LoRusso: I may run for alderman again

On February 2, 2005, in Uncategorized, by The News Staff

By Julia C. Reischel

Across the city, rumors have been swirling about possible candidates for this fall’s Board of Aldermen races.

“I’m keeping all my options open,” said Elio LoRusso, the owner of Somerville Ornamental Ironworks in East Somerville who ran for alderman-at-large two years ago. “I’ve been keeping abreast of the problems of the community.”

LoRusso has played an active role in

Somerville

politics in the past. He acted as Ward Chairman for State Rep. Timothy J. Toomey Jr. in the primary campaign against progressive activist Avi Green for the state representative last fall, and supported Tony LaFuente in his race against Mayor Curtatone two years ago.

LoRusso ran for Ward 1 Alderman in 2001 on a platform that stressed education, economic development, and affordable housing. In 2003, he ran for Alderman at Large, stressing similar issues.

This year, as he considers a second run for Alderman at Large, LoRusso says that he thinks

Assembly Square

is the number one issue in

Somerville

. “We need a new community tax base,” he said. “It all boils down to bringing together all the various groups that oppose

Assembly Square

to work out their differences. The problem is solvable. There’s a big developer who’s going to put

Somerville

on the map.”

“The Green Line extension to

Union Square

is another big issue,” LoRusso said. “The current plan is a good one. Driving up Broadway to Magoun, Ball and Medford Squares is a nightmare.”

LoRusso has strong views on gang activity in

Somerville

. “I think people should be held accountable for their actions,” he said, “and if present in the United States illegally, they should be sent to the INS.”

In past campaigns, LoRusso called for aggressive action to stop gangs. Now, with the recent creation of the Gang Advisory Board, said he thinks the city has come a long way with the gang problem.

“I support the gang ordinance as it was written,” said LoRusso. “Talking with my neighbors from

East Somerville

, I feel safer.”

Though LoRusso supported Mayor Curtatone’s opponent two years ago, he commends the mayor’s administration.