By George P. Hassett

Failed alderman-at-large candidate Tony Lafuente told a Somerville News reporter today that he will not speak to the paper. "I’d rather not speak to the News," he said. When asked why he was refusing Lafuente said, "For various reasons."

Lafuente has twice run for city office in the last four years. He lost to Joseph A. Curtatone by less than 5 percent in a race for mayor in 2003 and finished 38 votes behind Bruce Desmond in last week’s city elections for alderman-at-large. He has formally requested a recount which is set to take place Dec. 1 in City Hall’s aldermanic chambers.