Galluccio picks up early endorsements from Roche and Sullivan

By George P. Hassett

A Cambridge democrat running for the state senate seat that represents two precincts in East Somerville was endorsed by two aldermen from the neighborhood this week.

Cambridge City Councilor Anthony D. Galluccio picked up pledges of support from Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche and Alderman-At-Large Dennis Sullivan in his run for the Middlesex, Suffolk and Essex counties senate seat vacated by Jarrett Barrios July 5.

Galluccio is one of seven Democrats to take out the necessary forms to run for the seat. The other possible candidates are William Brian McNeil, Jeffrey Ross, Laurie Leyshon, Brian E. Smith, Chelsea City Councilor Paul Nowicki and Timothy L. Flaherty. Elizabeth LaFavre also took out nomination papers, she is not enrolled in a political party. No Republicans have pulled papers. Nomination papers must be turned in by July 31 at 5:00 p.m. The Democratic primary will be held Sept. 11 and the general election on Oct. 9.

Galluccio and Ross have been the candidates with the highest profiles early in the race with many prospective candidates still deciding if they will run. The district Barrios represented crosses three counties and meanders its way through all of Everett and Chelsea and parts of Somerville, Cambridge, Boston, Chelsea, Saugus and Revere.

Roche’s alderman’s district overlaps with the senate seat currently up for grabs. He said he endorsed Galluccio because the Cambridge politician has a long track record of responding to the needs of “the average person in the city.”

‚ÄúI know Anthony will be responsive and accessible when I have concerns I need help on in the ward,‚Äù he said.   

Galluccio said the support from Roche and Sullivan proves he has an understanding of the issues in Somerville. Working as a Cambridge City Councilor, he said, gave him the opportunity to address concerns that run throughout the district such as youth violence and deteriorating roadways.

“I’ve represented a community with similar problems to Somerville [on the Cambridge City Council] for 13 years,” he said. “I have an understanding and respect for the local problems there.”

He said fixing roadways, improving public transit and expanding opportunities for city youth will be his top priorities if elected.

The only other candidate with a web site and campaign office is Ross who said he plans to knock on 5,000 doors in the district before election day. His ability to speak four languages will help him communicate with residents of the diverse district. “I can talk with and involve people who otherwise might not be included in the process,” he said.

Ross has lived in the district less than six months and said part of the reason why he initially moved within its borders was to run for Barrios’ open seat.

“The other part was property taxes in Boston were skyrocketing,” he said.

Ross said he would support Governor Deval Patrick’s Municipal Partnership Act and would push for a Green Line extension through the city. He has met with Somerville organizations such as the Progressive Democrats of Somerville (PDS), Centro Presente and the Somerville Community Corporation.

“I love PDS and respect all of the people involved with that organization,” he said.

Ross wants to continue the work Barrios did for the district while also serving as a “progressive voice” on social issues in the legislature, he said. With him, he said it won’t be politics as usual.

“I’m not running based on connections and who my friends are,” he said.