New Resident Board Member elected to Medford Housing Authority

Dear Neighbors,

Medford Housing Authority – new resident member chosen by Mayor McGlynn

A new Resident Housing Authority Board Member was chosen tonight.  While I advocate the one slot designated to her on the housing board as a housin, I think there should be room for at least three resident members.  One voice is better then none, however, three could collectively make a stronger argument.  The purpose of a resident member is to represent those most effected in housing.  Housing is a complex system and it comes in many forms, but at all times the person or family in housing is living at the generosity of the state and its rules and regulations.  You are in effect a guest in someone elses home whether it be Section 8 or state built buildings.  Anyone who “complains” or makes a “nuisance of themselves can be discharged from their unit if the situation is documented and goes on long enough.  So for one person to stand up for residents publically on HUD puts herself at risk by definition.  And where there is only member that person will receive a laser like focus all the more.

Her vulnerbility is doubled by the fact that she is an employee of the Medford Public School System.  If she makes waves on behalf of the HUD residents in Medford, it may cost her her reputation on her job with the school system.  She could lose her job if she advocates for the residents on the HUD board.  While you don't nessisarily have to make waves, any change comes with resistance and scrutiny.  One of the reasons she may not make waves may be because she is worried about her job at the Medford Public Schools. 

She will have to be extra vigilant to not be influenced by other employees of Medford when advocating for the residents of the Medford Public Housing programs, as it is more likely to happen indirectly more than directly.  She could be working at the school and someone three people removed from the mayor may say something to alter her thought process on a matter effecting housing.  It happens.

If she is to where both hats effectively, the people most effected (HUD residents) are going to have to do two things; one) support her ; two) hold her feet to the fire, hold her accountable to her unpaid role as HUD Board Representative. 

If it were me on/in HUD housing I would perfer to have someone on the board with one less vulnerability representing me.  These are just my thoughts.  I wish her the best of luck and hope that the residents’ in/on HUD support her and hold accountable at the same time.  I also hope that she has the skills to bring at least a group of residents together to become a solid and collective voice on the issues that effect them.

Respectfully,

Jeanne Martin