Local Somerville businessman and alderman at large candidate Tony Lafuente was busy at Fenway Park last week. He took time off from his campaign to dress up the park and get it ready for the playoffs. His company, Flagraphics was hired to design and construct the huge “2007 Division Championship” banners.

                                                                           *********

Clearly the so-called “Progressives” are strongly supporting life-long resident Joe Lynch for Ward 5 Alderman – noticed at his function this past Monday evening was the head of the Progressives, state Senator “Queen” Pat Jehlen, along with Rep. Denise Provost and late arrival Rep. Carl Sciortino. A couple of us that were there could have sworn we saw the newest so-called “Progressive” candidate for mayor – Ms. Suzanne Bremer.

                                                                             ********

Lynch isn’t the only aspiring pol who has the support of “The Somerville Three” (that’s Jehlen, Provost and Sciortino by the way). That progressive troika is also fully supporting at-large candidate Fred Berman. They held a fundraiser for him Monday in Davis Square. We wonder how the incumbents feel about these three getting in the middle of city elections and choosing sides? Hmmmmm.

                                                                              *********

Say it aint so…but we heard this one out on the streets and we’re just not sure if its true or not – maybe the online bloggers can help us out with this one. Did former candidate for alderman at large Marty Martinez move from Somerville altogether? If that’s true, would that mean another Somerville person gone or does that only apply to “lifers”?

                                                                              **********

We keep hearing that former candidate for mayor Rick Scirocco is going to run a sticker campaign in the upcoming final election, but not for mayor‚ĶWe heard that he‚Äôs going to go after the open seat on the School Committee in Ward 4. Sources close to Rick say that‚Äôs not true at all, but to keep looking for him in the future. We also hear that Jamie Norton (yes, that Jamie Norton), who once served on the school committee in the mid-90s, is going to run for it ‚Äì word around the newspaper is that he doesn‚Äôt seem too concerned about anyone else being in the race. 

   
                                                                               **********

Seems the former editor of The Somerville News РNeil McCabe of Cambridge Рhad his court case continued at Cambridge District Court to November 11 while they check out his Registry record. His case in Somerville District court, which he defaulted on earlier, is supposed to be set for December sometime Рwe’ll find out. Both of his arrests are similar in that he was stopped twice for the same thing Рfor driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.

                                                                              **********

The Ball Square Breakfast War (maybe Ball Square should be renamed Breakfast Square?) hosted two testy incidents Sunday and both times the police were called. The Breakfast War (mentioned here first) continues on. Whatever happens, and we hope it resolves peacefully soon, Saturday and Sunday mornings both see an amazing amount of people who show up and wait in line to eat. The biggest line seen was Kelley’s Diner this past Sunday around 10:30 a.m.

                                                                              ***********

Passing away recently was Mrs. Catherine A. (Sullivan) McLean, mother of former Somerville Chief of Police George McLean. Also passing away this past weekend was Stephen Goggins, a lifelong Winter Hill resident and member of VFW Post 19 on Highland Avenue. We heard that Mary Nargi, mother of Somerville Police Lt. Tony Nargi passed away recently as well – they will all be missed and we extend our sympathies to their families.

                                                                                 ************

Seems that the there is a “Hatfield & McCoy” style feud going on between the Brickbottom Artist Condo Association and Herb Chambers Motor Cars. Recently we heard that Herb Chambers mechanics are test riding new Mercedes cars and trucks continuously all day long on Fitchburg Street down, by the association, at very high speeds. Recently one of our NewsTalker sources came close to being wiped out on the street in an accident not just once, but twice in four days. The association is up in arms over this and frankly we don’t blame them.

                                                                             ***********

Monday evening Oct. 22, Helen Corrigan is calling for a city wide Democratic City Committee meeting. Candidates for upcoming contested races are invited to attend. This could be interesting since there is no mayor’s debate or debate in Ward 5 or 6. The meeting will be held at the VNA on Lowell Street at 7 p.m.

                                                                            ***********

One more note on the ward 5 race, we hear Lynch is refusing cash donations. What is he one of these good government types? Is this the first time in Somerville politics, a candidate turned down cash in the hand? Some are saying so.

                                                                             ***********

On Thursday Oct. 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 11 Bow Street Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership (STEP) is having a ‚ÄúTaste of Chocolate‚Äù to help raise money for their organization.  STEP is a group of concerned citizens working to secure better public transit opportunities in the city. The cost of the event is $25 per person. What? Are you surprised News Talk is supporting a group like STEP? They share a lot of membership with Mystic View, you know. But hey we don‚Äôt care about the pettiness, we just want what is best for Somerville. Like STEP. And maybe Mystic View. Maybe. We‚Äôre not all the way convinced just yet.

                                                                                 ***********

Have you seen Tony Lafuente’s new campaign sign overlooking McGrath Highway (and the eastern seaboard)? It doesn’t have his name on it, just some slogan about voting for new energy. But we know it’s his because it has the same design and layout as his yard signs. Oh yeah, and because it is a HUGE flag next to his HUGE flag business. Can’t get anything past us Tony.