OUR ENDORSEMENTS - WHO THEY ARE AND WHY

Mayor - Joseph Curtatone
Alderman at Large - Jack Connolly, Bill White, Bruce Desmond and Dennis Sullivan
Ward 5 Alderman - Joseph Lynch
Ward 6 Alderman - Charles Chisholm
Ward 7 Alderman - Bob Trane
Ward 4 School Committee - James Norton

Read on for the details -

Endorsements are a funny thing – sometimes they can come so easily, other times not so much. This year, there aren’t that many contested races, which only reinforces the perception that Joe and Jane Voter don’t really care that much. We are of the opinion that it isn’t so much the voting population that is to blame – it is the lack of quality candidates that emerge from the populus that is at the root of the problem.

This year’s snoozefest comes after a lengthy period of special elections, which quite frankly has given the wrong impression to the general public that there is much afoot in the local political arena. When it comes down to it, when we as journalists and members of the same community as you look at the political landscape, especially in this election on Tuesday, we don’t know whether to be miffed at the lack of choices or happy that voting will only take 45 seconds from the time the ballot is handed to us until we slide it into the machine.

One thing that keeps making us scratch our heads and wonder what the hell is going on around here is the utter lack of interest in the School Committee. Sure, we have been beating the gong for a while now about how the city charter should be changed to shift the School Committee from an elected to an appointed body and we feel no differently now, especially with no contested races in all of the seven wards.

To emphasize the absurdity, consider Ward 4 – where the incumbent failed to submit the required number of signatures to even be placed on the ballot. Yes, in case you missed it – there is no candidate for School Committee on the ballot in Ward 4 – now it has become a matter of whether anyone can successfully be elected as a “write-in” candidate. Note the word “successfully” in that last sentence. And how about Ward 3?

Now, on to the fun reading!

MAYOR

Joseph Curtatone - It keeps getting better with this guy. We would love to be the ones to report that he is doing an awful job as mayor of this city, but we just can’t. Joe Curtatone has had to endure the same trials and tribulations as any mayor before him, even more so with the astronomical costs and logistical nightmares that are embedded in this day and age of municipal administration. There will always be the “anti administration” crowd out there, but one would be hard pressed to find them today. Joe does a masterful job of building bridges and working with people on both sides of the issues and he does so unapologetically sometimes, which only goes to his native-born upbringing.

Joe is a perfect blend of old and new school politics – he has the vision and the ideas to put this city ahead of the time – and he surrounds himself with people who will get the job done and get it done right. There is very little to complain about within his administration and it is clear that if he continues to serve this city as he has to this point, he will be mayor for many years to come – and for that we should all be thankful.

Vote to reelect Joseph Curtatone as Mayor.

ALDERMAN AT LARGE

This is the set of seats that typically draws yahoos from all corners of the political spectrum. The prospect of garnering one out of four potential votes is very attractive when you have been unsuccessful at a previous run at mayor or if you have been prodded by a particular ideologically-based group of people.

That’s all well and good, but let’s not forget what the job of an alderman, ward or at large, is – to serve the people, the constituency. The mayor is charged with conducting the business of the local government, the board of aldermen is charged with being the direct voice of the people – not to solve the issue of global warming (although working as a “body” to make a more “green” city is laudable), not to be “mini-mayors” and certainly not to overstep their boundaries. They meet in a public forum and should be there to serve the residents or their ward when they call – period.

That being said, we are endorsing all four incumbent at-large aldermen – they have individual qualities, which we will note – but they work together as cohesively as we have ever seen four sitting at-large aldermen work in recent memory. Read on.

Jack Connolly – the best thing to ever happen to Jack was losing his ward seat to Rebekah Gewirtz and for Denise Provost to give up her at-large seat. It gave Jack the perfect opportunity to reclaim his energy and quite frankly gave him the stage he was meant to be on – beyond the borders of the ever changing Ward 6 – and now the entire city benefits from his vast experience and dedication to the job. He deserves one of your four votes for alderman-at-large.

Bill White – arguably the smartest alderman this city has ever seen, Bill has taken the role of public service to new heights. His strong, intelligent and effective leadership has set the new standard of what our elected officials should do for us. Reelect Bill White because we need his smart and honest representation.

Bruce Desmond – utilizing his experience as an elected official and his dedication to the community, Bruce brings to the table a down-home, feel good persona which gets better as the years go by. He listens to people on the street and knows how to solve problems. His experience in the public sector demonstrates that he has a good fundamental knowledge of how municipal government operates. Vote for Bruce Desmond so he can continue to do a good job for us all.

Dennis Sullivan – arguably the most personable alderman on the entire board, Dennis has grown into the job quite naturally. His dedication to residents across this city has been clearly evident by his constant involvement with every possible issue and his “mobile office hours” which has easily earned him respect for his accessibility. This is a no-brainer - vote to re-elect Dennis Sullivan so he can continue to be an approachable and effective alderman-at-large.

WARD FIVE ALDERMAN

Easily the closest of the races in this election cycle, the Ward 5 Alderman race has two well-known residents and their supporters drawing the line in the sand politically. More of an old school, grassroots campaign on both sides than we have seen lately, the candidates have come out swinging and aren’t pulling any punches when it comes to assessing and addressing each other. The incumbent may have overstayed his political usefulness in the ward – he should have made the move to a different elected office before this to stay fresh and viable – while his opponent, while older than he, brings a fresh new perspective to the political landscape of a changing ward in need of it.

Joseph Lynch – as he has clearly demonstrated with his prior involvement in local issues specific to Ward 5, such as the Magoun Square revitalization and the Max Pak development, Joe’s ability to bring a new perspective is long overdue in a ward that is changing politically year by year. He appears to be the type of candidate for public office who can work with all types of political ideology with a dash of feistiness, which is why he has the support of older families who have been there for years and a nod from the “PDSers” we personally love to hate. Vote for Joe Lynch for a positive change in the right direction for a ward that desperately needs it.

WARD SIX ALDERMAN

This race is not so much the battle of the ideologies that one might have expected. The darling of the “PDSers” and incumbent alderwoman has proven on more than one occasion that she has not grown into being an alderwoman as one would have thought – and that’s a shame. She insists on championing the “PDS” cause blindly while overlooking the basic point that as an alderwoman you need to listen to everyone in your ward, not just the people who agree with you ideologically.

Charles Chisholm – Charles has a long history of local politics, although not having served office for 30 years. His resume is extensive and impressive at the same time – it is clearly difficult to overlook a true “progressive” candidate for local office who has the experience, intelligence and availability that Charles Chisholm has. If you live in Ward 6, then you should vote for Charles Chisholm for Ward 6 alderman.

WARD SEVEN ALDERMAN

Not in quite a number of years have we witnessed one group of political people (the “PDSers”) display such open contempt for a sitting alderman. For the current Ward 6 Alderwoman to practically ignore her own race and put her efforts into helping remove the Ward 7 Alderman, shows the utter lack of respect and true arrogance that the “PDSers” have – it was galvanized when a sitting State Rep. decided to join the fray. Quite frankly, as far as we can see, all the “PDSers” are concerned with is taking over the political arena in Somerville at all costs.

Bob Trane – there are very few people who would argue against the statement that Bob Trane is the most perfect example of what a “constituent services” kind of alderman should be. His example of what a hard working and dedicated ward alderman should be is truly the benchmark for all members of this board for years to come. Some don’t appreciate his rough and tumble attitude sometimes, but we sure do – and he listens and responds to everyone no matter what their political proclivity whenever his phone rings. Bob Trane is arguably the hardest working ward alderman on the board and he deserves your vote to send him back to fight the good fight.

WARD FOUR SCHOOL COMMITTEE

James Norton – it's a hard thing to write your own endorsement and not look like an ass. It became easier when The Somerville Journal endorsed me earlier today. How can you have faith in an elected official who fails to submit the required signatures to be put on the ballot unopposed? Taking the chance that nobody gets 100 votes on Tuesday and then having a special election which would cost the city close to $30,000 is ridiculous. I have the experience and the dedication to get the job done right - and I will work hard to have the city charter amended so that the School Committee is changed from an elected body to an appointed body. I am humbled by the endorsement of the Somerville Journal and the support I have received from people in the community and of Ward 4 in particular - I will have stickers available at the polls on Tuesday. James Norton for School Committee - Ward 4

Comments

[GoNORTON]

Glad to see the endorsement going to Norton in Ward 4. Charlene Harris has obviously shown that she didn't want the job, by not getting the minimum required signatures in on a DEADLINE.. She has shown no discipline in a governing body that needs to exemplify it for its constituents. She is certainly not qualified for the make shift post. She has no formal education, she is not a certified teacher and has no other life experience beyond working in the City of Somerville. We need someone that build bridges between the new family of students and the orginal somerville folk. I don't know Jamie Norton, but from what I have read he certainly is much better than someone who showed herself no self-respect. I am sure she is a good person, but I have no respect for someone who can't do the minimum requirements of a job. Go NORTON IN WARD 4!!!

[AGREED]

I agree with GONorton she is all pomp and circumstance. She doesn't deserve to be re-elected.

[Matt]

I am a new comer to the city and I live in Ward 4 and I agree, I want a change in Ward 4. We need someone that really wants the job. Thanks for listening

[Really?]

Really? Some pinhead writes a post and 2 minutes later replies to himself under another username congratulating himself and two minutes later repeats it. You guys are pathetic.

[Credit where credit is due]

Yeah - I prefered the Journal's endorsement of JN. I live in Sturbridge, Ward 11 - pct 2 ... I will be writing in Jamie Norton for Dog Catcher too. Go Jn!!

[The Mole]

Dear Mrs. Dr. McCarthy, I find it truly disturbing that you are not being endorsed by the SN. You have established a wonderful platform of reform yet not recognized by this vehicle of media.

I do hope you have an address to be brought forth before the Election Day in hopes of opening the eyes of this Editor in Chief.

The Mole

[What the Heller?]

State Rep. Carl Sciortino endorses Ward7 Alderman Candidate Rachel Heller

Calling Rachel Heller a "valuable asset" to Somerville, State Representative Carl Sciortino officially endorsed the candidate for Ward 7 alderman.

"Rachel's expertise would be an incredibly valuable asset for Ward 7, and for all of Somerville," Sciortino said. "She is hard-working and authentically cares about people, especially those who have little voice in government."

Sciortino noted that he has often worked with Heller, particularly in connection with her position as Policy Director for the State Senate Housing Committee. He credited her with playing a key role in addressing the mortgage foreclosure crisis in Massachusetts and with helping to restore funding to the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program.

He also applauded her efforts on a local senior housing issue. Heller, he said, brought attention to the concerns of Capen Court residents, who are scheduled to be relocated during construction of their new building.

"Rachel used her expertise in housing, got them the information they needed, brought in legal advocates, and got the state to respond to protect the residents of Capen Court," he said.

Sciortino also said Heller's advocacy for the environment, consumers, and the homeless showed she would be a proactive alderman.

"Rachel will be a strong advocate for the residents of Ward 7 on the Board of Alderman," Sciortino said. "She is someone who will fix the potholes as well as work to make the city a better place to live for everyone."

Heller said she was proud to have the state representative's endorsement.

"Carl is inspiring as a represenative," she said. "The way he reaches out to the community is something I would emulate as a board member."

[3 Stooges for City Government?]

Ward 6 Alderman - Charles Chisholm
Ward 7 Alderman - Bob Trane
Ward 4 School Committee - James Norton

[Ron Newman]

Dr. Mrs. McCarthy lives in 'Cambriville'. Spies have recently determined that this means that she lives in a house bisected by the city boundary. Since her head rests on the Cambridge side of the line when sleeping, she was ruled ineligible for the ballot, and all of her petition signatures had to be discarded.

[John Q Public]

Ward 7 = Trane. Heller can't find North street.

Ward 5 = Sean. Lynch has issues that will "come out".

Ward 6 = Charles. Rebekah doesn't care about Ward 6 - she has bigger plans.

At Large = Lefuente, Sullivan, Desmond, Connolly

That's it, folks.

[Ward 5 Resident]

So, you want Sean in ward 5, eh? Well, let's see here... Ahh, this is what I was looking for. Intimidation factor.

The businesses in Magoun Square are being bullied to place O'Donovan signs in their windows. That's right. I was eating at a local store, when I saw O'Donovan's cronnies from the DPW come in and tell the owner "If you don't take down that Lynch sign, the DPW employess will never eat here again." Ohhh, I'm shakin' in my boots.

Lets also look at Sean's fundings. Where is he getting his contributions from. They are from all over the state. Think all of the people in the union have anything to do with this? I smell dirty campaign tactics.

[Ron Newman]

If I owned a business, I doubt that I would put any candidate's sign in my window. Why risk upsetting part of my customer base?

In the North End of Boston, near where I work, some businesses had Kerry Healey signs on their walls or windows last year. Made me less likely to want to eat lunch there until the election was over.

[Nobody will claim Tony Lafuente!]

Tony Lafuente is a man without a home/country! Nobody will claim Tony Lafuente (progressives, city workers, conservatives, cops, firefighters, school teachers etc...) How many hats is this guy going to wear. On one hand he has breakfast with Mit Romney, and on the other hand he's having pizza party's for Marty Martinez. Nobody trusts this guy. He talks from both sides of his mouth. People are starting to figure this guy out. He doesn't appear to be a person of trust. He'll shake your hand with his right hand, but one never knows what the left hand is doing. I think his games are starting to catch up with him. He's a boy without a home. People often wonder if he's a democrat or Republican. I think the progressive's figured it out the hard way.

[MARK MY WORDS]

Mark my words "if Tony Lafuentez loses this election, his house will be up for sale in the spring". He's no different than LAWRENCE PAOELLA. People like Lawrence and Tony move into somerville from places like Reading and NY, call themselves activists, attempt to stop the city from moving forward, throw their name in the politcal mix because the have $$$, lose elections, and then move out. If Tony loses, hell end up somewhere down south attempting to open up a bed and breakfast like Lawrence did in Oregon. They could care less about Somerville. Thease individuals have been fortunate enough to wealthy and all they want next is power. Tony will follow Lawrence's footsteps if he loses. Mark my words!

[Ron Newman]

Tony already lost one election, and he's still here. Why do you think he'd move out if he lost a second one?

[I love Newman but he has no common sense]

Ron,

I like the fact that your involved. That being said, you need to wake up and smell the java. He already put his house for sale after he lost the first election. Are you going to tell me he wasn't a Republican either!

[Ron Newman]

I didn't know that he tried to sell it before. But I'm not going to hold someone's Republican past against him, given that I'm voting for Bill White.

[Tony Lafuente's Connection to Red Sox Banners]

Why was Tony Lafuente banned from Fenway Park? Is it true he was only allowed to be on the premesis for work related projects? After his recent arguemnet Mumbles and Henry it doesn't look like he'll be producing any more banners.

[somerville guy]

Jack's boyz are finally waking up! Wake up Gene Brune, Jack. He could say you're a-ok!

[wait]

what problems has bruce desmond solved?

[Newman's Own]

Ron,
You just proved the point that so many people have known about the PDS for years. You said you would patronize a certain restaurant because there was a Kerry Healy sign in the window. I thought you assholes were supposed to be open minded and tolerant. Just because someone supports another candidate they can't cook you a meal? You are all militant sickos and perverts. GO RIDE YOUR BIKE OFF A CLIFF!!!!

[DDDD]

cRACKER

[Lafuente is a good guy]

Lafuente is a good guy, who cares if he was a republican in the past. I am ashamed of the PDS for what they did to Tony. Do you blame Tony for wanting to move out? This city is full of hate. I think he's giving it one last shot before he makes a decision on what he wants to to with his business. I hope people stand behind him.

[Ward 7 Citizen]

I am a ward 7 resident and just received a disgusting piece of negative campaign literature from Heller the creep. Not only does it slander Bob Trane but it also makes some negative comments about the family that runs this newspaper. For the record the Norton family are great people and should be held in the highest regard. Heller, you are barking up the wrong tree. You should be ashamed of yourself. YOU JUST LOST MY VOTE!!!!!!!

[Tony the Phony should take a hike]

Once Tony gets his ass kicked on Tuesday he should move far away from this city and take his bagman, The Secret Squirrel (HV) with him. They can both move out to the west coast and bake muffins with Mortadella Head Lawrence Paolella.

[Who's the Secret Squirrel?]

Who's the Squirrel? Is that the chourico from Berkley Street? That guy doesn't know when to call it quits! Why is he always at Somerville City Hall? What his position? Is it true people call him the bag man aka "the money man"

[Election]

I like Tony. What problems does PDS have with him?

[Herbert Vargas is the SQUIRREL/BROWN BAGGER!]

Vargas is the money man. This activist is well known throughout many camps throughout the city. A staunch supporter of Buonomo, Curtatone and Lafuente, known for collecting newspaper clippings, and dirty politics. This individual resembles a Charles Chisholm style of politics and a go-to guy! He's a proud soilder of Lafuente and his family ancestry dates back to the island of Santo da Serra (small village, and home of Blandy Park, located in the Azores).

[Squirelly]

The Secret Squirrel is a mercenary of sorts. He hires himself out to various political candidates for the purposes of collecting cash from deep pocket contributors who wish to remain anonymous. He has been known to make false promises such as flag poles and bottles of expensive port wine. His weapons of choice are a brown paper bag and a crooked smile. He can usually be spotted at City Hall or in various Union Square coffee shops.

[Has anyone seen recent Berman piece?]

Read the recent Berman piece and you'll see what problems the pds have with Tony L. Look at the people in the picture. Tell me what that tells you.

[Squirrel Spotter]

I believe I had the opportunity to spot the Squirrel in action two years ago on election eve. He was wearing a black cat burglar suit and was carrying a pair of plyers and a broken Lawrence Paolella yard sign. When I tried to approach him he leaped over a fence and vanished into thin air. At the time I thought it was Zorro due to the Iberian accent, but now I know the truth. LONG LIVE THE SQUIRREL!!!!

[Election]

You cannot tell anything about what people believe in etc by looking at their pictures. I wish it were that easy.

[Berman gets pds suppport]

Berman had a big smile in his recent photo that arrived in homes today. Some of the individuals sporting a shit eating grin in his photo were "the queen Jehlen, Helen give it a rest Corrigan, M&M, Marc Wolfgang Puck, Carly Sciortino Dennis fake smile Provost, and Rebel Gervitz!

[Berman needs a shower and shave]

I saw the Berman piece you mention. It is a disgrace. The group photo looks like a scene from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The PDS needs elections because they certainly are not winning any beauty contests.

[Gotta love the squirrel]

I wouldn't want to be in a fox hole with the squirrel. That being said, I love his style. I love the fact that the squirrel's a whore! Standby for Somerville's top ten politcal whores!

[Speaking of homely...]

has anyone seen the PDS candidate from Ward 7.

[Ward 7 is Heaven]

I haven't had the opportunity to meet the PDS candidate from Ward 7 but I did meet her live in boyfriend. He reminded me of Mike Tyson.

[Ron Newman]

I don't think PDS has anything against Tony and they certainly did not "do anything to him". He received some support at the endorsement meeting, but not the required 66%.

[To Lafuente is a good guy]

This has to be the worst endorsement I've ever heard:

Do you blame Tony for wanting to move out?

Two sentences later:

I hope people stand behind him.

[Ron Newman]

Does Sean O'Donovan have a campaign web site? Over in Davis Square LiveJournal, I'm making a list of campaign links, and his is the only one I don't have.

[Election]

I don't think he has a web site...

[Ron Newman]

Does he list one on his leaflets? Since I don't live in his ward, I don't get to see these.

[jake]

I just went out to pick up the morning paper on the porch and found this really nasty flyer. Is this what passes as progressive politics in this city? Given it was dropped at night days before the election only serves to show it is nothing but an attack piece aimed to throw mud without response. It does not even say who sent it.

I had considered myself a kindred spirit of the local progressives until I saw this thing. I had not made up my mind who I was going to vote for but this has shown me that Trane is the better candidate. He has mailed positive pieces and demonstrated a record of acomplishment.I can only assume that this piece was sent by the other candidate since it not signed.

[Election]

What did the nasty thing say?

[Somerspeak]

Oh come on Jake. Campaign fantasy literature has been around for over one hundred years. Candidates embellish, enhance and lie about all their great accomplishments right before the election. I'm not saying that Trane has lied about anything, but take a look at what all the incumbents are saying. "I did this. I did that." What a load of horseshit.

My advice to all candidates: save the paper and your money. Most of us watch what you are doing for months before the first Tuesday in November.

Give the public some credit.

[Mr. Blonde]

Heller's piece was a smear on Bob Trane. Disgusting the PDS would stoop to such low levels! I was horrified.

Bob now has my vote. Heller should drop out after this mailing.

I hear her live-in boyfriend has some criminal cases pending against him. God knows the woman hasn't knocked on any doors in my area.

[Tom Brady]

We are starting a movement and will be holding a candlelight vigil in Davis tomorrow evening from 7 to 10 to force the Somerville News to UNBAN IM-UX!!

UNBAN IM-UX! FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!! UNBAN IM-UX!

Anyone interested be in David after the Pats game tomorrow. We need to stop the facist PDSers from their censorship.

UNBAN IM-UX! FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!! UNBAN IM-UX!

[Tom Brady]

Rumor has it the man himself (IM-UX) make even make an appearance and a speech!

UNBAN IM-UX! FREEDOM OF SPEECH!

[Ron Newman]

What did the Ward 7 leaflet say? I don't get to see these, living in Ward 6.

[Ron Newman]

damn, who forgot to close a 'bold' tag again?