Good morning, Medford, Wednesday, June 24
The city clerk is a powerful role in Medford, and the City Council last night interviewed two finalists for the position. A point of discussion afterwards was the fact that the interviews had to be done in public.
The City Council last night voted to offer the open city clerk position to Laurel Siegel. It isn't a done deal, yet. But, during the 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting, the council voted unanimously to move forward with the offer. That decision followed the public interviews of the two finalists for the position.
Siegel is currently the Community Development Block Grant and grants manager under the Planning, Development and Sustainability Department. The other finalist, Kevin Foley, had served as city solicitor for Medford from May through November of 2025 and then took the position of deputy city solicitor for the city of Worcester.
During their interviews, the candidates were asked the same questions, which centered on how their background prepared them for the role, what they see as the most pressing issues facing the department, and how they would ensure their staff remained properly trained.
During the discussion that followed the interviews, City Council members agreed that both candidates were well qualified for the position, but six said they preferred Siegel. Councilor George Scarpelli said Foley would be a better fit for the position, and he said Siegel was doing such a superb job in her current role that it would be a disservice to the city to take her away from that.
In the final vote, councilors united in deciding to offer the position to Siegel.
Some of the discussion centered on the council's having to do final interviews in a public meeting. Several councilors said such personnel matters should not be handled in a public forum. Scarpelli said the root of the issue is Medford's not having a city solicitor on board to help guide the council. It's an issue he has raised in the past.
Rich Eliseo has been the acting city clerk, and councilors indicated during the meeting that he would be staying on in some capacity, but they did not share details during the meeting.
Click here to see the cover letters and resumes of the finalists. If you want to see their interviews and the discussion that followed, the video is on the Medford YouTube channel.
We will keep you posted on this developing story.
In the meantime, here is what's happening today. (Keep in mind that a number of venues in the city aren't having their usual line-up of events because they're streaming the World Cup games.)
Happening today in Medford
If you have an event happening in Medford in the coming days, send the information to gottaknowmedford@gmail.com so we can add you to our calendar.
Senior Center Activities: Tech and Charlie Card support at 9 a.m. – call to reserve your spot, 781-396-6010; Zumba Gold at 10 a.m.; meet with Rep. Paul Donato at 10:30 a.m.; bingo at 1 p.m.; Silver Solidarity with Nike at 1 p.m. – call 781-396-6010 to reserve your seat; movie at 1 p.m.
Sisters in Sweat Exercise Group at 9:30 a.m. at West Medford Community Center Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Walking and other self-led, low-impact activities.
Practicing English Conversation ESOL Class at 10 a.m. at Medford Public Library for beginning English learners.
Drop-in Playtime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Medford Family Network Family Center.
Pokemon day at 1 p.m. at Moon and Back Bookstore. Storytime followed by time to play or trade cards.
Tech Help Drop-In Hour at 2 p.m. at the Medford Public Library. Library staff will be available to help with anything tech related.
Family Story Time at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. For children between the ages of 3 and 7 to explore new concepts with books and songs. Parents and caregivers welcome to join in.
Medford Peer Recovery Group meets at 4:30 p.m. in City Hall. Drop-in session
Small Business Resource Office Hours at 6 p.m. at Medford Public Library with Medford Economic Development Planner Kayla Myros.
Junk Journal Workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford with Found and Flowered. Learn to make a one-of-a-kind junk journal from upcycled book pages using a simple one-stitch bookbinding technique. All materials provided. Purchase tickets in advance.
Caregivers of Children with ASD, Development and Learning Differences from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Medford Family Network Family Center. Support group for those who live/work in Medford and have at least one child birth to age 8. Registration required.
Boston Frisbee ultimate Frisbee pick up game from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tufts Park. Spirit of the game and nobody keeps score. Open to everyone. RSVP.
Peg Doll Book Reviews from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library. For kids ages 4+ to decorate a peg doll avatar and help create video book reviews.
Sew Gay Club from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library with The Queer Neighborhood Council (TQNC). All sewing skill levels welcome. RSVP encouraged.
Sensory Story Time at 6:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. This storytime is for everyone, but is particularly designed for neurodiverse children to explore stories, music, movement, and play in a sensory-friendly and adaptive setting. Registration required.
Live Figure Drawing Sessions from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford. Sessions are in person and will be with a nude or lightly clothed model. There will be a studio monitor present to assist the model and participants. Bring your own drawing materials.
Writer's Workshop from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. at Medford Public Library. The group is always looking for new members.
Get Crafty with Craft & Hobby at 7 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Learn about the Craft & Hobby resource, which is free for library patrons, whether you're interested in woodworking or cake decorating. Register.
The Scoop Book Club from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Colleen's for people in their 20s and 30s (and anyone who wants the scoop on great books). June's selection is "The Emperor of Gladness," by Ocean Vuong. Sponsored by Medford Public Library. Register.
Trivia with host Kevin Richman from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Ford Tavern. Three rounds of fast-paced trivia, including questions, music and images.
Sister Wife Sex Strike / Local News Legend / A Day Without Love performances begin at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
In case you missed it
Chris Hurley writes about what Medford native Keith Tkachuk said when he found out he was headed for the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Christopher Hurley / Sports Correspondent
