The Somerville Times endorses Charles J. Chisholm for the position of Ward 6 Alderman in the upcoming primary election on Thursday, September 17.

By The Times Staff

Our endorsement for Ward 6 Alderman is Charles J. Chisholm. We urge voters in Ward 6 to read his literature, talk to him and visit his website to see his record of things done already as a former Alderman here in Somerville and, more importantly, what he stands for and what he believes an alderman should be.

Additionally, isn’t it a sad state of affairs when there are virtually no races this year here in the city and only one primary election (more than two running)? A special day was sanctioned by the Board of Aldermen to have the primary on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. This is very unusual and to some of us here at The Times it’s like having a “special election” because most primaries for local elections are held on the first or second Tuesday of September. We suppose the aldermen wanted to throw a curve this year in the election process.

In Ward 6 the current retiring Alderman, Rebekah L. Gewirtz, is leaving office after serving ten years, and although we didn’t always see eye to eye we thank her for her service to the community.

We are happy that there is a primary and there is – as we see it – a stark difference between the four candidates. Hopefully, the voters of Ward 6 have reviewed the four candidates thoroughly, read their literature, and the candidates themselves came knocking on your doors, giving you the opportunity to ask them the questions most concerning to you.

With the proper viewing of the candidates’ stances on these issues, you will come out and help to select one of the two top vote getters for the final election in November, along with the rest of the city.

Ward 6 is interesting, especially this year, with the high prices of homes in the city, it is one area that is considered very high end, especially the closer you get to Davis Square. The city is changing in many ways and that’s always good for a community. Change is what makes us grow, with new residents that want to take part in the process and older residents who welcome them and see a new beautiful Somerville for all of us.

Endorsements are funny, especially in this race. The various candidates receive certain endorsements from special interest groups, such as unions or other politicians, and then there is the local media and their endorsements. We hope you, the residents of Ward 6, read through all the endorsements – including ours – and come to a logical conclusion of what is best for you.

By now it’s not that hard to figure out, but we are always on the side of the alderman who listens to constituents’ concerns and follows through on them, making sure that the ever increasing city workers do their jobs and do what we, as residents, want.

An alderman is the first person in the chain of our local government here in Somerville who is making sure that basic services are being offered to all, and that taxes are being watched and overseen.

These are some of the reasons why we chose Mr. Chisholm. He is a math professor, is educated and knows the issues and what is expected of the position. We think that Chisholm will not be a rubber stamp for the administration, but that he will objectively vote for the residents of Ward 6. We think Chisholm is well versed in our community, knows the issues, and is familiar with City Hall and its various departments. We found him to be thoughtful and open to listening and able to come to a conclusion, and be what Ward 6 has been missing in an alderman for us, the residents – all the residents, new and old.

We hope you go to the polls on Thursday, September 17 and vote for Charles J. Chisholm for Alderman in Ward 6.

Check out his web site at www.charlesjchisholm.com, where he shows all four candidates that were interviewed by SCATV. Watch and compare for yourself.