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An e.newsletter from Denise Provost, Alderman-at-Large
I thought that I would be running as a Delegate in the Ward 5 Caucus this year, but it turns out
that I needn't - I'll be a delegate ex officio. In any case, I go as a supporter of gubernatorial
candidate Deval Patrick. I first met Mr. Patrick, and heard him speak, at last year's convention
in Lowell. I was most impressed, and have become increasingly so each time I have heard him
speak.
I hope that many readers will decide to attend the caucuses on Saturday, February 4. Locations
vary by Ward, call the Election Dept. at 617-625-6600, or check the city website if you are
uncertain of yours. The caucuses start promptly at 10:00; doors open at 9:30, but no one is
admitted after starting time.
If you come to your caucus, you'll have the chance to sign my nomination papers. Yes, that's
right - to get on the ballot next fall. Please help me make sure that I will be running for RE-election.
B) PLEASE VOTE TUESDAY!
So, that means that you voters who live in the 27th Middlesex District (Wards 3, 5, and 6; plus
precincts 2-3 and 4-3) have the chance to elect me as your State Representative. The Special
General Election is next Tuesday, February 7. IF YOU CAN HELP, EVEN FOR AN HOUR,
please call Brian Conley at 781-690-2585, or email him at
bmconley@gmail.com. Polls are open
from 7 am until 8 pm, and rides will be provided all day to those calling 617-625-3500.
We will be at Headquarters, 259 Elm Street, 3d floor, on election night - drop by to have some
food, and learn what the final vote is. The door to the building is just behind the public clock
in Davis Square - between Mike's and the Diesel. Any help on election day is, of course
welcome - but the single most important thing to do is to VOTE, and to remind your friends to
do the same.
C) WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TUESDAY?
I will be closing down my campaign headquarters, starting soon after the election. It's not an
exciting job, but it will be relatively speedy and pleasant if anyone would care to help. I would
be especially grateful if someone with a truck or van could help me transport signs.
If you have a YARD SIGN, please don't throw it away! Yard signs represent a big investment
in lumber and labor - and I'll need to use these again in the fall. It would be a big help if those
who could do so would either bring them to headquarters on election night, or leave them on
my porch, at 20 Albion Street. If we fail to collect a sign, please call me at 617-628-1130 (or
email me) about collecting it - our sign database is a bit patchy.
If you have particular complaints or suggestions about the rink, please contact me before
February 8. It won't be the last chance to make your case, by any means, but I like to know as
much as possible about any situation that I address. Thanks to all of you who have written to
me to date to voice your concerns.
Items from this newsletter may be freely used provided that the source is named
copyright 2006 Denise Provost
February 3, 2006
1) ELECTORAL MATTERS
A) DEMOCRATIC CAUCUSES SATURDAY
The groundhogs are seeing their shadows, which means that it's time for that fundamentally
democratic institution, the Democratic caucuses. Any registered Democrat who wants to do so
can run as a Delegate to the state Democratic Party's annual convention - and anyone who brings
enough of their Democratic friends to the caucus is almost certain to win. Because this is a State
Election year, Delegates will be voting at the convention to select the party's official candidates
for state office, including its candidate for Governor.
First of all, I want to thank everyone who voted on January 10, and all of those who helped on
my campaign. Some people have already started to lobby me about the mandatory seat belt law,
proposed financial reporting for religious institutions, and other bills upon which I will not have
the opportunity to vote. They think I have been elected already to the state legislature. I haven't;
I'm simply the nominee of the Democratic Party.
After every election, there is a statutory 10 day period during which protests can be filed, or a
recount demanded. After that period has run, the election results can be certified. Assuming that
I am elected, I expect that I would be sworn in shortly thereafter - so I will have to let you know
when that will be.
D) IF YOU'VE THOUGHT OF WORKING IN THE STATEHOUSE...
I will be able to hire a Legislative Aide, assuming that I am elected State Representative. Several
among you have already sent me resumes and letters expressing your interest in this position.
If you are interested, and if you're well-organized, and have good communication skills, send
me your resume right away - electronically is fine
- I wouldn't want to overlook any worthy candidates.
2) SKATING RINK UPDATE
The poor condition and maintenance of the Veteran's Memorial Skating Rink on Somerville
Avenue has been a perennial complaint, especially since the state transferred responsibility for
rinks from the MDC to DCR (the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation.) The
threatened late opening of the rink again this year has pushed the issue to higher visibility, and
Somerville's state delegation and some aldermen will be meeting with DCR's new
Commissioner, Stephen Burrington, on February 8 to discuss the matter.
3) NEW MASS. HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL TAKES EFFECT
As of Monday, Jan. 30, the Mass. Highway Department has changed its design standards for
all roads, bridges, and other facilities under its jurisdiction. The new Design Manual is
apparently available on line, on the Mass. Highway Dept. website, which I don't know offhand,
but should be easy to Google. Now, some clever person can take a look, and try to figure out
if it would truly be possible for KSS Realty to create an access road, from the Maxpack site to
the area between the two spans of the Lowell Street Bridge, consistent with these design
standards.
4) UNION SQUARE MAIN STREETS PARTY
Union Square Main Streets is celebrating its first birthday with a "bash" at Lino's Restaurant,
307 Somerville Avenue, Union Square, starting at 6 pm on Wednesday, February 8. A $25
donation is requested, to benefit Main Streets in its effort to bring vibrancy to Union Square.
Visit the website.
5) HOMELESS SUMMIT SCHEDULED
The City of Somerville Homeless Summit will be held in the Aldermen's Chamber on Friday,
February 10, 2006, from 9:30 am until noon. Work will be completed on a Ten-Year Plan to
End Chronic Homelessness. To RSVP for the event, or if you have questions, contact Dana
LeWinter at 617-625-6600, x 2500.