Candidate Profile: Joseph Capuano

For Somerville Patch's 2013 election guide, we asked all candidates running for office in Somerville the same three questions, and we posted their answers without editing them. Here are the responses from Joseph Capuano:

Question: What are the two most important issues facing Somerville right now, and what would you do on the Board of Aldermen to address those issues?

The redevelopment of the Powder House Community School is the most important issue in the short term (over the long-term, it’s the Green Line Extension).  The City has total control over the possible sale of the PHCS and we have only one chance to get it right.  My commitment to community involvement will serve the people well when it comes time to make final decisions and negotiate with any developer (or plan for open space).

The second most important issue is making our community safer.  Specifically, I have heard many residents complain about the City’s inattention to rodent control and pedestrian/bike safety.  Health, safety and quality of life demand that every urban area prioritize rodent control and any relaxation in this battle is simply unacceptable.  As for road safety, our crosswalks should be painted regularly and adequate lighting should be added to improve the safety of our seniors and children.  Improved painting, lighting and enforcement would also improve safety for our bicyclists and pedestrians as we find ways to better share the roads amongst all travelers.

Having grown up here, attending Somerville Public Schools, there was never a doubt that I would come back after graduating from Boston College.  My parents, grandmother, uncles, aunts, and cousins all live here.  Together with my brother Mike and his wife Elizabeth, we own and live in a two-family home on High Street

I mediated differences in High School and mentored children through the Big Brother Association in college.  After college, I became the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Department of Housing and Economic Development for Governor Patrick.  Today, I help business leaders navigate the complexities of government to create jobs.

I’m proud to have earned endorsements from organizations that represent working men and women, including the Greater Boston Labor Council, the Somerville Labor Coalition, Painters Local 35, Carpenters Local 218, and the Somerville Fire Fighters. 

I was raised to be an active member of society and to care about my neighbors.  I have been fortunate to get a good education that has enabled me to build a solid career and a hopeful future.  I have learned how to respect the opinion of everyone and to work out our differences in a thoughtful manner.  I know I don’t have all the answers, but I also know I am willing to try and capable of doing it with integrity and transparency.

I want to use the skills I’ve learned to help make Somerville a better place to live and work -  from development issues, to the environment, to education, to affordable housing, to city services - everyone deserves to be heard and respected.  I have proven this through my campaign.  I am the only candidate to publicly seek opinions from the neighbors of the Powder House Community School – it is important to know what THEY want.  I am the only candidate who has respected the community by campaigning in a manner that minimizes our differences and maximizes the love of our community that brings us together.  I have knocked on every door in the Ward at least three times, trying to meet and listen to everyone.  I love Somerville, I have benefited from living here and I want to keep the good we have built and improve it for everyone.

I respectfully ask for your vote on November 5th.