Nov. 4 can’t come fast enough. As a lifelong Medford resident, homeowner and taxpayer, I say this with the best of intentions: It’s been a long couple of years, and I’m ready for change.
Medford might not look special to everyone, but I assure you, it’s a mystical place. Our river is appropriately named. It’s not the buildings, the trees, the brick walls or the broken sidewalks; that stuff is all temporary. What lasts is the spirit of the people who live here, who show up, who care. That’s the real foundation of Medford. That’s what makes it magical. We might not be made of granite, but we’re made of something stronger: grit, heart and hope.
This summer, my husband and I made it a priority to meet and get to know the new candidates. We spent a lot of time doing so, and it was worth every minute.
Nick Giurleo was the first candidate we met. He impressed us greatly. He’s smart, polite, articulate, driven and genuinely cares about this city. He’s already served Medford immensely as a private citizen, especially through his work uncovering and analyzing the Tufts PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) program. What stood out most? He never spoke ill of anyone, only of moving forward. That’s honor.
Paul Donato Jr. has been consistent from day one. His focus lies in restoring Medford by tackling projects he believes he can deliver. He wants to help, and I believe he can and will. This is his home too. He’s so neighborly, even if you’re not his neighbor, and it shows in his interactions.
Nate Merritt has lived here for over a decade, bought a home and is raising his young children here. He shows up to council meetings, listens and contributes, always with a smile and even a joke. That alone speaks volumes. He’s sharp, solution-oriented and kind-hearted.
These three gentlemen took the time — a lot of time — to sit, talk and listen with us. They brought back that feeling of local service, which is the magic I’m talking about.
City officials aren’t lawmakers; they’re stewards of the laws our state legislature has already passed. Their job is to serve, not politicize.
The tribal-style legislative process we’ve witnessed at City Hall in recent years has been exhausting and, frankly, hard to watch — which is likely the reason for such low public engagement. There is no real debate, only commentary followed by a predictable slate vote. Maybe it happened because we were too busy, too distracted or not paying close enough attention. But it’s clear: This isn’t working.
When I say Medford is mystical, I don’t mean we can wave a wand and legislate Harry Potter-style or fix everything at once with a wish. I mean we have something special here, something worth protecting. And it starts with electing people who care, who listen and who show up every week, not just to fill a chair but to make a real effort.
Not all of the incumbents and long-time councilors need an endorsement. We know who they are, and they hold their own. This isn’t a discount to them, or any other candidate. For us, these three have what it takes, and they’re getting our vote. We hope they get yours too. Medford needs its soul back. Let’s redeem it together one debate at a time. We are Medford.
