With just a week until the preliminary election, about 50 people jammed into Vinny's Restaurant on Broadway in Somerville last Tuesday to rally for Matt McLaughlin's bid for Ward One Alderman.
Ward One resident Julio De La Cruz kicked the event off by pointing out how the crowd in attendance reflected Matt's diverse support in Ward One and throughout the City of Somerville. "Matt has been very involved with youth issues in Somerville," said Delacruz. "He really believes in increasing the city's youth outreach and community policing programs."
After announcing that the Somerville Labor Coalition had endorsed McLaughlin, Somerville Municipal Employees Association President Ed Halloran told the crowd, "Matt has been a strong voice for Somerville working families. He has fought for affordable housing and local hiring to help keep local residents in Somerville.
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"Matt is pro-development, but he wants to make sure small businesses don't get priced out of the market," said Halloran. "Whether we're talking about hotel development in Assembly Square or a mom and pop restaurant like Vinny's, McLaughlin wants development policies that reflect the needs of our community, not the other way around."
Dr. Marie O'Brien, a long time Ward One resident and retiree, talked about how McLaughlin's two tours in Iraq helped prepare him for service at home. "He's seen suffering and pain around the world and right here at home," said O'Brien. "His service to our country and his education at Tufts University gives him the ability to see the big picture. He's a good listener and will come up with innovative solutions to the very difficult problems we face in Ward One."
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McLaughlin wrapped up the evening explaining how his campaign has reached out to include everyone in the Ward, not just the handful of those who regularly participate in off-year elections. McLaughlin said he's proud to have registered over 90 residents to vote and is doing everything he can to get new voters to the polls next Tuesday.
Matt McLaughlin is a lifelong Somerville resident whose campaign appears to be transcending the "native 'villens" versus "hipster newcomers" divide that usually fractures politics here. Judging by the number of elected officials, union leaders, and the diversity of constituents from Ward One who attended his campaign rally, people are beginning to take notice.
On Sept. 24, vote for Matt McLaughlin for Ward One Alderman. Learn more at www.mattmclaughlin.org.
