Somerville Mayor Considers 2014 Run For Governor

Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced on Thursday that he is considering a bid for governor in 2014.?

Curtatone, 47, has been mayor of the city for 10 years. He said he made the announcement last week at an event welcoming the new business Greenscapes to Somerville with governor Deval Patrick.

Curtatone told WGBH he credits the city's growth to the new residents, businesses, and old-time residents who have stuck through it thick and thin.

?Despite recent economy turmoil at the national level, we have a thriving local economy that adds net new businesses each year,? Curtatone said in an email. He pointed toward his plans extend the MBTA Green and Orange Lines into Somerville; its recognition by the Boston Globe as ?The Best Run City in Massachusetts;? and the Shape Up Somerville program as an example of his accomplishments.

Having the support of Somerville residents may prove to be a turf battle if US Congressman Mike Capuano, who was the mayor of Somerville for nine years and still calls the city home, makes the decision to run for governor ?over the next couple of months.?

?I have not spoken to Mike Capuano about his consideration for governor nor has he spoken to me about mine,? Curtatone wrote in an email. ?We?re close colleagues and friends. My decision is based solely ? on many things ? but most importantly, on the impacts on my family and where I am, professionally, in my life.?

If both Somerville-based candidates were to pursue a gubernatorial bid, ?it would certainly make things difficult for Curtatone,? said Tom Taylor, Ward 3 Alderman of Somerville.

?Somerville will be divided if they both run,? said Joe Lynch, producer of ?Greater Somerville? on Somerville Cable Access Television.??

Lynch had praise for the work that Curtatone's done.

?The city of Somerville has come light years since when I was growing up in the '50s, '60s and '70s,? he said. ?He?s attracted a lot of talent to City Hall.?

?Curtatone has definitely brought young people and innovation to the city,? said a Davis Square resident who did not want to give his name. He said the city has improved since he moved? six years ago.

"I think it?s cleaner and better run. But I?d have to see who?s on the Democratic ticket before committing to vote for Curtatone.?

One resident who did not want to be named but owns a business in East Somerville near Broadway, said Curtatone has damaged small business in his neighborhood.?

?The development he?s brought to lower Broadway Ave. has done nothing but hurt small businesses and the residents of Somerville,? he said.

?I have not spoken to Mike Capuano about his consideration for governor nor has he spoken to me about mine,? Curtatone said. ?We?re close colleagues and friends. My decision is based solely ? on many things ? but most importantly, on the impacts on my family and where I am, professionally, in my life.?

Curtatone said that who ends up on the Democratic ticket will play into his ultimate decision, and that? regardless of what happens he will run for Somerville mayor once again this fall.

Other candidates who have announced their intention to run for governor are democratic treasurer Steve Grossman, state Senator Daniel A. Wolf, former Obama administration official Donald M. Berwick, and biotechnology executive Joseph Avellone.? Attorney General Martha Coakley and Republican Charles D. Baker have also hinted that they are considering the bid.

Source: http://wgbhnews.org/post/somerville-mayor-considers-2014-run-governor

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