Mayor Questionnaire: Richard J. Scirocco

  1. What political or community activism accomplishments are you most proud of during your last term in office (or the last two years if you have not previously served)? What specific things do you want to accomplish during the coming term?

    I have performed many fundraisers and accomplished many things without the request of recognition. A few of my more recent accomplishments would be the fundraiser for James Slattery's headstone. This was one of our Somerville youths that died a tragic death at a young age and the family was without means. The Little League of Somerville, strictly volunteer, which I had been voted on by the membership for Treasurer on, two, one year terms. The job entitled me to creating a yearly budget, budgeting accounts, disbursing to vendors, collecting and fundraising of over one hundred thousand dollar amounts per season. Voted by the membership for President on, four, one year terms. Of which I had to run the day to day operations of thirty eight teams, and, an eleven member Executive Board with a membership of over three hundred members. Chaired meetings and ran them by means of Roberts Rules Of Order. Overseer of all committees within the League. Somerville Youth Roller Hockey League, founder.

    In 1998 I provided and created for children up to adult age, the ability to learn how to, and participate in, roller hockey. All positions volunteer only. Worked with many groups including the Friends of Hoyt Sullivan Park to help build the park. I also helped to build the Walnut Street Park, and the Perkins Street Park. Worked with State and local officials to generate monies to build a roller hockey rink in Conway Park area. Worked with the Department personnel of Community Development to provide and assist in the design and specifications of the Conway Park. Worked with the Board Of Health personnel to provide access to the Conway Concession Stand. I am a current member of The Somerville Kiwanis Club and have participated in many programs within as well as served as Chairman of the Community Service and Bicycle Safety programs. Life member of the Bunker Hill Monument Association. Current member of the Democratic Committee. Organizer of the Sewall Court clean up where the city refused to assist and take on the responsibility. Where a mountain of trash including drug needles were discovered by children playing.

    The accomplishment goals are many. Here is a list of a few to start.

    • To remove the 'bullies tactics' from the city agenda and create more harmony between city officials and their constituents. City employees should not have to look over their shoulder every second but should feel confident in their environment promoting a more productive environment to work in and apply ones self.

    • Creating a better 'open door 'policy to enable all citizens to have accessibility to every program. I have witnessed many times the issues created because of officials ignoring the citizens request for an audience so that they might present their issues for resolve. On many occasions, I have acted as a buffer between parties to accomplish issues that normally would have fallen by the wayside because of the unknowing fact of identification of the representation that our citizens are unaware of.

    • Work more with State officials to generate more money into the city for our parks, schools, roadways, and the programs run by volunteers i. e. Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey, etc. to furnish these programs so as to take the financial burden off of all classes and less fortunate citizens who just cannot afford some of these programs. Putting the children back on the fields and off the street corners where the drugs run free, has positive reinforcement qualities, and produces a base on which to raise our children in a stable environment.

    • Provide more assistance to compliment and assist affordable housing so as to maintain the family status that Somerville has had for many years.

    • Creating more efficient job qualification for our citizens to enable them to seek out better paying and more self pride work. Provide Somerville citizens with more access to job learning experience.

  2. How will you balance business development with the needs of low-income residents as the Green Line comes to Somerville?

    Somerville status of businesses has improved over the years and is on the steady increase. The high impact of more businesses that will effect the needs of lower income residents may be an issue. Sometimes, issues have to be seen and not foreseen to examine their true nature. This way, a more feasible decision can be sought out and implemented. On a positive note, the business improvements will create more jobs. More business also creates better accessibility for our citizens.

    Zoning issues will come before the city boards to obtain approval. As the city reviews, the process, opinions, from local groups, or abutters are, and will be, welcome. The creation of volunteer groups for recommending projects approval and or denial will be reviewed and taken seriously as a measure of weight within the process of review. It is the voice of the people, that many have forgotten. I intend to bring that voice back as a stride in the right direction.

  3. Would you support instant runoff voting (or similar voting reforms) for city elections? Why or why not?

    The voting process that is in place has worked to a point thus far. Some reform may be required but, that depends on the financial purchasing and who has to burden the costs of the system needed to accommodate the accuracy of the change. To give this the proper attention, I would need to create an access of budgeted monies to allow the change before the decision can be forthcoming. Addressing the issue in the near future is a probability that I would be in favor of.

  4. Why is the gang ordinance not enforced, and what do you plan to do about it?

    Section c) is where the first protective issue begins in favor of the gangs. Everyone has rights. I have witnessed first hand as gang members were arguing with officials about their civil rights. Someone has taught them better than our own schools teach our children about what can be said and done. The true gangs use this information in a negative manner. Showing of a stronger Police presence will deter any group with criminal activity on their minds.

    I sat in, on the meeting with others, at the East Somerville Community School, when this came about to public rage, and ended up on the front page instead of the officials up on the stage. I created my own neighborhood watch for gang trouble along with my sons. The street danger is twenty times more than twenty years prior. Neighbors protecting each other is a Somerville inherited trait. I would work in depth with the Police Department and create a more solid plan of action to ensure the safety of the citizens at all times. The Police do a great job but are limited with issues of distraction that prevent them from doing their jobs more effectively. Gangs, as they are labeled, could be a group of kids getting home from a baseball game, a group going to a birthday party, and an unnecessary loud behavior could intimidate say an older couple or individual. Identify the person to determine the crime. That would be my bottom line of thought.

  5. What specific steps will you take to strengthen the community policing program?

    As I stated earlier, I will work hand in hand with Police officials to compliment and provide assistance to the Police Department Community Service and enforce the reach out to your neighbor programs. Immigrants that obtain status of citizenship should be embraced by all Americans. We live in this society together so that all men, women, and children are created with equality and can share in the life on the same level. Sometimes people need a friendly reminder. I was raised into a society that was jealous of immigration because of the benefits for just coming to the United States. While we suffered from lack of minimal means for a comfortable existence, the government awarded immigrants everything from housing to food. Our citizens should have the equal benefits as others and be allowed to share in lifes awards. If someone needs a helping hand then everyone should do their part for a successful ending.

  6. What specific steps will you take to increase the civic involvement of immigrants?

    Identify each citizen that has recently immigrated to our city. Create a registration program for more community service and assistance in their field of expertise, if any, so their trade can be put to a more beneficial use for all of our community. If they can help, they should help. Even more so, they should be taught to help.

  7. What specific steps will you take to promote pay equity in Somerville? (see http://www.mass.gov/women/payequity/payequity.htm#legislation)

    The review of all pay scale differs from job description to educational background. I would have to completely review, thoroughly, their credentials, before making a committed decision on this matter. Fair wages should always be a priority and negotiating those wages for the citizens tax paying dollars would be a give and take.

  8. What will you do about Somerville's budget crunch?

    This specific issue has come up on many levels. First thing I would be in favor of is recommending change in the School Committee status to a smaller Board. As our schools are becoming fewer over the decades, it is my opinion that the Board should be changed to an At Large status so all citizens can access any member and not be limited. The Board should be minimized. The over hiring of employees and the creation of law suits from illegal decisions must be changed. Potentially, we as citizens, are set up to pay for any mistakes or errors that our officials make. Changing our status quo will remind us to make more sound judgmental decisions.

  9. How will you create a town-gown relationship with Tufts comparable to that of Cambridge and Boston with their universities?

    Although Tufts has the attention of Somerville, it would be premature for me to give an answer without first talking to and negotiating a decision between the city and Tufts key personnel. Possibly Barbara Rubel who, I am told, has an understanding on the issue. Or, if an issue requires my direct attention, then I would go and seek out Tom Birmingham and ask him for his imput to resolve the issue. In past history, Tufts has been accommodating to Somerville and us to them. I see no reason that a meeting of the minds cannot take place to address this issue and come to a reasonable decision.

  10. What else should we know about your candidacy?

    For the last fifteen years, I have participated in, and run a number of volunteer programs successfully. I have helped to build parks, clean up the streets, and work with many of my neighbors. I have run fundraisers for less fortunate individuals and groups in need of funding. I am a past member of the Somerville Chamber Of Commerce. As a former Teamster, I have assisted in negotiations of collective bargaining between employer and employee. Working with many of our present and past Aldermen, Mayors, School Committee personnel, Directors of City Departments, personnel in those departments, I have knowledge of the inner workings of City Hall. I have served as a buffer on many occasions to accomplish the simplest or complex of tasks between citizens and City. I possess the courage to stand up and defend all citizens of our community. I am a life long citizen of Somerville born in Somerville hospital, and I love my city. I enjoy the historical aspect and encourage that to all. I have no favors owed and no promises made. I am a son of Somerville who wants to unite both new and old, and bring more to prosperity to my fellow citizens. I hope this sheds some light as to my beliefs and goals.