2009 Alderman At Large Endorsements

Immediate Release – September 26, 2009
For more information, please contact Marty Martinez, PDS Chairperson at 617-256-5641 or chair at pdsomerville dot org.

Somerville, MA - The Progressive Democrats of Somerville (PDS) has made endorsements in the contested Alderman-at-Large race. PDS is proud to endorse incumbents Bill White and Dennis Sullivan for reelection, and challenger Luis Morales. Each candidate brings something different to this race and the PDS membership voted to support those perspectives.

West Somerville resident and PDS Endorsement Chair Ade Baptista said that for the members the choice was clear. "Just as our endorsed candidates did for ward alderman and school committee, each of these candidates sought our endorsement and took the time to share their views with our membership, come to our endorsement meeting to answer questions and talk about their progressive background and experiences. Our members are impressed with their credentials."

"This is the second time we have endorsed Alderman at Large Bill White and we are very proud to do so. He continues to be a strong voice for open and accountable government and we know that we have a strong progressive leader on the Board of Aldermen with him present." said PDS Chairman Marty Martinez. "Our membership was pleased to see Alderman at Large Dennis Sullivan seek our endorsement once again. Dennis made a strong case that he works hard to be accessible to all of the residents of the city and that he believes he brings a progressive agenda to the board. Finally, Luis Morales would bring a fresh perspective to the board and the PDS members present felt that his personal story and background would give voice to many of the residents in our community who are not engaged in local government. As a challenger, he would bring a much needed perspective to City Hall. We are proud to endorse each of these three candidates."

PDS invited all Alderman-at-Large candidates to submit a written response detailing their positions on a variety of issues. Four of the five candidates responded. 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. Their responses are posted on the PDS website at www.pdsomerville.org.