2009 Contested Ward Endorsements

Immediate Release - August 1, 2009
For more information, please contact Marty Martinez, PDS Chairperson at 617-256-5641 or chair at pdsomerville dot org org.

Somerville, MA - The Progressive Democrats of Somerville (PDS) has made endorsements in three contested ward races. For the School Committee, PDS is proud to endorse Ward 5 incumbent Mark Niedergang and Ward 4 challenger Christine Rafal. In the only contested Alderman's race, PDS endorses Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz for reelection to that seat. All three candidates sought the endorsement by completing a questionnaire that highlighted their views and expressed their plans for serving the residents of our city. The members overwhelmingly voted to endorse each candidate and now plan to work to elect them.

West Somerville resident and PDS Endorsement Chair Ade Baptista said that for the members the choice was clear. "Each of these candidates took the time to share their views with our membership, they came to our meeting and expressed a commitment to open government that is accountable to the residents of the city. The membership is very enthused to support both Alderman Gewirtz and School Committeeman Niedergang for reelection and to elect a new voice for parents and children in Christine Rafal for the Ward 4 School Committee seat."

PDS Chairman, Marty Martinez said the Ward 4 race is an important one. "We have the chance to elect another strong community voice to the School Committee. Christine is a parent of a child at the Healey school, she is a former teacher and is dedicated to bringing more resources to our schools. She understands the great things already happening in our schools and the areas where more development is needed. Christine will be an active addition to the school committee and will do a great job representing the residents of Winter Hill and the Ten Hills neighborhood."

PDS invited both candidates in each of the three races to submit a written response detailing their positions on a variety of issues. Candidates were asked to respond to important issues facing this district including thoughts on local issues, the use of the Powerhouse School, ways to engage community residents and ideas for making their respective elected bodies more open and accessible. The Progressive Democrats of Somerville are excited to endorse these candidates and put our collective efforts behind their campaigns.