Rep race: Now it's up to the voters
Somerville Journal, by Auditi Guha
Sep 11, 2008
This year's state rep race has the incumbent running on stickers and the popular alderman running against what he calls outside interests.
And that's just for starters.
The race pits Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane and incumbent Carl Sciortino in the race for state rep in wards 7 and 4 of Somerville, and precincts in Medford. They both seek the Democratic nomination in the Tuesday, Sept. 16 Primary.
Both are upbeat about their chances.
"I'm proud of the support our campaign has received," Sciortino said. "We're in a strong position leading up to the primary to let voters know about our accomplishments from the past four years and the write-in campaign."
A two-term state rep for the 34th Middlesex District, Sciortino failed to turn in enough certified signatures to the state to be on the ballot for re-election this year.
Trane, a popular alderman who touts his in-person service when constituents have a problem with anything from a landlord to a pothole, is the only name on the ballot.
"The enthusiasm of the volunteers and the reception that I got at the doorsteps were fantastic," Trane said in a campaign press release. "People are worried about their financial situation, and they are looking for a change this year. Many of the voters I met already know me and my strong record of delivering constituent services. They are happy to have a chance to vote for change this September."
Trane reportedly pulled nomination papers just 72 hours prior to the deadline and collected all the required nomination signatures in one day.
Which doesn't mean there isn't a battle for the hearts and minds of the district.
"Our campaign is proud to have the support of over 300 Somerville and Medford residents," said Kevin Lownds, campaign manager, Committee to Re-Elect Rep. Carl Sciortino. "Rep. Sciortino has a strong record of accomplishment in the legislature on issues such as closing corporate tax loopholes, education, equal rights and environmental issues ... It's sad that Alderman Trane has focused his entire campaign on the same old politics of destruction. Our community deserves better."
Trane alleged that 66 percent of Sciortino's donations come from out-of-state, while Trane's contributions come mainly from the Somerville-Medford area.
The Sciortino campaign pointed out it raised more money in Somerville and Medford than Trane did, and alleged the alderman raised $16,000 out of his own pockets -- nearly half the total he reports.
"My contributions come from people who live and work in Medford and Somerville. Even more important, unlike my opponent, my list of financial supporters does not contain a single lobbyist, special interest PAC, or members of State House political leadership," Trane said in a recent release blasting Sciortino. "This race has been about representing the people of the 34th Middlesex District, while the list of his contributions proves his reason for wanting to return to Beacon Hill is to continue to protect the special interests who have so generously contributed to his campaign."
Since taking office four years ago, Sciortino has seen state aid increase every year; passed legislation to create 95 new units of senior housing; helped secure $600 million from the state for the Green Line extension; secured $100,000 in 2005 and $2 million in 2008 to clean up and improve Foss Park; ensured that corporations pay their fair share of taxes; protected affordable transportation for seniors by securing two $100,000 earmarks for local senior transportation; and led the fight to preserve marriage equality.
He has led the fight to close corporate tax loopholes and co-sponsored legislation that raised the minimum wage; is a strong advocate for improving public schools and led the effort for better student testing and accountability; co-sponsored legislation that led to the passage of Massachusetts' landmark health reform law; and has advocated for the Green Line extension, for keeping the T affordable and for the passage of global warming legislation.
A strong advocate for issues such as education, economic development and public transportation, Sciortino has financial support from organizations of teachers, nurses, social workers, and advocates for the environment and equal rights.
Lownds also pointed out that 302 of his campaign donors are from Somerville and Medford, whereas Trane has listed 65 donors from these cities.
Sciortino has been endorsed by a long list of public interest groups: Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, the American Federation of Teachers-Massachusetts, the Boston Teachers Union, Clean Water Action, Democracy for America, Mass Alliance, MassEquality, the Massachusetts Laborers District Council-AFL-CIO, the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters, Massachusetts NOW, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Medford Police Patrolman's Association, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, the National Association of Social Workers-Massachusetts, Neighbor to Neighbor, the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund, the Progressive Democrats of Somerville, the Service Employees International Union Massachusetts State Council, the Sierra Club of Massachusetts, and the Young Democrats of Massachusetts.
Trane has been endorsed by Teamsters Local 25 and Somerville Firefighters Local 76, according to his campaign office, and has received contributions from Vinnie Ciampa, the state rep. Sciortino unseated four years ago.
If voted in, Trane promises to expanded ethics disclosure requirements, end "phantom voting" by absent members, televise committee hearings online, and refuse money from PACs and lobbyists.
He believes in better schools with more local aid and smaller classes, and better representing taxpayers with thorough community policing, tax relief for seniors, better transportation options, including pushing for the Green Line extension, tougher environmental laws and a vibrant economy.