TUESDAY, June 8th, during our regular 7PM Council meeting. Please join us via Zoom at this link.

Spring Updates

I want to thank Veterans Services Director Michael Durham, along with the city administration, for organizing this year’s Memorial Day Observances on May 31st. Director Durham gave a powerful speech in support of veterans and specifically addressing the crisis of physical injuries, mental health, and veteran deaths by suicide. While approximately 7,000 soldiers died in combat and 52,300 were injured in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria since 2001, over 115,000 veterans have committed suicide since 2001.

Durham spoke very personally about his experience, and the friends and comrades he saw injured or killed. He challenged  us to “find a way to transform ‘Thank you for your service’ from words into action.” He couldn’t be more correct. Veterans of the last 20 years of the “War on Terror” face an even more difficult time getting jobs than Vietnam veterans. We need to take action to welcome these neighbors and friends back into our communities, and Director Durham and the City of Medford Veterans Services Department are ready to help.

Medford has made significant progress in our vaccination efforts. With over 70% of eligible residents receiving at least one dose of the vaccine and on their way to full vaccination. Please find out more about how you can get a vaccine, especially for residents aged 12-18 through the Medford Health Department.

Thank you to the Medford High School GSA, Mayor’s Office, and everyone who joined together to raise the Pride Flag at Medford City Hall on June 1st. Several incidents of hate against LGBTQ+ residents were reported in Medford, and those are just the incidents we know about. We need to stand up and support our LGBTQ+ neighbors and friends now more than ever.

Stay tuned for more updates, and invite your friends to learn more about what’s happening in Medford and about my re-election campaign.

In Solidarity,
Zac Bears
Medford City Councilor