Newstalk for July 20th 2005

A rumor is still a rumor – even if it seems silly – we have heard from several people on the street that former Alderman Kevin Tarpley is entertaining the thought of mounting a sticker campaign for Alderman at Large.  Given the amount of time to pull papers and get the signatures, we just don’t believe this one.

Well it finally happened – local activist Herb Vargas and Fred Federico (owner of Sunny’s Deli) – buried the hatchet and the ban was lifted.  We’re glad, because the rumor mill was grinding pretty slow in Union Square, so now everything is back to normal in the Square at the Deli.

Chief Bob Bradley had his hands full last week handling a not so small problem recently dealing with a lot of cars that were towed out of the Target parking lot.  It seems that there was three busloads of local people going on a Casino/Gambling day trip.  Sponsored by a local veterans group, there was apparent confusion over who gave permission for them to park their cars there in the first place.  It wasn’t a pleasant experience, for when they returned they let all their Aldermen and the Mayor know what happened.

That Ward 5 Alderman race is heating up – Alderman Sean O’Donovan is definitely in the race that could make or break his political career.  Rumor has it (and through some good sources) that John L. Sullivan has been landing some pretty interesting people to support his candidacy.  Although both candidates are working hard, this could definitely come down to seeing just how strong Mayor Joe’s forces are against former mayoral candidate Tony LaFuente’s forces.  Sort of like a mini Mayors race all over again with these two guys going at it.  Don’t forget Sean was one of Mayor Joe’s top advisors two years ago and John was one of Tony’s top advisors.  We can’t help but wonder where former Mayor Mike Capuano is going to be in this race; after all, John L is very close to the Capuano family.

Congressman and former Mayor Michael Capuano hosted a Boston Harbor Boat fundraiser/cruise this past Saturday evening.  A little under 100 people attended – the only local politicians there were Ward 2 Alderwoman Maryann Heuston and oh yeah, Mayor Joe Curtatone along with his Buildings and Grounds guy Frank Santangelo.  Everyone had a great cruise and enjoyed themselves.

Alderman-at-Large and candidate for State Senate William White completed his signatures – rumor has it that he gathered over 5,000 signatures for the race – it appears that he will be the only Republican in the race, which means no Primary for him.  He will face the winner of the Democrat Primary on August 30th.

On the Democrat side we hear phones are ringing from the various candidates.  Casey, Callahan, Jehlen, Mackey & Publicover will all meet on Wednesday night, August 10th for “The Somerville News and Progressive Radio Debate” being held at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square.  Professional polls being taken – all with their own home spin – but all the candidates are working hard behind the scenes combining forces with other politicians out there.  Rumor has it out there that more then a few politicians at city hall are backing Joe Mackey as their favorite and although Mike Callahan is from Medford, he’s got his share of support in this city as well.  We feel that State Rep. Pat Jehlen is the one to watch.  Don’t forget Bob Publicover – will he capture some support that would normally go to Ms. Jehlen?  Should be interesting to see how it all shakes out.

For all those Somerville News website visitors, we have great news!  The present website was selected back a little more than a year ago and it is basically a web-blog site, not a professional newspaper or “ezine” site (you knew that, didn’t you?).  After careful thought and lots of discussion, the owners and staff have selected a new website for the paper which will be more attractive and just as easy to navigate.  Much like the present website, it will not be hosted in-house, but we will be able to bring you a more evolutionary web presence.  What we like about the new website is the overall look and feel and what it can do for both the paper and our community.  So be patient – we will be making the switch soon.

Thursday night the 14th at the Red Sox game, the Somerville Police Honor Guard lit up the scoreboard “City of Somerville” in gigantic letters for all to see at Fenway Park.  The honor guard marched onto the field during the National Anthem and they looked great.  Also, on the 19th, it was Somerville Night at Fenway Park with over 100 city residents and notables who bought tickets thanks to Bob Publicover.

Maria Curtatone, sister of Mayor Joe, extends an open invitation to all to attend the show put on by the “Sunsetters” in front of her house on Munroe Street on July 21st.  Great entertainment, fantastic views, just remember to bring your own chair.