Candidate Profile: Stephen Delani

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 Stephen Delani:

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 first of two issues facing Somerville right now is the ever increasing city budget, This has impacted every single resident of Somerville in the form of higher property taxes, higher fees for parking, dog licenses, marriage licenses and permits. The city budget since 2012 and projected 2014 is increasing at about 11% the property taxes in the same time span will increase 6.3%, This property tax could have been reduced or eliminated by controlling the Budget. It appears our current administration think it is an open check book and they can pass along the bill to the residents. The second issues is we need to bring in more local business to this great city, we need to fill the vacant building with permanent tenants. Circuit city and Star market have been empty too long and if these building were filled with thriving businesses,  they would create Jobs and additional tax revenue for the city.   

Question: Tell us about your background.

I have lived in Somerville since 1995, My wife Virginia and my boys T.J. and Nick have all graduated from Somerville High, we loved the city so much we bought our home on Berkeley St. in 2004. I have been in retail since 1991, I have run Multi million dollar stores for a national chain. I have experience in controlling the bottom line and reducing the operation expense of a Business. I believe this city is a business within the community and needs to be run like one. We need to ensure that our city government is running efficiently and within a acceptable budget, one that would still provide the needed services and protect its residents.

Question: Why should Somerville residents vote for you?

I believe that I am the best candidate that represents Change for the City of Somerville. I have the most professional experience in addressing budgets and have a history of proven leadership in my career in retail.  I am not part of the current political process nor do I work for the city. I will not rubber stamp anything. I do not owe anyone any favors. Here is my commitment to you the Voter: I will support those proposals which benefit my ward, create jobs and revenue for the City of Somerville and benefit you the voter. If you want change you need go to the pols and vote for it on September 24th and again on November 5th.