by Nuria Chantre

A candidate for the position of Alderman at Large spoke at The Somerville News contributors meeting held Jan. 25 at the Mr. Crepe shop.

“I think I have the most credentials to be the person that’s needed to fill the seat that’s needed right now,” said John M. Connolly, former Ward 6 Alderman. “I think I can bring a lot of experience.”

Connolly said working for the city of Somerville is part of his family history; he has served as Ward Alderman since 1984.

‚ÄúA lot of my resume is right outside this room.  Saving the Somerville theatre was a very important part of our city‚Äôs history,‚Äù he said.

Focusing on public safety and education will maximize city dollars, and therefore his priorities lie in these areas, he said.

Connolly‚Äôs work with the city spans over twenty years and twenty-two city budgets, he said. Connolly said his community efforts include negotiating pilot efforts with Tufts University.  Under the pilot contract, the institution, in lieu of property taxes, pays one million dollars to the city, and, in addition, provides much needed community benefits, he said.   

The money funds Somerville youth groups and other projects agreed upon by the city and Tufts University, he said.  Volunteer programs established through the pilot include tutoring opportunities for high school students, aid for the Somerville homeless coalition, and additional involvement in the Somerville school system and other community organizations.

In addition, the Tufts’ shuttle bus system may now be used by the public to get around Somerville, he said.

Connolly said he is pleased with the burgeoning develop-ment in Union Square, and expressed support for plans to extend green line service to the city.  Union Square is developing despite traffic and transportation problems, he said. ‚ÄúThere‚Äôs a lot of momentum,‚Äù he said.

“There is no reason why Union Square isn’t going to develop the same way Davis Square has, particularly with the expansion of the green line,” said Connolly.

People left the city in the 70s, leaving only wiseguys and winos, he said. Now, however his native town is evolving, he said.

Connolly said a mix of local businesses and larger chains in areas like Davis Square benefits everyone by providing residents with choices.  Connolly said he praises the safety and security of the area and the efficiency of the bike path.  ‚ÄúThe key to Davis Square is keeping the central businesses central.‚Äù 

A new complex planned for Davis Square will include Boston Sports Club facilities, along with additional health service providers, giving Somerville residents even more health choices within walking distance, he said. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for Somerville.”