Glionna is 1 of 12 candidates running for 7 seats on the Medford City Council.
MEDFORD, MA — With the Medford Municipal Election scheduled for Nov. 7, Patch is profiling the candidates.
Here, we learn more about Leonard Glionna, who is one of 12 candidates running for the seven seats on the Medford City Council. Four of the candidates are incumbents: Zac Bears, Kit Collins, George Scarpelli and Justin Tseng.
Glionna, who will be 76 years old as of Election Day, is a retired attorney who currently serves as a mayoral appointee to the Civic Auditorium & Convention Center Commission.
Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.
Name
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Leonard A. Glionna
How old will you be as of Election Day?
76
Campaign website
https://www.glionnamedford.com
What city or town do you live in?
Medford
What office are you seeking?
City council
Please give us your party affiliation
Democrat
Education
Graduate of Medford High School, Suffolk University, and Suffolk Law School along with additional course work at Tufts University and Bentley University
Occupation
Retired Attorney
Family
Committed to my beloved wife, Jeanne Glionna, and proud father of three incredible sons: Chris, Jonathan, and Josh. I am grateful to welcome two wonderful daughters-in-law, Kristen and Megan, into our family. Grandparent to the cherishing smiles and laughter of our four precious grandchildren: Nate, Evie, Mia, and Gemma. In addition, I'm honored to be the brother of my sister, Rosanne Glionna. My family is a constant source of support and inspiration.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
My son Josh is a Physical Education teacher at Missituk Elementary School.
Furthermore, my wife Jeanne has recently embarked on a well-deserved retirement journey after her dedicated service in the Medford Public Schools.
Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?
I currently serve as a mayoral appointee to the Civic Auditorium & Convention Center Commission. In the past, I had the privilege of being a City Council appointee as chairman of the Hormel Stadium Commission. Additionally, I was formerly a mayoral appointee as the city's direct liaison to Massport and the FAA for Airplane Noise Advisory. I proudly represent our city as an elected delegate to the Massachusetts Democratic Convention.
Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking a seat on the City Council because I believe in the potential of our community, and I am deeply committed to its betterment. Medford is not just the place where I live; it is my home, and it's a city that I hold close to my heart. Over the years, I've witnessed the transformations, the challenges, and the triumphs that have shaped Medford into what it is today. And now, I believe it's time for me to step up and be the bridge between Medford's strong past and its bright future.
One of the key reasons I'm running for City Council is my strong conviction that we can foster better communication between the various branches of our local government. The City Council, School Committee, and Mayor's Office all play pivotal roles in shaping the direction of our city, and they should work hand-in-hand, not at cross purposes. The synergies that can arise from improved cooperation are immense, and they will enable us to address the challenges facing our community more effectively.
What drives my belief in this capacity to foster better communication is my experience. As a lifelong resident of Medford, I've been a firsthand witness to the ebbs and flows of our local governance. I've seen how the lack of communication can hinder progress, and I've seen the remarkable results that can be achieved when various bodies come together in a spirit of cooperation.
My familiarity with the city's history, its people, and its institutions is a unique asset. I understand the intricacies of Medford, and I have a deep appreciation for the diverse perspectives that make our community so rich. This understanding, coupled with my commitment to unity and progress, equips me to be a conduit for effective work and communication between the City Council, School Committee, and Mayor's Office.
I firmly believe that our city's challenges are surmountable, but it will require collective effort, open dialogue, and a shared vision. My goal is to bring about the kind of collaboration that will not only strengthen the fabric of Medford but also make it an even better place for us all. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves, work tirelessly, and engage with our local government to ensure that our city is thriving, vibrant, and, most importantly, a place we are all proud to call home.
In conclusion, I am seeking a seat on the City Council because I want to be a catalyst for positive change, to promote better communication, and to be an advocate for the collective interests of our community. I want to be a voice for every Medford resident and work toward building a brighter future for our city, where progress is shared, and no one is left behind.
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is deferred infrastructure, as well as a new high school and new fire department headquarters and how Medford pays for it. This is what I intend to do about it: Improving deferred infrastructure is a critical task that requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. Here is how I believe Medford can address this.
Improving deferred infrastructure and building a new high school and fire station headquarters is a complex but vital task for Medford's future. By implementing these 13 ideas, hopefully, we can create a solid foundation for upgrading and maintaining essential infrastructure assets in your community, ensuring the safety, well-being, and economic vitality of Medford.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
In this highly competitive field of City Council candidates, what sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to independence and my approach to governance. Medford, as we all know, is a city with a rich history and a promising future, and it requires leadership that can navigate the complexities of our evolving community.
One of the key distinctions I bring to the table is my independent perspective. I firmly believe that effective governance transcends partisan lines. I'm not bound by political affiliations or preconceived notions. Instead, I'm willing to engage in thoughtful conversations with all stakeholders to truly understand the various sides of every issue we face. I believe in the power of collaboration and open dialogue, valuing input from residents, experts, and my fellow council members. It's through these conversations that we can find the best solutions that serve the diverse needs of our community.
Crucially, I see myself as the best candidate to facilitate communication between the City Council, School Committee, and the Mayor's Office. I recognize that these entities play integral roles in shaping the direction of Medford. To ensure that we are all working together harmoniously, we need a mediator who can build bridges, create understanding, and foster cooperation among these vital components of our local government. I am committed to being that bridge, ensuring that we operate as a united front in the best interests of Medford.
I am a thoughtful, engaged, and independent leader who not only respects Medford's great past but is equally excited about its bright future. With my dedication to the city's well-being and my belief in the power of inclusivity, I am ready to work tirelessly to make Medford an even better place to call home. Your trust and support mean the world to me, and together, we can lead Medford toward a prosperous future while honoring the values and history that make it so unique.
If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?
This election presents a historic opportunity to reshape Medford's City Council, unlike any I can recall. We are at a unique juncture, with three open seats with three current members choosing not to seek reelection. This offers a chance for us to address areas such as deferred infrastructure, a new high school and new fire department headquarters, and most importantly fix the communication between the City Council, School Committee, and Mayor's Office.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Our schools are the backbone of our community. I will advocate for high-quality education, improved funding, and support for both students and educators.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
For nearly half a century, I've been an active presence in Medford's political landscape, predominantly working behind the scenes to support the campaigns of others. Now I'm taking the leap from behind the scenes to become a candidate myself, and I believe that my extensive experience, including my contributions to the successful campaigns of former Medford City Councilors like Nicole Morell, Adam Knight, Paul Camuso, and others, has provided me with invaluable insights to bring meaningful change to our city.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The most valuable advice I've ever received is the simple yet profound wisdom to "listen before you speak."
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I hold a deep and genuine affection for our beloved city of Medford. It is of utmost importance to me to serve as the bridge that connects Medford's rich legacy with its promising future. My commitment is to collaborate with all members of our diverse community to forge a brighter path for Medford, one that is inclusive and prosperous for all.
Rest assured, when I take my seat on the council, I will approach every issue with objectivity and fairness, with the best interests of Medford at heart. My pledge is to prioritize our city's needs above all else.
I humbly ask for your support and your vote on November 7th. Let's work together to make Medford even greater. Go Mustangs!
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