by Neil W. McCabe

One of the founding leaders of the Progressive Democrats of Somerville and a former aide to State Rep. Patricia D. Jehlen, D-Somerville, announced today her candidacy for the Ward 6 alderman seat held by John M. “Jack” Connolly.

“I’m excited to take on this new challenge,” said Rebekah Gewirtz, who is now a community organizer for the Commonwealth Coalition, a grassroots organization that supports progressive candidates and issues.

Gewirtz, who moved to the city five years ago and lives on Lowden Street, said, “I believe the families and residents of this neighborhood want an alderman who has a real commitment to their concerns. I’m running because I share those concerns.”

Her experience makes her no stranger to local politics, she said.

In addition, to serving as the legislative director for Jehlen and the leader of the city’s Progressive Democrats, Gewirtz was the lead activist for State Rep. Carl M. Sciortino Jr.’s campaign for 2004 against former incumbent Vincent P. Ciampa, in both the Sept. 14 Democratic Primary and the Nov. 2 General Election, when Ciampa launched a sticker campaign.

In the 2002 governor’s race, Gewirtz said she was the Somerville coordinator for the Robert Reich, who lost statewide in that year’s primary, but won in Somerville, she said.

It was after the Reich campaign ended that Gewirtz and other progressive activists went on to form the Progressive Democrats of Somerville to engage more local residents in local and statewide affairs, she said.

Joining the Gewirtz team as campaign manager is Rachel Berry, she said. Berry managed the Sciortino campaign.

Berry said she believes Gewirtz will be a strong candidate. “Rebekah has been such a committed and effective leader here already. She’s really shown how dedicated she is to this community and has a tremendous amount of support even at this early stage.”

Gewirtz said her campaign will kick-off April 5 at a location to be announced.