endorsement

The Progressive Democrats of Somerville are proud to announce their endorsement decisions for Somerville's School Committee races:

• Adam Sweeting for Ward 3 School Committee, particularly for a degree of engagement and insight impressive in a first-time candidate. [link to questionnaire responses]
• Mark Niedergang for Ward 5 School Committee, particularly for his leadership in long-range planning and his tendency to ask probing questions. [link to questionnaire responses]
• Paul Bockelman for Ward 6 School Committee, particularly for the steps he has taken in informing and engaging his constituents in Ward 6. [link to questionnaire responses]
• Mary Jo Rossetti for Ward 7 School Committee, particularly for her hard work both at the city and state level towards MCAS reform. [link to questionnaire responses]

PDS is proud to support all four of these candidates and looks forward to working with them toward our mutual goals for the city.

The Progressive Democrats of Somerville are proud to announce the following endorsements:

Joe Lynch for Ward 5 Alderman [http://www.lynchforalderman.com]

Joe Lynch has worked behind the scenes in community revitalization issues such as the extension of the Community Path, Maxpac, and the Green Line extension. His support for broadcasting meetings of planning and zoning board meetings will create greater transparency in government. Joe Lynch is the kind of problem solver and independent thinker we need on the Board of Alderman.

Rachel Heller for Ward 7 Alderman [http://www.rachelheller.com]

Rachel Heller as the Policy Director for the Senate Housing Committee brings expertise and commitment to affordable housing to Somerville. She is not only a strong supporter of greater transparency in government but has worked to increase the involvement of homeless and formerly homeless parents in the state budget process. Rachel Heller skills as an organizer and consensus builder would be a great benefit to the Board of Alderman.

The Progressive Democrats of Somerville are proud to announce the following endorsements:

Fred Berman for Alderman-at-Large [www.fredatlarge.net]

Fred Berman has been a tireless organizer and participant in community groups working to make Somerville a better place for all of its inhabitants to live. Among his notable accomplishments are helping negotiate the Assembly Square settlement and helping bring the Green Line to Somerville.

Bill White for Alderman-at-Large [www.aldermanwhite.org]

Bill White continues to serve constituents across the city with his sharp attention to detail and incisive knowledge of issues concerning Somerville. He has been a great positive force in matters of planning and development, working to ensure that the community has had a voice at Assembly Square, Union Square, the Maxpak site, and many others.

Rebekah Gewirtz for Ward 6 Alderman [www.rebekahgewirtz.org]

Rebekah Gewirtz is a long-time advocate of transparent, open, and accountable local government, and has delivered on those values during her time as Ward 6 Alderman, particularly through her regular newsletters and promotion of the Davis Square Task Force and David Area Resident Business Initiative. A major focus of her work in office has been affordable housing, a major issue both now and in the future as Somerville continues to develop.

PDS has decided not to endorse in the Mayoral race: may the best candidate win.

The Progressive Democrats of Somerville are proud to endorse Jamie Eldridge in the upcoming special election for the MA-05 seat in the US House of Representatives.

We salute Jamie Eldridge's history of successful progressive
action, particularly:
* his success as a publicly financed "Clean Elections" candidate
* his work in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on education, affordable housing, environmental issues, open government, health care, and election reform
* his hard work in the struggle for equal marriage
* his history of engaging grassroots Democrats and other progressive organizations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Endorsements Chair, The Progressive Democrats of Somerville (PDS)
endorsements at pdsomerville dot org
www.pdsomerville.org

PDS Endorses Marty Martinez for Somerville Alderman-at-Large

Somerville, MA February 27, 2007 In its monthly Tuesday meeting, The Progressive Democrats of Somerville (PDS) endorsed Marty Martinez for Alderman-at-Large.

"I am proud and honored to have received the endorsement of The Progressive Democrats of Somerville," said Marty. "PDS shares my vision of a Somerville where every child has the opportunity to succeed, where we live in a more affordable community, and where local government is open and responsive to all."

The Progressive Democrats of Somerville endorse the following state legislators running in unopposed races:

State Senator Pat Jehlen
State Senator Jarrett Barrios
State Representative Carl Sciortino
State Representative Denise Provost
State Representative Tim Toomey