reality bites By James Norton

What seemed to be a sleepy little special election turned into a feeding frenzy for the infamous pod people.  It would be fair to say that even the so called ‚Äúprogressives‚Äù have been inducted into the pool of political bottom feeders this time because in the last few days they certainly showed their teeth, finally.

Over the last week, there has been much rumination on our weblog regarding the different political pieces distributed by both sides of this battle.  The lines were clearly drawn and there was much to debate regarding the validity of certain claims.  The weblog was flush with one-sided, misinformed rants directly and indirectly aimed at purposely misleading the issues – from gang members in the Youth Center to sketchy endorsements and everything lumped in between.

By Doug Holder

When I asked a city alderman recently about the possibility of the council considering having a poet laureate like Cambridge and Boston are presently pondering he laughed, stating: “So that’s the latest trend, huh?” So I decided to send out a call for comments from Somerville residents and poets to see what they think of the idea. Here is what I got:

C.D. Collins (Poet/Vocalist): “We should have one. It should be an annual award.”

Bert Stern (Off the Grid Press) “I think that Somerville poetry speaks clearly and humanely, and with a notion of folk poetry that has a long lineage. Somerville is witty and has guts, and is somewhat anti- Cambridge. I see it as a position of public responsibility. A laureate should write occasional poems, celebrate commissions, like the English poet/laureate, who writes poems for coronations.”

Someone or a certain group of people (small group at that) woke a sleeping giant up this past special election.  When you think about it, Jack Connolly lost in the primary by 558 votes to come in 2nd place and then came the charge from all sides to help Jack win by 490 votes.  We‚Äôre pleased to have endorsed Jack, so were not really surprised.  And oh yeah that person on our site who asked what our policy was on endorsing candidates, its simple we endorse those that are right for all of Somerville not just a small clique that can‚Äôt open up.

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WOW what a day Tuesday May 15th 2007 was‚Ķthe day Jack Connolly wins, the so-called ‚ÄúQueen of the PDS‚Äôers‚Äù, Senator Pat Jehlen, was asleep at the Brady building waiting for people to come out and get in her ‚ÄúMarty Martinez‚Äù shuttle car to go to the polls to vote, but there apparently wasn‚Äôt a rush to get in her car‚ĶWe have it on reliable sources that she was sound asleep in her car, we think she might have been meditating, but you never know.          

But will he be an independent voice?
By George P. Hassett

John M. Connolly fought his way back from a 12 point deficit in the April 10 primary to defeat Marty Martinez in Tuesday’s special election to replace state Rep. Denise Provost on the Board of Aldermen. The win came as a surprise to many who thought Martinez and the progressive movement he helped start were too strong for Connolly who lost his position as Ward 6 aldermen in 2005 after 22 years on the board.

Sources inside John M. Connolly’s campaign told the Somerville News Connolly won today’s election by 400 votes.

Former SHS headmaster mentored generations of Somerville kids
By George P. Hassett

Even in his most popular days as mayor, Eugene C. Brune hated to be the speaker following Tony V. Fedele at Somerville High School events.
“The kids would cheer for him so much I’d be drowned out,” Brune said. “He was truly one of the most beloved Somerville characters we had.”

Jack Connolly is more committed to Somerville than he is to a career boost. When he advocates for Somerville it is not for one clique or wing, it is for the whole city. When he speaks for Somerville it comes from 22 years of experience and it comes from the heart.

Connolly played a major role in turning Davis Square into the vibrant center it is today and he deserves your vote May 15 for a chance to work on the entire city’s future.

Connolly will return to the board with 22 years of experience in pushing Somerville forward to a greater destiny (read: being progressive). As an alderman at large, Connolly will be able to work independently without worrying city services may be held back by a vengeful mayor. He has already proven he can work wonders on a ward (see: Davis Square in 1984), voters must let him get his hands on the whole city now.

Do not be manipulated into following blind slogans and empty, feel-good rhetoric. This election is too vital and Somerville is too important. Make your decision after examining the candidates experience, sincerity to the upbuilding of Somerville and their vision for the future.

Based on that criteria, Jack Connolly is the superior candidate for alderman-at-large. Elect him May 15.   

By David Taber

They will push off from Davis Square‚Äôs Seven Hills Park in silence on Wednesday May 16, remaining silent as they pedal their bicycles down Massachusetts Avenue through Cambridge to the Boston Common.  Some will be wearing red armbands to signify they have been injured in collisions with vehicles, and some will wear black, to honor friends   who have been killed by motorists. 

The procession will be one of almost 250 Rides of Silence taking place across the country at the same time to remember the dead and raise awareness about bicycle safety. 

Nationally, the first such ride took place in 2003 in Dallas, Texas.  It was meant to be a one-time event to commemorate the life of Larry Schwartz, who was thrown from his bicycle and killed when swiped by the mirror of a passing bus.  But over the last four years, it has become a regular rite of National Bike Week. 

By Robert Daut

(Editor’s note: The views and opinions expressed in The Somerville News’ opinion pieces belong solely to the authors of the articles and in no way reflect the views and opinions of The Somerville News).

A couple of weeks ago, I experienced my first disappointment as a candidate for elected office, as I finished third in the Special Election Primary for Alderman-at-Large.  That experience, however, proved to be quite valuable.  As a candidate, I learned first-hand about the issues that affect fellow Somerville residents.  My candidacy helped reaffirm my personal belief that Somerville‚Äôs future will be one of phenomenal opportunity.  Sure, there are many challenges that will be posed and hurdles to be overcome, but the fact remains that Somerville has the fantastic occasion to renew and reinvigorate the dynamic progress and vibrant development that Somerville has experienced over the last twenty years.