Patrick wins city easily, local turnout higher than expected

Deval Patrick easily outpaced his opponents in the race for governor at Somerville polls today, according to a source close to City Hall. Across the city but especially in wards 3, 6 and 7, Patrick defeated his rivals Thomas Reilly and Christopher Gabrieli by significant margins, said the source. In Ward 6 Precinct 2, Patrick received 500 votes to 151 for Gabrieli and 100 for Reilly.

Patrick’s advantage in Somerville was compounded by a particularly high voter turnout in the city. According to the source, 27% of registered Somerville voters cast their ballots today, higher than the expected 20% turnout for the rest of the state.

The polls are closed

As the polls closed Officer Alessandro Capobianco escorted the Ward 6 precinct 2 ballot box to City Hall. Stay tuned to www.thesomervillenews.com for up to the minute election coverage and results for the City of Somerville.

Can Magoun Square afford Assembly Square lawsuits?
By George P. Hassett

Funding for neighborhood improvement projects is going to high-priced lawyers defending the city in litigation over Assembly Square development, said one community activist this week.
  ‚ÄúThe money has to come from somewhere, and now all the small commercial business districts are suffering,‚Äù said Joseph Lynch, the president of the Magoun Square Neighborhood Association.

City Hall knew about leaking oil tanks for years
By George P. Hassett

Despite an earlier claim, high ranking officials in Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone’s administration have known about seven abandoned oil tanks, including one that is leaking, on city property for years.
  In August, Curtatone spokesperson Thomas P. Champion said the administration had only recently learned of the tanks. But a March 3, 2003 letter obtained by The Somerville News, disputes that claim.

News Talk for the week of Sept. 13

Another reminder to that blogger or bloggers that just don‚Äôt get it – this is a rumor column written or assisted by around 20 well-known, well-positioned and well-informed Somerville residents – both old school and newcomers – most of them don‚Äôt even know who the others are that help out‚Ķthis still is for you to figure out if it’s true or not.  We would like to thank Dr. Mrs. McCarthy and The Mole for your assistance this past month in helping to get us through a boring summer here in Somerville.
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Just a reminder to everyone who might be interested in the proposed zoning changes for the MaxPac site at Maguon Square, the hearing is set for Thursday the 21st at 7:00PM on the second floor of City Hall – we wonder if dinner will be served – count us in if it‚Äôs lobster.  It has been said and heard around the city that if the developers get what they want with the zoning changes, they will immediately sell the property and move on ‚Äì we know a lot of neighbors and others in the city are hoping that‚Äôs not true.

Let the games begin

One week away from the Sept. 19 primary and the sign wars have begun. These Michael Sullivan for Middlesex County Clerk of Courts signs were once right side up at the corner of Highland Ave. and Central Street. Now they’re face down in the trash, replaced by a Bruce Desmond for Middlesex Clerk of Courts sign.