Candidate Profile: Elio LoRusso

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 Elio LoRusso:
 

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 top two issues I have heard spending the last five months knocking on voter’s doors are Rodents and Development.

Rats:

Most of Ward 1 has a serious rodent problem – and it’s getting worse. Rats are everywhere – in our yards, on our streets – even in our kid’s playgrounds. This is a public health and quality of life issue and I don’t believe the city is doing enough to combat this. 

For years, the city has been telling us that they are baiting. Well it obviously isn’t working. We need to examine new ways to combat this problem. As Alderman, I’ll hold the administration’s feet to the fire to bring a concrete plan to bring rodents under control. I’ll advocate and fight for a Citywide Rodent Task Force that can look at different ways to eradicate rodent infestation, such as more trapping; making contractors more responsible and examining other methods such as sterilization. 

Development: 

These are exciting times for our neighborhoods. People are finally figuring out what we have known for years – that East Somerville is a great place to live, work and raise a family. However, I do think we need more commercial development in Ward 1 to increase our tax base and bring tax relief to residents, especially seniors and those on fixed incomes.

We need to carefully monitor all development in Ward 1 and make sure it fits the fabric of our community. Some proposals like the proposed Stop & Shop development are out of step with our community - and I won’t support them.

If elected, I’ll make sure that resident have sufficient input into proposed development. And I will NEVER be a rubber stamp for anyone at City Hall.

Question: Tell us about your background.

My life story is a familiar one in the neighborhoods of our city. It's a story shared by generations who have called Somerville home – and made it such a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Both my parents are immigrants. I was born in East Somerville and have lived in Ward 1 all my life. My parents taught me the values of hard work and community. I attended Little Flower School and then Malden Catholic High School.

After graduating from Suffolk University, I went to work for the Somerville small business my father founded back in 1969 - Somerville Ornamental Iron Work. Learning the trade from my father, I eventually took the business over, and in the 16 years I’ve worked there, the business has grown into a leader in the industry. We now have eight full-time employees.

I decided to run for Alderman because our neighborhoods and our city are at a crossroads. Many exciting things are happening in East Somerville - from the Assembly Square development to the re-vamping of East Broadway - and I believe I have the relationships and experience to deliver solid leadership to Ward 1 during these pivotal times.

I live on George St with my wife Juscelia and my 4-year old daughter, Maria Gabriella.

Question: Why should Somerville residents vote for you?

I’ve spent the last five months knocking on doors in Ward 1. And it’s re-enforced something I’ve always known – it’s the people who live in our city that make Somerville special - not the politicians. It’s why I spent the summer months listening and learning from Ward 1 residents. It’s their ideas, hopes and concerns that I bring to this campaign and I will work hard for every resident if I’m elected.  I live and work in Ward 1. I know the city and my neighbors - and I would like the chance to give back to the city that has given me so much.

I hope that I can earn your vote for Alderman on Tuesday, September 24th and Tuesday, November 5th.