Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Yes, spirits were down, concerned and angered among the over 100 residents
who attended the March 12 Council Meeting. Why? Basically becauue a Councilor posed an Orfinance that involved a Transfer Fee (a TAX in Councilor sheep clothing) on certain Homeowners.

Let me say, I support ALL voices to be heard in local, State, or Federal government posts. But, When in many US towns or cities in the past have candidates run as a GROUP??!! then, I remembered the old saying, “There is strength in numbers.” Ah, ha! Questioning different friends, residents, and voters i found a handful know only 1-2 members of this group. What do you vote for or hope for when selecting ANYONE in a pool ? This group, by seeing the motions made in other cities, represents many Socialist geared moves….but by a GROUP?? THIS, to me, is nothing more than mob mentality…maybe, I thought , some could not afford a campaign, postage, or notoriety. No, no, and No. But, did they have to land in Medford, MA? So far, have they served by oath mainly for the the safety, wellbeing and betterment of the COMMUNITY….You see, O. R., “Common” is the root of that word. I do not see many moves that have sided with the COMMON group, but rather hurt the COMMONERS and help select groups and ideas. They probably will continue this philosophy for they are A GROUP. Save for one who previously served, maybe not one could have won running on his/her own credentials, experience, or civic Medford knowledge.

Many people spoke at the podium on March 12 trying to sway some of the Council not to vote for this so called Transfer Fee that demands 2% of the sale of your property toward Affordable Housing (some excluded are owner occupied, over 70, and the disabled, etc) Do certain housing issues need to be addressed? Absolutely! In many cities in the U.S. But, is this fee the best the Group can do?
Tsk, Tsk, there are many other plans! This is what occurs in GROUP MENTALITY….betcha if six others ran as individuals, the Motion never would have been raised; if it were, it would NOT Pass. It is on its way through process and the system taking months to be founded, putting some State officials and Real Estate agents, unfortunately, in a hotseat. . But, they may have shot themselves in the FEET, if you will, for a few reasons: this is actually unattractive for those who can purchase more than 1 home, lowering property value of many by those who run scared, put some State officials in a hot seat, and causes landlords to raise rents. And for those who complain but did not vote because they plain did not or gave up, you get what you get; your non vote gave them a vote!

Tune in next time soon for hopeful, better news in as the “City of Medford Turns!”

Sharon Deyeo, Adj Professor
Concerned, Longtime Resident, Homeowner