One election, one fate
by Christopher H. Roberts

The fate of  Somerville’s identity may be decided by the outcome of a single municipal election in its Fifth Ward.

"With the Green Line coming, there is a lot of potential for development that can cause harm to the city," said John L. Sullivan, candidate for Ward 5 Alderman.

Ward 5 contains both the future site of the Somerville’s Green Line extension, as well as former industrial space with significant redevelopment potential known as the Maxpac site, said Sullivan.

Sullivan’s candidacy is borne out of a desire to protect families from being priced out of their homes by development, threatening the integrity of neighborhoods and in turn the city, he said.

Sullivan, who served in city government under Mayor Michael Capuano, pointed to the purchase of the Armory on Highland Ave as proof that city neighborhoods have been forced to fight by themselves against gentrification.

"It’s one thing to say that the Green Line and the subsequent development is going to be a great thing for the city. We have to make sure it’s managed properly, before and during its construction, in a way that doesn’t overburden the neighborhood."

Sullivan challenges incumbent Alderman Sean T. O’Donovan, a onetime candidate for the much ballyhooed 2nd Middlesex District senate seat who dropped out of that race once Sullivan declared his aldermanic candidacy.

"I walked away from the Senate race because it was not fair to the citizens of Ward 5," said O’Donovan. 

His decision to run was motivated out of a desire to better serve the district. "I didn’t want to run for senate, but being in state government you can do a lot for a city."

O’Donovan said his aldermanic accomplishments, such as the positive community development he fostered in Magoun Square, will assure him another term in November.

"Magoun Square was my vision," he said.  O’Donovan said he was able to successfully balance commercial and residential development in Magoun Square, as well as mediate issues in traffic flow between pedestrians and motorists.

"I am very proud of the development there," said O’Donovan.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone was quick to heap praise on O’Donovan’s record as a city legislator.

"He has a proven track record of constituent services and he’s a proactive person who understands the long term need of proper planning,"said Curtatone.

"It is critical for Ward 5 to reelect Sean T. O’Donovan," the mayor said.

"We don’t see that," said Tony LaFuente, Curtatone’s onetime mayoral opponent. 

"When the Assembly Square project was in its planning stages, I heard Alderman O’Donovan publicly declare, I don’t understand this whole rezoning business but I’m going to vote for it anyway," said LaFuente.

"If you are an Alderman and an attorney and that’s not within the realm of your understanding, you don’t deserve your job," he said.

Community activist Joseph Lynch emphasized the need for Ward 5’s alderman to be knowledgable and vigilant during the ensuing years.

"Assembly Square was huge, but as soon as the Lechmere stop is relocated, we will see the development process accelerate even further."

The Maxpac site in particular poses a threat to its surrounding neighborhood if transportation issues are not well-thought out, he said.

Cooperative and collaborative planning will allow development money to flow into the city without forcing longtime residents out, said Lynch.  A master plan for the entire city would ensure that everyone’s needs are met.

"I’ve asked both Dorothy Kelley Gay’s administration and now Mayor Curtatone’s for such a plan, and I’ve been unsuccessful," he said.

"Whoever represents Ward 5 needs to deliver a master plan, and fast," said Lynch.

Sullivan said the Assembly Square project was a perfect opportunity for the community to build its commercial tax base, a crucial funding method in light of local aid cutbacks.

Instead of going to the city, that money went to developers, he said.

"I don’t know what transpired there, but the community lost out. Someone walked away with a $30,000,000 profit."

LaFuente pointed to what he said is O’Donovan’s disinterest as a key reason why he should be replaced by Sullivan.

"Developers are changing their plans, and Sean T O’Donovan is not paying attention," he said. "John L. Sullivan is following everything as an alderman should do."

"John L. Sullivan has been an integral part of this city. He should be at city hall," said LaFuente.

O’Donovan scoffed at his critics.

"I was heavily involved with the Assembly Square project, he said. "I served in hearings and meetings – unlike Tony LaFuente and his supporters."

Mayor Curtatone said he respects both Sullivan and LaFuente’s views and convictions, but does not think much of their campaign.

"Sean O’Donovan is going to win this election," said Curtatone. "At the end of the day, the constituents in Ward 5 are going to overwhelmingly support him. "

"There’s no comparison between Sean and his opponent," he said.

While he lacks O’Donovan’s credentials, Sullivan said he has what it takes to properly represent Ward 5.

"I’m a 41-year resident and homeowner. I may not have the presitigous degree or years of elected office, but I know how the city works," he said.