By George P. Hassett

Suzanne Bremer is running for mayor for two reasons. One is from her gut and one is from her mind.

The Tufts University librarian who took out the necessary forms to run for the city’s executive office against Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone this week was inspired by the recent special election in which John M. Connolly defeated Marty Martinez for alderman at large. Bremer, who volunteered for Martinez, said Connolly’s last minute negative campaign pushed her to stand up and run for office.

‚ÄúI‚Äôm sick of our leaders trying to scare us.  Once we had leaders who said things like, ‚ÄòWe have nothing to fear but fear itself.‚Äô Now they‚Äôre pushing that fear onto voters to get elected,‚Äù she said.

Her other reason for running concerns policy. “I’m a proponent of rational development and taking into account affordable housing and green space when developing city land,” she said.

Bremer said she is concerned with the current development plans for Union Square which call for tall office and residential buildings.

“I’m a newcomer and I just want to listen to the people of Somerville and get them involved.” she said.

Bremer was born in France, raised in Bethesda, Maryland and moved to Somerville 14 years ago after studying at Boston University. She said she has been a member of the Progressive Democrats of Somerville for one week. Even by her own estimates, she is a heavy underdog as a political novice challenging an established, incumbent mayor.

Curtatone announced  this week that Governor Deval Patrick joined him in announcing his official bid for re-election at a June 13 campaign kickoff event at the Holiday Inn.  Curtatone said he is excited to run for reelection and interact with voters again.

“I first ran for mayor against an incumbent and I’m not going to take this campaign lightly. I look forward to allowing the voters to scrutinize my record,” he said.