Dennis Sullivan, 2009 Alderman-At-Large Questionnaire Responses

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)?

I believe municipal government work best when it listens. For this reason I have conducted over ninety-five neighborhood office hours throughout the city. This October, I will celebrate my 100th office hour. In 2008 working together with my colleagues, the city passed the responsible employer ordinance. In 2008, I was recognized by the Greater Boston Labor Council (AFL-CIO) with the municipal leadership award.

2. What are your top three agenda priorities and how will you take action on these priorities?

a. Ensure the Commonwealth adheres to the green line extension in a timely manner by continuing to work with residents, municipal, State, and Federal officials.
b. To continue to improve lives of our senior citizens by listening and addressing their concerns at meetings held in senior housing community rooms to make it easier to attend.
c. Public Safety. To continue to effectively advocate for proper staffing levels, training, and equipment for our men and women in the fire and police departments.

3. What do you think the City should do with the Powerhouse School?

I think the City should turn it into a community center for all residents especially our seniors and youth.

4. Do you believe the City's charter should be changed? If so, what changes do you support?

As an Alderman-at-Large, I appointed a resident to the Charter Review Commission and will insist on a public hearing when the commission makes recommendations. Public Input has been the hallmark of my public service and I am unable to answer until the public has weighed in.

5. What are your ideas for addressing Somerville's current budget crisis? Of the budget recommendations Mayor Curtatone currently is considering, please prioritize your top three.

I supported increased meals tax, increased hotel tax, and staff reductions which have already taken place.

6. PDS has taken a position against expanding predatory gambling in Massachusetts as a way to increase state revenue and local aid. Do you agree with the position of PDS? Why or why not.

As an Alderman-at-Large in the City of Somerville, I will never vote to support expanded gambling of any sort in the City of Somerville!

7. Why are you the progressive choice?

As an elected official in the City for the past twelve years, I continue to get the job done! I don’t just talk the talk, I walk the walk! My Neighborhood Office hours are just one example. I hope to see you in the fall as I make stops throughout the city.

8. What will you do to ensure that the Green Line does not displace residents? What are your ideas for balancing affordable housing, business development, and creating/ preserving open space along the green line?

I will continue to work with residents, municipal, State, and Federal officials to accomplish the above goals.

9. What progressive candidates have you supported in the last five years?

I was an early supporter of Jarrett Barrios and was honored to have his endorsement in my last two successful campaigns for Alderman-At-Large.

10 What else should we know about your candidacy?

It’s difficult to sum up twelve years of serving the residents of Somerville both on the School Committee and currently on the Board of Alderman in a short questionnaire. I look forward to a lively in-depth discussion of the issues on the September 22nd.