Santa Claus, best known for operating a global toy distribution organization, appeared on Somerville Community Access Television's "Greater Somerville" earlier this week and was remarkably up-to-date about local issues, especially for a busy executive who spends most of his time 3300 miles away at headquarters in the North Pole.

Among other things, Claus voiced his opinion about the holiday lights "Illumination Tour" that recently took place in the city, saying East Somerville had better lights than West Somerville.

"East Somerville was definitely the [tour] to be on this year, and West Somerville has some ground to make up," Claus said.

The toy distributer also spoke about receiving correspondence from children, noting that young people now contact him via email, social media and text, but that handwritten letters are still popular.

In regard to texts, Claus said his cell phone service in the North Pole is "getting better every year."

He also said that to be successful in his field, "You have to be a good delegator."

When Joseph Lynch, co-host of "Greater Somerville," suggested that Rep. Michael Capuano was naughty this year and deserved a lump of coal due to his position on the Green Line extension, Claus came to the legislator's defense.

"Mike Capuano has been nice," Claus said, pointing to what he said was the congressman's realistic approach to funding challenges surrounding the project.

When co-host KyAnn Anderson said she was pleased a certain massage parlor near her home had been shut down—the massage parlor allegedly offered "happy endings"—Claus said, "I did hear about that."

Santa watchers have drawn attention to Claus's appearance, arguing the North Pole resident bears a close but purely coincidental resemblance to Somerville Alderman At-Large Dennis Sullivan.

Watch the entire interview with Claus here.