by Christopher Pineo

A popular pundit will host The Somerville News candidates’ night debate March 5 at the Independent restaurant in Union Square.

"These are a lot of fun. It is good to get a mixture of political and regular people, politicians and their bosses, and inject a little comedy," said political satirist, Baratunde R. Thurston.

Candidates vying for the position of alderman-at-large, vacated by Denise A. Provost in October, will address members of the community.

Kenneth M. Kelley, the owner of The Independent said he has a long-working relationship with the paper and that he immediately agreed to the event when the editor approached him.

"I’ve been very involved with the development of Union Square since we opened, and becoming this place where politics goes on was a byproduct of that," he said.

"I always get sort of charged up for things like this," said candidate John M. Connolly.

"We’ve been host to people from all ends of the political spectrum," said Kelley. "I get along well with some, less well with others, but all are welcome," he said. 

The Independent has become a sort of political hub over the years hosting a number of debates, said Connolly.  "I’ve been there many times. It’s a very comfortable place to be, and there could not be a better spot for the debate."

Connolly said he is prepared to address local issues, including the health concerns surrounding the Public Safety building.

"Conditions of the Public Safety building, and obviously tax issues, are on everybody’s mind, since most people just got their bill in February," he said.

The changes which have developed in Somerville over the last twenty or thirty years have been remarkable, said Connolly.

"Having been born and raised, and having seen the city when it wasn’t such a proper place to be in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Somerville was not a desirable entity. We were pretty tired and run down," he said.

Participating in this redevelopment has been exciting, he said.  "And I still have something to offer. I would like to use some of the experience I have gained as a long time resident, you know, and parent of kids that are in the school system."

Having previously served as an alderman, he will not require training, said Connolly.  "I’m very pleased to have the chance to use those skills, the talents and abilities, to make valuable judgments about where the city is headed."

Candidate Marty Martinez said, although he is not positive about the particulars of his address, he will speak about his hopes for the city, his background and his visions for the future.

"I think it is a great opportunity. Any kind of forum to share thoughts and ideas; more informed people make more informed voters," he said.