By Pete Corbett

Dorothy Kelly Gay, Somerville’s former mayor, took time out from her birthday celebration to talk to The Somerville News on April 26.

Gay served as mayor before Joseph A. Curtatone took over in 2004. Gay, now 64 years old, said she does not miss the judgment that comes along with politics.

“Being in the mayor’s position is not always an easy position. I miss the day-to-day interaction with the people of Somerville,” she said.

Gay said she is concerned a few of the city’s current issues. She said she is concerned about the high turnover in the planning department.

“I had very little turnover when I was in city hall,” she said

Gay also weighed in on the upcoming addition of the Green Line to Somerville. She called it, “the best thing that could ever happen to Union Square.” However, she said she has some concerns over the funding for this project.

Gay’s prime concentration these days is housing for the elderly.
“We can not create housing fast enough,” she said.

As soon as opening in local senior centers are advertised, roughly 300 to 400 people apply for each individual room. While Gay finds this lack of appropriate housing alarming, she said hopes that Gov. Deval Patrick will put more of an emphasis on housing issues.

Gay currently works as the director of Housing for Hebrew Senior Life, which owns and runs seven senior living communities in the greater Boston area. She calls it a logical step for her, as worked as a nurse for 40 years before becoming mayor.

“It’s been a very exciting time. I love what I do now,” Gay said. “If I can in any way enhance someone’s life, that’s what makes me feel fulfilled.”