Somerville Alderman Candidate: John Connolly

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?

1A. Keeping the Green Line station construction on the front burner of the Commonwealth, and getting the first station on Washington Street and the line into Union Square underway ASAP.

1B. Keeping the Assembly Square Project moving along, and to insure the completion of the Orange Line station as scheduled (two years away). I will be vehemently vocal on the Board holding the administration's feet to the fire to ensure the continued progress of these immenensely important developments.

2. Maintain and improve Police , Fire, and  DPW services as it is my view that Government exists to provide for the Public Safety first and foremost. I will continue my advocacy financially for these vital services.

Tell us about your background

I am born and raised here in Somerville, 2nd generation son of Irish immigrants who seetled in Somerville at the turn of the last century. I attended local schools, worked my through and graduated from  Boston College with a BA degree in Government, worked in public sector for both city and state goverrnment for eight years, worked my way through graduate schools at Boston College and Tufts Univ. earning a MA of Ed. in  Education. I have served as the Ward Six Alderman for 11 terms, with the post T station development work in Davis Square serving as a testimony to what a dedicated group of people can do when working together with a common goal. I have been elected 3 times as an Alderman at Large serving the entire City, and have been proud to have worked with my colleagues on the BOA to get Assembly Square underway, advocate for the Green Line, and to worked on major zoning revisions getting ready for the arrival of these vital transportation improvements. In addition to public sector work, I am pleased to be a licensed insurance professional serving the local community, and to be part of an award winning insurance agency in Davis. Square. I am pleased to be a long-time basketball referee officiating top high school and amateur leagues here in the greater Boston area during the winter months; I know how to make a call! My wife Gail and I have raised three daughters, all who have attended and been very well educated in our public schools and went on to top colleges (two have graduated, and one with another year to complete her studies).

Why should Somerville residents vote for you?

I ask people to consider me for one of their four choices as Alderman At Large (first on the ballot) because I have the background, education, experience, energy, and common sense to represent their interests city-wide on the Board of Aldermen. I have years of experience holding Mayors' and their administrations' accountable, and promoting the best interests of citizens to make Somerville a safe, great place to live work, play, and raise a family. I would be truly humbled and honored to once again be one of their  four choices for the 2012-2013 term of the BOA.