In our opinion the newcomer to the scene, candidate Bob Daut, made a good impression at the debate.  He asked some very interesting questions and gave some interesting responses. Some of us who saw him think he just might be a rising political star in the near future here in Somerville.  Although we think Jack and Marty are going to win the primary, we hope that Bob Daut doesn‚Äôt go away – he was enjoyable at the debate.  Some obviously think he was put in the race to take votes from Marty, and while it was our first thought as well, after talking to him we were even more impressed.   

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Rumor has it that Tony LaFuente is going to run this year for Mayor against Joe Curtatone.  He‚Äôs pretty confident that he can win.  We also hear that Alderman at Large Bill White might run, but we predict that won‚Äôt happen.  They were both seen at a popular restaurant recently having dinner and an in-depth conversation.    

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Another rumor still persisting is popular activist Joe Lynch might run for Alderman in Ward 5.  We also hear another candidate in that ward might make it a primary for incumbent Sean O‚ÄôDonovan‚Äôs seat.  Other wards we hear will have candidates running against current Aldermen are both Ward 2 and Ward 4.  And we also just recently heard a well-known popular family name in Ward 6 as a potential candidate.  One of this particular family’s more progressive and younger family members is almost 100% sure she‚Äôs going to run against first term Alderwomen Rebecca Gewirtz.  We predict that will be interesting if its true.

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Our very own Congressman Mike is having a fundraiser this Sunday, March 11^th at Jimmy Tingle‚Äôs Off Broadway Theatre.  Tickets prices are hefty, but we‚Äôre told its going to be a good evening.  It starts at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and performances by Jimmy Tingle and Tony V from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., so hurry and get your tickets.   

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The Mayor wants Assembly Square to be allowed to have more liquor licenses so that the new establishments that might want to go there can apply for them.   The mayor is asking the alderman for a home rule petition proposal to be sent to the state.

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Somerville Firefighter Jay Colbert, who is also the President of the Firefighters Union, came before the public health & safety committee last week to talk with the aldermen about the department‚Äôs problems, including an aging force and fleet.  This has to be one of the only cities where the tow trucks are newer then the fire engines.

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It appears that Good Times Emporium might be leaving Somerville to make room for the IKEA store at Assembly.  Word has it that Good Times owner Dan Hayes has his eyes set on a new location at the old Sam‚Äôs Club in the Natick Mall.    

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Residents that live close to St. Polycaps are ready for the ground breaking of the new St. Polycarps Village.  The Village will include shops along Mystic Avenue with easy access to the Ten Hills area, additional community space, and a redeveloped church!  The Somerville Corporation, who owns the property, is now seeking approval from the city on its initial design, which includes additional housing as well.

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Coming this year to Tufts to speak at Commencement is current Mayor Michael Bloomberg of NYC – we hear he might be stopping in on some local eateries here in Davis Square.