Governor Patrick supports Carl Sciortino in September 16 primary
by Jonathan Rich, Somerville Voices
July 22, 2008
At a fundraiser for his reelection campaign at Sabur Restaurant this evening, Representative Carl Sciortino got some strongly worded support from Governor Deval Patrick, and announced that an upcoming environmental bond bill would include two million dollars for improvements to Somerville's largest open space, Foss Park.
[Following are notes taken on the fly during the event. Please send comments to correct any errors.]
Noting key legislative accomplishments since he took office in which Sciortino had played an active role, particularly Equal Marriage, the pending bill to close corporate tax loopholes, and funding for the green Line extension, Governor Patrick told an enthusiastic crowd "I want to celebrate and encourage, and ask you to send back, one of the best partners I have [in the State legislature], Carl Sciortino."
Patrick said he had been "overcome" by Sciortino's speech during the Equal Marriage fight, saying it had displayed not so much political skill as "statesmanship." He spoke warmly of Sciortino's skills and service on "a host of issues about working people," and finshed by saying "Carl has it all. Ladies and gentlemen, send him back: Carl Sciortino."
Rep. Sciortino returned the compliments by noting that he had worked for a term with Governor Romney before Patrick was elected. "I can tell you, it makes a huge difference."
Of the tax loophole bill, he noted that "Mom and Pop businesses can't take advantage of the gimmicks that large corporation have used to avoid paying taxes." He said the legislation would bring in as much as $300 million in its first year.
Sciortino noted the presence of Peter Unger of the Foss Park Neighborhood Association, recalling that Unger had approached him shortly after his election to talk about the dire conditions in the park. Saying that, after walking through the park with Unger, he made a commitment to support improvements. He went on to announce the $2 million in funding for those improvements currently in the works.
Governor Patrick was introduced by Senator Pat Jehlen, who was in turn introduced by Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz. Gewirtz noted Sciortino's remarkable follow-through on promises he made during his first campaign, and praised Jehlen's "tireless" service on issues related to senior citizens.
The event was well attended by Sciortino's legislative colleagues, including Senator Jehlen and four members of the House of Representatives: Paul J. Donato (D. Medford), Denise Provost (D. Somerville), James B. Eldridge (D. Acton), and Stephen Stat Smith (D. Everett).
Local officials included Alderman Gewirtz, and School Committee members Paul Bockelman, Adam Sweeting, and Mark Niedergang. Four members of the Medford School Committee were also in attendance.