One rumor circulating around town is that Ward Seven Alderman Bob Trane might have an interesting candidate opposing him. We hear from several sources that lifelong resident Joan Puglia wife of former Alderman Andy Puglia might pull papers to run in Ward 7. Joan is a nice lady and very well known around the city in particular Ward 7, we think that Ward 7 could be an interesting battle for Bob who has weathered some tough challenges in the past and doesn’t seem too upset, we hear.

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In the Alderman at Large race, we heard that the darling of the Progressives, Suzanne Bremer, who unsuccessfully ran against Mayor Joe in 2007 is considering throwing her name on the ballot for Alderman At Large.

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Mike Capuano Jr., son of the U.S. Congressman and a lawyer who serves on the Planning Board, is thinking of running  for  alderman  as well but since he lives in Ward 7 and the Trane family is very close to the Capuano’s, we speculate he’s probably considering an at large seat.

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Look its about time we start electing some business people or at least someone who works in the private sector, instead of all these public workers and nonprofit workers. We have enough of them already on the board of aldermen, let’s hope for some new blood, and that people who have actual jobs in the private sector decide to throw their names in – instead of so many who want to run because it’s a good career move for them. If you’re thinking of running for public office and don’t know where to begin or how to begin, remember talk radio host Michael Graham on Radio FM 96.9 is hosting a FREE seminar, go on his web site and find out where, we can attest here that it’s a good one, since a few of us attended back last year, it’s not Democratic or Republican its open to all and free.

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Congratulations and best wishes to Phil Ercolini who recently retired from City Hall giving 33 years of service to the city, working there full time and on the Planning Board for many years.    Phil started off working for Mayor S. Lester Ralph back in the 70’s and has worked through five Mayors since. Phil is also a lifelong resident from East Somerville and we wish him the best in his retirement.

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Happy Birthday goes out to Ray Snow Sr. We wish him the best on his birthday, also  Freddy Caruso who is an icon here in Somerville, both men are lifelong residents of the city and we wish them the best.

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Another Happy Birthday to a special friend of the News staff, Parking Control Officer Mary Williams Kiloren. Happy Hour is back in the Ville this week during this girl’s birthday and we wish her many more!   Also celebrating is Somerville High School Graphic Communications Print Shop teacher Chuck  Gerlach, Chuck is a great guy and artist, a great inspiration to all his students he’s taught.

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Congratulations to Somerville Traffic and Parking’s own Laura Accaputo on the birth of her new baby girl whom she named “Meadow Barbara.” Meadow came into this world weighing 8 pounds 1 ounce and will join her big sister Jada at home. We wish the entire family all the best.

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What’s going on at the Council on aging? We hear a lot of things but can’t verify. We understand that the department is under investigation, but until we can verify what it’s about we won’t speculate. Maybe someone out there in blog land knows what is or is not happening at that department.

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Some of us here at the News go to Albrandi’s Barber shop at 194 Holland St. Tony has been an icon here in the city for many years, not just for his barber skills but for his generosity with the various sports teams here. One of us was there this past week and he was giving away some neat pens with an enclosed calendar, (if you go to him already ask for one, if you’re new make sure you ask for one). Tony is a wealth of information regarding the various things going on in the city. We think the city should consider moving that snow pile outside his shop so his customers can get in there.

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Word is that former Reg. of Probate and alderman here in Somerville, John Buonomo will be released from jail in the next few weeks, and speculation is where is he going to work? Some are saying right here in the city but no word yet. John has strong roots here in the city; he’s made a lot of friends and enemies (politically and otherwise) over the years so it will be interesting to see where he goes.

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Tickets going on sale soon for the Somerville Lions “Lions night at the Boston Pops” to be held on Friday evening June 3 , 8p.m. at Symphony Hall. Reservations for this fun filled evening can be had by calling Lions President Billy Tauro at 617 293-2016 or by email somervillelionsclub@yahoo.com

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The City Democratic Ward committees will be holding a caucus tonight, Wednesday Feb. 9, at the Somerville High School cafeteria to elect delegates to the Convention on June 4 in Lowell.

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What’s going on down at the Healy School, we hear that the darling of the School Choice program Ward 4 School Committee Women Christine Rafel has managed to upset a lot of parents, some have been very vocal about how she has handled herself on the school board since she has been elected.      Maybe its time we really do consider getting rid of the School Board, after all it’s an $11K dollar salary plus benefits and literally no power since School Reform in the mid 90’s. Not too long ago School Committee members here in Somerville had a lot of power and no salary or benefits.

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Anyone considering running for School Committee here in the city, all seven seats are up for re-election in each ward, with a salary of $11K plus benefits, might be appealing for someone. The entire Board of Alderman are up for re-election: seven wards and four at large seats, an annual salary of about $23K plus benefits.